Year 7 Elstree Award Camp

On Saturday 11th June, the Year 7’s had their Elstree Award Camp. The camp was the last part of their Elstree Award that they had to complete. They have been working on other parts of their Elstree Award since Easter.  

Challenges

On Saturday, 31 year 7’s were all ready for their camp. They had their sleeping bags, foam mats, backpacks and some even managed to bring along their pillows. After a delicious BBQ dinner they had a very busy evening ahead of them starting with learning about First Aid. Sister Cook taught them the basics about adrenaline pens, asthma and some very basic CPR. Then they were off to the camp site to start setting up their tents. With the help of the Gappers and staff they successfully managed to put up their 6-man tents and start organising their beds. In their three groups they then went off to their different challenges, kayaking on the lake, water safety in the pool and writing their route cards in the library. After they completed their different tasks, it was time to return to camp and enjoy some marshmallows and hot chocolate around the camp fire. After a very busy day and evening it was time for bed.  

It was an early wake up on Sunday morning with children carrying on with their challenges. We started bright and early with the challenges at 6.30am. Again some children were on the lake, in the pool or in the library. Eventually it was time for a well-earned breakfast. After breakfast we started to clear the camp site and get ready for a walk around Berkshire. The children were split into three groups and had to find their way around the 5km route using a map, compass and their route card that they had completed during the challenges. By 9.30am we set off on three different routes. After a good hour and a half later all three groups made it back to camp successfully without getting lost. And then, last but not least, they had the huge task of taking down their tents and making sure they fitted back into their bags. The children did a great job over the weekend and were great company. I look forward to seeing them all trying to achieve their DofE bronze, silver and gold medals in the future. 

The Elstree Award

The Elstree Award is based on the principles of the prestigious Duke of Edinburgh Award which is very popular in senior schools. It offers a real opportunity to develop skills outside of the classroom such as leadership, problem solving and responsibility as well as providing opportunities to serve the community and test their ability to take on a challenge. Year 6 pupils follow the ‘Bronze’ programme, the Year 7 work towards the ‘Silver’ award and the Year 8 pupils take part in the ‘Gold’ award – each level becomes more challenging as the pupils progress through the school. 

How is the winning pupil chosen for the Elstree Award?

The pupils were scored on each activity and an award is given at the end of term for the pupil that shows the most promising leadership potential for the future.

AG