The much-anticipated Bryanston Prep outdoor adventure took place this week as Year 7 pupils kicked off their camp with a riverside feast of pasta paella. Spirits remained high despite light drizzle, as pupils set up their tents, enjoyed football matches, and set off on a night walk before gathering around the campfire for stories and s’mores.
On Thursday morning, the group enjoyed a delicious breakfast of warm pain au chocolat, hot chocolate, fruit and cereal, ready for an adventurous day ahead. The children set off on a rafted canoe trip upstream along the River Stour, with three boats taking on a series of teamwork and navigation challenges. The “world’s smallest adventure challenge” sparked plenty of laughter, and the children were rewarded with flapjacks as they tackled trees and riverbanks. The group were amazing – really kind, caring and supportive of each other.
Meanwhile, the excitement grew as Year 8s arrived at camp yesterday afternoon. They wasted no time, heading straight onto the river for their own adventure. The sun made a welcome appearance as the children navigated log-balancing challenges, wading through the water, switching boats and working together to manoeuvre past obstacles.
Later in the day, the Year 8s set off on a hike around the River Stour and historic St Martin’s Church. The skies cleared just in time for them to cheer on the younger pupils completing their House Cross Country. Football matches and basketball hoop games rounded off the afternoon, building up an appetite for a barbecue of hot dogs, burgers, wedges, salads and doughnuts. With full bellies and happy smiles, the group gathered around the fire once more – this time for spooky stories and another round of s’mores.
Today, the children took on their team challenge – climbing towers, abseiling, low ropes, bosun’s chairs, ski planks and the dramatic water bucket test. The competition puts into practice the skills they’ve built over a year of outdoor learning, from leadership and communication to resilience and teamwork.
These activities are all in preparation for their final year at Bryanston Prep, where they will finish their outdoor learning journey with a residential trip to North Wales and the Arete Outdoor Centre – a chance to push their personal adventure limits and celebrate everything they’ve learned as a team.
Thank you to everyone involved for making this such a wonderful experience for the children – and to the Year 7s and 8s for being such a great group over the two days.
Jo Simpson
