This year No Limits in Bucks set up their first Duke of Edinburgh Award group, which required expedition training. The Silver Award involves a two night camp and a group activity each day. We discovered whilst some people had camping experience and were excited at the prospect, some were apprehensive. To make this a positive experience we felt a trial camp would ease anxieties and provide an introduction to camping. Planning & training We made a plan to run weekly sessions covering camp basics such as Fire Safety, First Aid, Tent Construction, Weather and Kit to be run at the Life Skills Centre, a regular meeting point. Equipment was sourced by making an important link with the Aylesbury College Duke of Edinburgh Coordinator and staff contributions. Session one focussed on tent construction in groups of 2-3 setting up tents in the garden with staff support. This activity, in fantastic weather, caught the attention of others’ who then wanted to have a go. Individuals, who would not usually join in, were drawn to support one another to put tent poles together, while others demonstrated leadership skills. It was great to observe so much determination and team work through a shared aim, in this case the construction of a tent. These camp sessions gradually morphed to become all inclusive which led to others’ expressing an interest in the great camp experience. After some research a suitable location was identified and presented to everybody through photos and verbal discussion, providing an opportunity to communicate any concerns. This session included sleeping arrangements and menu planning. Our thoughts and discussions focussed on the logistics and factors that might have a negative effect on moods and behaviours including: tent sharing, extended periods of close proximity, changing weather conditions and tiredness. Great interactions at the campsite It was agreed that for this first camp staff would do the cooking, so our camp participants could concentrate on other camp tasks, including collecting fire wood or putting up tents. A space was set up for people at dinner time which proved to be of great benefit as this enabled everyone to interact and sit together without staff interference. One of the best outcomes of camp was seeing a group of young people all sitting around a table eating and chatting away, completely care free and not relying on staff in anyway. In the evening a camp fire in the woods provided another space for some great student and staff interactions; the preparation of the fire was used to empower everybody in its creation. Firewood was wheel barrowed by two individuals working together, neither had worked together much before. They then acted as marshals for the arrival of other campers’ around the fire; with night falling it was a fantastic atmosphere and one I won’t forget. Staff brought different skills and ideas with them to camp, and ‘camp fire cooking’ were one such expertise; bread twists were made on sticks and then toasted by the students with our support. People were relaxed and calm and naturally mesmerised by the flames. The environment brought about changes in behaviours too; a person renowned for enjoying food and eating very quickly, showed a member of staff how to peel a marshmallow, enjoying it in stages rather than just eating it whole. Another fantastic moment was ‘silly songs’ around the fire. One particular person, who can get very anxious, was soon singing and dancing around the fire, encouraging others to join in. When asked at the end of camp what he had enjoyed most, he said he wished we had sung more songs around the fire. The camp fire had provided a level playing field for everyone to enjoy and learn together. On the last day of camp one individual showed a level of compassion and empathy that was unknown to us until now. He had observed a lady fall over on site, and approached her to check she was ok. He soon informed staff and got her a glass of water and it was ascertained that she had sprained he ankle. A learning experience for all! The young people who attend No Limits have a variety of interests and long term goals and my job as a Community Learning Facilitator is to support each person to succeed at these, promote independence and identify barriers to learning, overcome these and help goals be reached. While students often see each other around there is quite often a missed opportunity for them to interact - we can get in the way, preventing the interactions we observed during the camp. The added space that the camping trip brought about opened up a whole host of new learning opportunities and Great Interactions and has enhanced student friendships in a way we could not have anticipated. The young people that attended the camp now know some of their peers better and are familiar with more staff, and we feel that this has instilled a confidence in them, which they can take forward into their future learning and lives. Michelle Burrows Community Learning Facilitator No Limits - Buckinghamshire |
10 Comments
Vikki Spiller
25/8/2014 06:40:47 pm
Fantastic read Michelle!
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Tess Marshall
25/8/2014 06:42:04 pm
Lovely story Michelle, could just picture it. Especially liked the thought of the "silly songs" round the fire.
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Beth Payne
25/8/2014 07:42:22 pm
Mitch this sounds so much fun! Well done to all involved!
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Bill Mumford
25/8/2014 08:49:03 pm
Michelle- really glad the whole experience was a success- the thoughtful preparation clearly paid off. I am a big fan of learning through adventure- something about the unpredictability brings out our creativity. Also it helps all of us to show a side of ourselves often hidden in everyday interactions. Well done and let me know when you are planning the next one!
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Michelle Burrows
29/8/2014 02:50:47 am
Thanks Bill
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Emma Killick
25/8/2014 09:53:42 pm
Thank you for taking the time to write such an interesting blog Michelle - clearly everyone benefitted hugely from the experience and I'm sure that all involved (students and staff) will have gained in confidence and skills as well as established new or strengthened existing relationships. Well Done.
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Michelle Burrows
29/8/2014 02:48:41 am
Thanks Emma, we certainly have!
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Rachelle Russell
28/8/2014 09:43:53 pm
It's a great blog Michelle, it sounds like great fun! I'm so pleased that you are able to use your outdoor pursuits skills, what a fantastic learning opportunity for all. Your blog reminds me of the importance of stepping back and observing people. And how often people can surprise you when given the challenge of having responsibility and trying something new.
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Michelle Burrows
29/8/2014 02:44:14 am
Hi Rachelle, I'm glad I get to utilise those skills you mention in my job, but I really feel none of this could have been achieved as successfully without a great group of colleagues who also love 'the outdoors' and realise the benefits this brings to the students.
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Michelle Burrows
29/8/2014 02:46:15 am
Thanks for your comment. You're right it was a learning opportunity for all!
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