Pupils get back to nature with a survival outdoor residential

Pupils get back to nature with a survival outdoor residential

11th June 2015

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ADVENTUROUS students got a taste of the great outdoors when they headed west for some Bear Grylls-style bush crafting.

Thirty-two Year 8 students from Trinity Academy, in Thorne, spent four days at Bassenfell Manor Christian Centre, in the Lake District, learning how to build shelters, fires and dens.

The team also headed out onto Bassenthwaite for lake kayaking, went gorge scrambling in Stoneycroft Gill, and learned archery and climbed trees in the three-acre grounds of the manor. 

All the students who took part volunteered for the residential opportunity.

Katie Scothern, 12, of Hatfield, said: "It's been a really fun experience. I went on a similar trip to Wales with school last year and really enjoyed it so I was keen to come on this one."

Morgan McKenzie, 13, of Thorne, added: "I'd never done anything like this before and it's my first time in the Lake District. It's been really good. I've done things I wouldn't get the chance to do at home and I've discovered I'm stronger than I thought. I liked kayaking the best."

The trip was organised and run by head of Year 8 Lorna Hadwin, who was supported by teachers Reuben Mattinson, Gerard Dixey and Amanda Lloyd.

While Bassenfell staff ran the outdoor pursuits, the academy staff organised evening activities including a fashion show, pool and ping pong, a DVD night and a campfire.

Miss Hadwin said: "We had a mix of students volunteer for the residential. They all gelled and worked brilliantly together; they were a real credit to the academy.

"As usual, we were looked after very well by the centre staff and the weather was great. All the students thoroughly enjoyed the experience and had a great deal of fun exploring such a beautiful place.”

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