Stepping Stones Hike and Camp

Another day, another hike.

11th October - 12th October 2007

Pupils at Stepping Stones School who are working towards their Adventure Service Challenge Award and Duke of Edinburgh Award took part in another expedition which involved a hike and an overnight camp. This particular event was assessed and will contribute towards achieving the awards.

Both Claire Greenwood and Jonathan Furness accompanied the pupils and commented at the end at how independent they were since the last expedition. It was wonderful to watch the pupils visibly grow in confidence as they faced new problems and overcame them without difficulty. Everyone who had camped previously were able to erect their tents quickly and without little additional help. The menu, prepared a week in advance, consisted of mashed potato, sausage and peas, followed by a yoghurt for dessert.

The hike was measured at approximately 4km starting at Frensham Ponds. The footpath led us towards a site between Dockenfield and Headley Down, nr. Farnham, Surrey.

The group, led by Daniel set off from Frensham Ponds.	Jessica, Amie and Amy doing well despite the soft ground.	Dominic looking quite relaxed, enjoying the walk.	The only damp bit about the hike was Daniel drinking water.
2km into the hike, we stop for a proper break.	Time for drinks and energy food.	Luckily we didn't bring any dogs...!	Claire Greenwood and Amie walking in the sunshine.
Jessica keeping up with the group ahead...	High Vis jackets look out of place here, but we needed them on the road sections.	Ryan, how many stiles did we cross!?	Arrhhhh, all smiles from Amie
Amy almost hurdled over the stiles!	Amie takes care as she steps across - the wood is slippery.	Pausing for the camera, Jessica!?	Does it look like we've walked nearly 4km?
We checked the route regularly - the pupils were excellent at following the route.	Dominic: Do you mean this map, Jonathan?	Checking the map once more.	Ooooh, Ryan's high vis jacket is working well with the camera flash.
Here in good time - it's still light.	The two groups erect tents themselves - needing less help than before.	It was wonderful watching each team working collaboratively.	Sun still shining made erecting tents a breeze.
Two tents almost up - looking good team!	Sausage fest! - it's dinner time.	Six Sausages Sizzling in a Saucepan...	Mashed potato, sausages and peas for dinner - gravy too!
Dominic and Daniel fry the sausages using a pressure stove.	"You're my friend"	Claire reading the gravy making instructions!	Claire made some extra thick gravy.... ahem!
Red sky at night, shepherd's delight!	Dominic noticed this in the sky about our campsite.

Photographs by Jonathan Furness, 2007