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08/11/2008 Entry: "Epping Forest Expedition - August 2008"

The Expedition

On the weekend - 9th to 10th August - eleven NYPO members went on a Duke of Edinburgh Award practice expedition to Epping Forest

The weather forecast was for heavy showers on Saturday 9th August and light showers on the Sunday but the rain stayed away until Saturday afternoon by which time the group had almost finished their first walk. When they came the showers failed to dampen either the enthusiasm of the group or the campfire that they eventually managed to build. It rained heavily through the night but by dawn the showers were over to giving the group a fine morning to start their second walk.

The Duke of Edinburgh practice expedition in Epping Forest, completed by eleven members of the Newham Young People Online project, was arranged and led by Spike Rahman the worker responsible for NYPO’s Computer Maintenance workshops. Spike commented that the group really worked well together, everyone was enthusiastic so it was an enjoyable weekend for both staff and members.

Members Comments

Husnain: This is the first time I've been on an expedition but I've been camping before with my school in year 6. I learned how to read a map and to cook. The hardest bit was walking uphill.

Sayeed: I did the Bronze expedition last year. This is a practice for my Silver. The best bits for me were making the fire and bonding with my mates over the two days.

Krishna: It's my first time camping. I learned how to set up a tent and use a Trangia stove. I liked everything about camping and the walking was fine though the bag was a bit heavy.

Hirra: This was my first time camping and I enjoyed it. It was easier putting up the tents than I expected. It was good cooking without all themodern appliances. But I missed my hair straightener

Veronia: I've done the Bronze expedition and am now registered for Silver. It was easier this time as three people were sharing my tent and sharing the burden. I got blisters.

Daudi: The weekend was enjoyable. I'd been camping before with the Froud Centre when I was twelve, but I've not been on an expedition before. We got slightly lost during the [Saturday] walk but my map reading skills have definitely improved.

Awais: I already done the Bronze Award and am aiming for Silver now. This expedition was better than last year because we finished earlier and had time to play football. We got to make a fire this time.

Mohammed W.: I've already done the Bronze expedition but need to complete the booklet to get my Award. The fire was good and I think the expedition was a good team building exercise. I don't regret coming. I found the walk easy.

Nishant: This was the most exciting trip yet because of the new peole in the group. What I learnt? It's better to cook on flat ground otherwise the food drops.

Mohammed P.: I've already done the Bronze Award .. I learnt that I should not take too much food. I enjoyed helping build the fire.