The Hallifordian - 2016-2017

38 The weekend of May 13, 2017 saw Year 10 outfitting themselves with rugged hiking boots, oversized rucksacks and moth eaten sleeping bags. The enthusiasm at the meeting point in Wotton was palpable, and the car park was soon full of load- laden teenage pack-horses and their parents eager to wave them goodbye for a weekend of freedom! Of all the various outdoor load-outs for a weekend in the Surrey Hills, Armaan Alavi took the award for the most outlandish and provided a touch of hilarity to the event. He had a classic look- ing leather waist belt slung sideways like a western duellist, although his bag carried nothing but a soli- tary egg (which predictably broke during the day). To add a further air of professionalism to his outfit, he wore a bright red travel pillow around his neck for the entirety of the weekend – a statement that just screamed “I am going to be comfortable and I don’t care if my methods are a tad unorthodox”. Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award: Practice Expedition After a brief lesson on orienteering and navi- gation, the boys were let loose on the Surrey Hills! They entered the first field, confident they could take on the world. Within two minutes, one intrepid soul had vaulted a fence in fright, coming face to face with a troop of small but inquisitive cows. The groups ventured off on their planned routes and nav- igated fantastically to all of the checkpoints where we waited to check on their progress. The day went without a hitch and Year 10 impressed with their speed and map reading abilities, arriving promptly to the campsite, eager to set up their tents. It was then we noticed one pupil’s trousers (who will re- main unnamed), or more precisely, noticed their lack their distinct lack of integrity, appearing as tattered threads, failing dismally at their job. Upon investi- gation, it appears the garment had been torn in half by an overzealous horse, and he had trekked all day with his now shredded attire! The pupils were then Adam Baxendale, Sam Walker, Armaan Alavi and Cameron Hunter.