March 2010

The expedition session has just started with the Silver / Gold Mapping day.

After weeks of snow the local peaks were finally visible through heavy rain.

Twenty three intrepid Silver pupils and 12 Gold participants met at the Bennachie centre where they undertook a series of mapping exercises.

Pupils enjoyed using compasses and remembering how to pace distances.

This was followed by the Orienteering Course finding the markers and recording the staple marks on grids. Some groups actually found all the markers so congratulations to them.

After a quick lunch we continued improving our mapping skills by navigating up Millstone Hill. Unfortunately the drizzle had come down so taking bearings proved difficult.

There was a lot of good fun had by all especially when we reached the snow line and remembered how to make snowballs.

We ended the day with the welcome sight of the visitor centre wet but happy after refreshing our mapping skills.

Mrs. Shepherd

Duke of Edinburgh’s Award co-ordinator