Students get taste of adventure
Thirty students and five members of staff of St. Chris descended on the small village of Kritou Terra in the North West region of Cyprus to complete the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Silver Award Expedition.
After an orientation and preparation day, the students began their expedition. The groups plotted their own route through the mountains and forests, culminating in a spectacular hillside trek along the coast, taking in some breath-taking views at high altitude.
The students spent their first night camping on a rocky beach. The groups arrived at the camp throughout the mid- afternoon, tired and weary, but were soon rejuvenated by a stunning sunset, which was enjoyed to the soundtrack of foaming waves crashing against rocks.
After cooking their evening meals, there was time for some frolic and songs around the campfire.
The following day’s trek was a real test of the students’ fitness and strength of character. Blisters, exhaustion and a whole range of muscular aches and pains became serious hurdles to progress. It was at this point that motivation, determination and team work became a galvanising factor.
Jamie O’Dowd, Head of Year 11, commented: “To see students supporting and encouraging each other is what Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is all about, and the Year 11 certainly showed their readiness to help others to face challenges.
For many students, it was a serious and very real test of their physical capabilities. “It was incredible to watch students grow right before our eyes over the course of the adventure and, despite the blisters and aching bones, this growth and bonding will be the lasting legacy of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Silver Expedition 2015,” a staff commented.
Student Minghan Yang remarked: “Cyprus, a small European island, and combines a rich cultural and ancient heritage with great natural beauty. The area we visited was in Larnaca, an elegant and charming city filled with hospitable, warm and friendly people. Just when we started to love this city, the end of the trip was already around corner. Sometimes you’ll never know the true value of a moment until it becomes a memory”.
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