The weekend of 21st and 22nd of May 2022 was the first practice expedition with the first group in the New Forest. The start for day one was at Bolderwood with the group heading towards Holmsley campsite for the night and finishing at Anderwood on day two.

This was a new experience for all the group so we knew it would be challenging for them walking with all the kit for an overnight camp but the girls were in good spirits and for some, it was the first time they have camped. Thankfully the weather was on our side, sun for both days.

Some of the highlights of the weekend was having a Spanish conversation over a radio to Mr Wilson, the girls not realising that the staff were awesome at hiding, the disapproval from the girls when the staff had ice cream but they were promised one at the end of day two, the oohs and ahhs as the girls spotted the forest animals whilst heading to the starting point and the proud feeling when you know the group have successfully navigated independently through the forest.

The phrase, ’What a difference a day makes’ certainly rang true that weekend. The difference in the girls' confidence from day one to day two was amazing and the staff team are so proud of them!