Form 1 Pupils Bond in Bushcraft Outdoor Adventure

Form 1 pupils from Oakham School have enjoyed their first taste of adventurous learning at a Bushcraft residential camp in the beautiful woodland setting of Boughton Woods in Northamptonshire.

Pupils from all four Lower School Houses travelled with their Housemasters/Housemistresses and members of Oakham School’s Adventurous Learning team to the camp where they were taught a range of outdoor survival skills and fun outdoor activities.

From lighting a campfire to cook their own lunch to shelter building, the rules of camouflage and concealment, and emergency first aid, the School’s youngest Oakhamians made the most of the opportunity to learn some new skills and bond with their friends.

Matty Powell, Head of Activities and Adventurous Learning, said: “It was a pleasure to see how quickly the children threw themselves into all aspects of the camp.

“As well as some serious skill and knowledge development, taking part in an overnight camp is an excellent way for the children to develop independence and confidence in a supportive environment.

“And, of course, they are also great fun and generate a great deal of excitement amongst the children!

“Form 1 Camp is a new development in our pupils’ progression through the Lower School that prepares them for and connects them to opportunities later in their Oakham journey, such as our annual Form 3 Camp, our excellent Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme and Combined Cadet Forces service options in the Middle and Upper School.”

Form 1 pupil Eddie said: “The camp was really fun. I particularly enjoyed the activity where we had to build a fire and cook burgers on it.”

Find out more about how Oakham School’s Adventurous learning programme provides pupils with many opportunities to develop their skills beyond the classroom as they progress through the School.

View photos from the camp below.