The week before half term (20-24 May), the corridors of Bedales Prep were quiet as students and staff set off for Camps Week.

The annual occasion is very special for the Bedales Prep community as it fills students’ lives with memories and adventures that stay with them well beyond school. For some, it may be a first foray into being away from home, others may be building on the confidence from previous years and strengthening bonds with friends and staff to carry them forward, and for Block 2 (Year 8) it’s a poignant moment – a chance to be together capturing a moment in time with the friends and teachers met through their Prep School journey.

Students have had a chance to overcome challenges appearing in many forms; they’ve taken steps of independence and perhaps had a chance to help somebody and strengthen their bonds with those around them. Real world experiences, lasting memories and skills for life – that’s why we’re so passionate about Camps Week.

For the whole Prep School to venture out on Camps Week 2024 is unique to Bedales and fosters the meaningful community that already exists. Learning outside of the classroom, living together, enjoying numerous shared experiences and stepping outside of comfort zones are just a few things the students and staff experienced during Camps Week.

As Head of Bedales Prep, I visited most of the camps during the week, spanning from East Sussex to St Davids on the Pembrokeshire coast, Wales and Okehampton, Devon, and it was remarkable to see such positivity and warmth amongst the students and staff. I watched students climb high up a pole (securely fastened with safety harnesses) and leap to tackle a rugby tackle bag in mid-air, as well as observing them walking a series of obstacles 20 feet up. This was a challenge in itself, but some children decided to do it blindfolded, which was incredible; I even gave this a go myself! Climbing walls and surfing at St Davids, Wales, along with stand up paddleboarding, rock climbing, walks, kayaking, raft building and gorge scrambling were stand-out activities.

The sounds of positive praise and support echoing from their peers alongside the staff team was heartwarming to hear; the positive spirit in the Prep School was alive and kicking. I was disappointed not to make the trip to France to see Block 2 (Year 8), but there were only five days in the week! Receiving photos and feedback of their trip, I almost felt I was with them. A beautiful time for team building and reflection as they approach their final weeks at Bedales Prep.

I’d like to say a massive thank you to the incredible staff team who threw themselves into every activity and opportunity during the week. It’s a significant step for students, particularly those who have not yet experienced boarding, to say goodbye to their families and spend the week in new surroundings with staff acting ‘in loco parentis’. This is a testament to their love and dedication to our school.

Here are some of the children’s reflections on Camps Week.

Group 1 (Year 4)

Bea, Allegra, Tabitha and Jack said: On Monday, we took part in team building, had a pool party, made colour bursting t-shirts and had fun orienteering. The following day, we visited the Andrew Simpson Centre in Portsmouth, where we enjoyed kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, archery and climbing. Allegra’s favourite part of the week was pushing the teachers off the paddle boards and making a human pyramid on the boards!

On Wednesday, it was our first night away. We spent the morning playing laser tag in the forest and the afternoon canoeing, which had a scary spider called Dave on board. On Thursday, Bea was worried about crate stacking, but she conquered her fears and stacked 12. We also did low ropes and, in the afternoon, we went on a wildlife walk. Friday was home time. Iris exclaimed her favourite part was “EVERYTHING!”

Group 2 (Year 5)

Eleazar and Farhatinez said: When we arrived, it was beautiful weather. We ate our packed lunches on the grass in the sun before our first activities. We were told which dorm we were in and who we were sharing a room with.  Before bed, the amazing Marie did a spectacular performance of an original story based in Hindleap Warren, complete with a dog named Timmy.

In the evenings after supper, we took part in a challenge called ‘the golden toothbrush’. Our rooms had to be extremely neatly presented and we also performed plays, stories and songs, and even put on a volleyball match to wow the judges. 

On Tuesday and Wednesday, it was rainy. Every group did all of the activities, but at different times. Some of our favourites were the pentagon, leap of faith, axe throwing and obstacles (which were very muddy and wet, especially in the small, dark tunnels). 

For the first two and a half days, we were in activity groups, but from Wednesday afternoon onwards, we all came together to make one big group. Our first activity as a big group was forest adventure where we scared off drop-bears, walked through streams and took part in a game of Hindleap & Seek, as well as the Mud Olympics, which included swimming through muddy water. We ended the day with an incredible movie night, and we were allowed seconds of popcorn!

On Thursday, we did built shelters (with a ‘storm’) and got to do some fire lighting and map reading/orienteering. In the evening, we finished off the day with a campfire, hot chocolate and treats. 

We are very happy that we came here. 

Group 3 (Year 6)

We have enjoyed a wonderful few days on the beautiful coastline of Pembrokeshire. Our accommodation had stunning sea views, the weather was very kind to us, and we were surrounded by various fauna and flora. All our activities were fun, challenging and set in picturesque locations – coasteering, kayaking, surfing, rock climbing, abseiling, coastline walks and standup paddle boarding.

Our teachers told us that they were impressed by our positive ‘can do’ attitude, as many of us faced and conquered fears, and showed each other compassion and kindness.  By the end of the week we were all tired but most certainly happy!

Block 1 (Year 7)

Our Camps Week was epic! When we arrived, we dumped our bags in dorms. Next, we dove straight into activities. Half of us did rock climbing and axe throwing, and the others did high ropes.

 We faced an amazing walk of 13km where we saw frogs, snakes and a few horses as we climbed up to the second highest point in the southwest of England. It was hard, but we felt very proud of ourselves at the end.

After slipping and sliding, we were onto day three. Gorge scrambling was a great experience. We climbed up waterfalls, jumped off rocks and slid down rapids.

Thursday was lake day, which consisted of raft building, canoeing, kayaking and shivering. Getting the teachers wet was great fun and we played loads of games on the water, one being sliding down an upside-down canoe into the water facing forward. Although some of us were cold, it was so worth it! During raft building we enjoyed pushing in barrels and collecting the planks, but when we got in, a few knots were loose. On the last day we did some high ropes, axe throwing and rock climbing, and then we happily drove home.

Block 2 (Year 8)

On Monday, we woke up bright and early to get on the road to Portsmouth Harbour. The ferry crossing gave us time talk to everyone and connect before going on the trip. When we arrived in France, it was super exciting to see how good the dorms were. We saw a lovely sunset on the beach and played a big game of tag.

On Tuesday, the sand sailing was so fun and the market was a great experience. Many of us bought something speaking in complete French!

After discovering the wonders of the streets of Le Mont St Michel, the next day we took to the bay and were guided through rivers and sinking sand. It was fun to chat to each other on the walk – we feel closer as a year group after this trip.

On Thursday, we went to an adventure park where there was a variety of things to do. It was one of the highlights of the trip! We also learned a lot about the D-Day Landings in Arromanches, where we watched a very moving 360-cinema film, which made us feel very reflective.