River Dart Expedition
This is a wonderful opportunity to explore the Dart estuary between Dittisham and Dartmouth. The trip involves travelling on the river in Canadian canoes and hiking on footpaths and woodland trails.
THE PROGRAMME
This is a wonderful opportunity to explore the Dart estuary between Dittisham and Dartmouth. The trip involves travelling on the river in Canadian canoes and hiking on footpaths and woodland trails.
We spend two nights camping close to the river on the stunning Raleigh Estate, with a private creek, river frontage and acres of fields and woodland (find out more about the estate at raleighestate.co.uk). This venue also provides us with a sheltered and secluded campsite which is the perfect location for our bushcraft, wet and dry challenges and tree-top adventures.
You will stay at Balcombe camp -
Meet at Hole Farm, Dittisham. Luggage is collected and driven to camp.
Introduction and briefing. There is a short walk to camp, during which we take time to look at wild food and other plants of interest along the way.
Arrive at camp. At camp we have a wild food quiz to earn items for tonight's "Survival Stew". We then prepare camp and settle in. After a short briefing there is time to explore and have a snack.
We will then discuss the main aims for the expedition. This will include information about team challenges and personal objectives. The team is also told about the "jewels" they need to earn during their stay on camp to earn treats towards the end of the camp.
We have 4 cabin tents for children (Oak, Ask, Holly and Hazel). They can sleep around 8 children each. The children use poles, ropes, and tarps to create a sturdy entrance porch for their tent.
During our tree climb, fire lighting and bushcraft construction sessions, teams will have the opportunity to earn jewels.
After dinner, we play games and explore.
As darkness falls we can sit round the fire and entertain ourselves. You may wish to bring song sheets, musical instruments or a story book. Our staff do love to be entertained (we may even join in)!
Wash and bed. We have good washing and teeth-cleaning facilities plus ample hygienic composting toilets.
After a cooked breakfast we begin our challenge day, where we learn about ourselves, the people around us and the wider world.
We will complete a canoe journey and also follow a hidden gorge to the "Lost World" where we may find more jewels. We make our way back from the woods and make our own bushcraft pizzas for dinner. We can spend some of our jewels on pizza toppings and treats for around the fire.
We finish the day with drinks around the fire and more entertainment! Wash and bed.
On our final day, we will pack for home but before we leave there will be a chance to ride our 70m zip wire over the camp. We will then take time to reflect on our experiences and what we have learned. If the team has any jewels left there is a chance to buy some last treats.
Finally, after lunch we set off to walk a short route back to meet the transport.
River Dart Expedition
Highlights
- Three day, two night expedition.
- Visit the stunning Dart Estuary.
- Stay at our unique woodland camp.
- Frontier style living.
- Canoeing.
- Bushcraft.
- Wild cookery skills.
- Wet and dry challenges.
- Navigation.
- 14m tree climb.
- 70m Zip wire.
- Back to basics living close to nature.
Accommodation
- Students - Cabin Tents
- Teachers - Log Cabins
Price
£199 + VAT per child
River Dart Expedition Gallery
