As we start 2020 we are pleased to announce that we have established the Shiplake Primary Expedition Society in partnership with The Children’s Challenge (www.thechildrenschallenge.com). The Expedition Society builds character, confidence and resilience amongst the children and fosters a sense of mutual respect. The Expedition Society is also designed to reinforce a sense of community. All expeditions are to be undertaken by parents and children together. They will be suitably challenging but also hugely enjoyable, rewarding and memorable. For a direct link to the Shiplake Primary Expedition Society webpage please visit https://thechildrenschallenge.com/shiplake-primary-expedition-society.
There are three expeditions planned in 2020. The first trip is to Kinder Cottage, part of the Peak District’s Edale YHA on the 13-15th March. This is ideally located at the foot of Kinder Scout and has it’s own lounge which should be perfect for an evening’s socialising after a hard day on the hills. Places are limited to 34 in total and there will be three highly experienced Mountain Leaders guiding groups of up to 12 people to ensure safety, irrespective of the conditions encountered. The trip is suitable for KS2 pupils. Due to the proximity of the trip, and the limited number of beds available, interested parties are encouraged to confirm attendance as soon as possible.
The second expedition is a canoeing expedition to the River Wye on the 5-7th of June and is limited to 50 places. This trip is suitable for all pupils and includes tackling the rapids at Symonds Yat. Nine experienced instructors will be utilised to ensure complete safety and to provide boat handling tuition. This trip should provide a great foundation for further canoeing expeditions.
The final expedition is to the Pen-y-Pass Youth Hostel in Snowdonia on the 9-11th October. Places are limited to 55 for this trip. This youth hostel is at the foot of Mount Snowdon and a full complement of highly experienced Mountain Leaders will be on hand to take families on suitably challenging walks within this stunning National Park. This trip is targeted at KS2 pupils.
In addition to the above, the Expedition Society has organised separate first aid training for children and parents. This will be provided by St. John’s Ambulance and is designed to be comprehensive. Places are limited so please book as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
Finally, in order to keep the prices as low as possible and to allow full community engagement, corporate sponsorship for the Expedition Society is being sought. If any parents work for businesses (local or national) that could be interested in directly associating themselves with the Expedition Society and all the good that it brings to the children and the community then please contact Stephen.Lamacraft@icloud.com. Sponsorship is crucial in allowing the Expedition Society to reach it’s true potential. A rebate will be provided to those participants that have already paid on the receipt of corporate sponsorship. Please note that financial assistance is available for families accessing pupil premium funding.
In a screen obsessed world there is the potential to build something really special that will stand the children in great stead as they journey from primary school to secondary school and beyond. The opportunity to share these experiences with 
your children and as a community is fleeting. The memories and friendships created could last a life time.
