DofE Bronze Expedition – A Memorable Experience at Bibby’s Farm

Last month, our DofE Bronze group embarked on an unforgettable adventure at Hulton Lodge, Bibby’s Farm. For our Bronze Award Expedition, 18 of our students participated in one-night camping and two days of activities.

Day 1 kicked off with Group A taking on a scenic walk around Rivington Reservoir. Armed with maps, they followed a predetermined route while also giving back to the environment by litter-picking along the way. Meanwhile, Group B spent their time on the water, enjoying canoeing games on Bibby’s Farm lake.

As evening approached, everyone settled into the lodge for a cosy night. The students had the chance to get creative with colouring activities, unwind around the campfire with delicious s’mores, and finish the night with a movie before getting some well-earned rest.

On Day 2, the students swapped activities. Group A had their turn on the lake, while Group B explored the Beaver Trail around Bibby’s Farm, putting their teamwork skills to the test.

The trip was a huge success, and it was wonderful to see the students display enthusiasm, collaboration, and dedication throughout the entire expedition.

A big well done to everyone involved!

A group of children and adults walk along a paved path next to a white building under a cloudy sky, heading toward a distant lodge-like structure surrounded by greenery.

A boy and an adult examine a small educational sign mounted on a fence, partially hidden by green shrubbery. The sign provides information about local wildlife and appears to be part of a nature trail.

A young boy prepares a sandwich at a table indoors, assisted by two adults. One person holds a tray of cooked chicken, another holds a slice of cheese ready to place on the sandwich. Butter, bread, and pastries are also on the table.

A boy and an adult stand beside a large metal firepit outside a stone building, roasting marshmallows over a roaring flame on a paved patio.

Several children and young adults sit at long white tables eating a meal together indoors, while a few staff members assist and chat in the background.

A boy in a grey sweatshirt and blue shorts walks through a woodchip-covered playground with climbing equipment in the background, surrounded by trees.

A girl in a pink top and black vest leads a group along a grassy trail lined with tall grass and trees, smiling as she walks over uneven stone steps.

A lone walker stands on a grassy hill near a few grazing sheep under a bright blue sky filled with fluffy white clouds.

A large group of children and adults pose for a photo on a grassy hill overlooking a calm reservoir, with tree-covered hills in the background.

A boy climbs over a wooden stile with the support of an adult and another child, while others wait nearby on a grassy path surrounded by trees.

A girl in a pink fleece and black vest sits cross-legged in the grass, holding a map and a paper bag with food, concentrating on the route while someone nearby eats a sandwich.

A group of hikers sit in the grass beside a stone wall, eating packed lunches and chatting, with rolling hills and a cloudy sky in the background.

A group of children and adults wearing colorful backpacks walk along a country lane lined with tall hedges and trees, heading toward an overhanging canopy of greenery.

Two green Enigma canoes are side by side on a calm waterway, each filled with participants wearing red life jackets. One group smiles while paddling, and the other prepares to move forward, surrounded by lush green reeds and trees.

A red canoe approaches the shoreline, filled with a group of participants paddling back. Green trees frame the waterway as the canoe nears the bank.

Four canoes filled with paddlers head into the distance on a tree-lined lake under an overcast sky, their colorful life vests brightening the scene.

A rear view of a red canoe as it moves away from the camera down a wide stretch of lake, paddlers focused ahead with trees lining both sides.

A group in a red canoe cheers with raised paddles and hands while beginning their journey on the lake. Trees and reeds surround the waterway.

Participants in a red canoe raise their arms and smile in excitement as they begin their paddle. Others ahead are already moving through the water.

A red canoe floats near the bank as participants adjust their positions and paddles. In the background, another canoe heads down the channel ahead.

A full red canoe with six paddlers, including a child and an adult being supported, is pushed away from the shore. The group appears focused and ready to paddle.

Instructors help participants, including a young child and a person with a disability, board a red canoe by the lakeshore. The boat is almost ready to push off into the water.

Two red canoes are being prepared for launch, with instructors assisting a group that includes a child and a person using a transfer seat. The group is wearing red and blue life jackets near the water's edge.

Twp green canoes carrying six people is paddling steadily across the lake. Each person wears a life jacket, with a mix of determination and joy on their faces.

A close-up of two green canoes filled with smiling paddlers in red life jackets. Another two canoes float behind them on the wide lake.

Four canoes with multiple paddlers move side by side along the lake near tall reeds, under a sky full of low-hanging clouds.

Two red canoe rest at the lakeside while staff and helpers assist two seated paddlers, one of whom is a wheelchair user. Trees frame the scene in the background.

A group of six people, including children and adults, paddle together in a green canoe surrounded by trees and gentle ripples on the lake.

A green canoe glides across the lake with a group of paddlers in colorful jackets and life vests, set against a dramatic cloudy sky and forested shoreline.

A green canoe carrying five people is being pushed into the water by an instructor. The group is smiling and holding paddles, ready for their canoe trip.

A boy in glasses and a life jacket smiles over his shoulder while seated in a canoe. Trees and fellow paddlers are visible in the distance.

A boy wearing a red life jacket looks out across a calm lake while sitting in a canoe. His hood is down, and the background is filled with trees and cloudy skies.

A group of people in red and blue life vests prepare canoes by the lakeside. A wheelchair user and accessible launch equipment are visible, emphasizing inclusive participation

A lakeside scene with people in life jackets preparing canoes on the grass. One child in a wheelchair is supported nearby, ready to join the group.

Two canoes full of people in red life jackets paddle away from the camera, heading toward the distant reeds under a moody sky.

Two green canoes filled with paddlers in life jackets approach the lake’s edge, where others wait with paddles and gear.

Multiple red and green canoes are pulled up to a grassy lake edge, where a group in life jackets gathers under a cloudy sky.

A boy holding a soft doll and two people roast marshmallows. They stand near a firepit outside, with toasted treats in hand.

A young girl in a purple T-shirt and an adult in a green jacket roast marshmallows side by side over glowing coals in a firepit.

A woman holds a boy’s hand while toasting a marshmallow together at a firepit. They stand near a stone wall, enjoying the activity quietly.

A boy in a wheelchair, helped by two adults, roasts a marshmallow over the fire. One adult holds his hand while the other offers support behind.

Three young people, two holding marshmallow skewers, stand with an adult by a firepit. They are gathered in a small stone courtyard, sharing the moment.

A boy and a man toast marshmallows over a firepit outside a stone building. They both look focused as the flames flicker beneath the skewers.

A smiling boy in a red T-shirt and an adult woman in grey sweatpants lie side by side on a padded mat, laughing together indoors.

Several young people relax indoors on padded mats and chairs, some chatting, while others sit quietly. A large window lights the room.

A young boy wearing a red life jacket is supported by two adults, one holding each hand, as he walks across a grassy area.

A woman in a red hoodie helps a young boy put on a life jacket. They stand on grass near blue barrels and a green metal container.

An adult adjusts the straps on a young man’s red life jacket, ensuring it’s secure. Trees and a weathered green container sit in the background.

A young man smiles as two adults help fit his red life jacket. They stand on grass in front of a green container, with others preparing nearby.

An adult helps secure the life jacket of a boy lying back in a canoe, with another adult gently supporting his head near the lakeside.

A young girl in a red life jacket and pink scarf sits in a red canoe at the edge of the lake, with an adult supporting her from behind.

A group in a red canoe paddle gently under a dramatic cloudy sky. One girl near the front turns to smile cheerfully at the camera.

Two canoes filled with people in red life jackets paddle side by side on a calm lake, surrounded by greenery under a cloudy sky.