The Beeslack CHS Tay canoe expedition took place from the 15th to 18th of May 2017. A short video of the expedition can be seen below. The expedition participants were 6 S3 students. These students were part of a Personal Development Group at the school.
The aims of the expedition were:
- Complete a progressive canoe programme culminating in a 4 day expedition
- Develop student’s independent living skills
- Develop student’s resilience
- Draw out learning points through daily discussion and review
Before the expedition the group took part in 2 canoe training days at Whiteadder Reservoir and Musselburgh Lagoons. We also completed some camp craft sessions and met with parents to discuss the trip.
The trip was four days long;
- Day 1 – drive up, meet Biscuit (Canoe coach and river leader), refresh skills on Loch Tay, set up camp and cook dinner
- Day 2 – canoe river Lyon and short section of Tay, cook dinner and evening activities
- Day 3 – half day canoe on Tay, strike camp and pack for overnight wild camp. Paddle on Loch Tay to overnight wild camp – campfire!
- Day 4 – strike camp, in depth review, paddle Loch Tay, depart for Penicuik
The expedition was challenging for all participants at different times, for many different reasons. We regularly discussed and reviewed the participant’s experiences to draw out learning points and identify transferable skills. The input staff made with the participants was invaluable. In addition, Biscuit’s input and the efforts he went to, to build strong relationships with the participants quickly – was extremely beneficial. With his help we managed to get even the most nervous of paddlers down the white water sections with smiles on their faces! The students that attended worked hard, they gave 100% and participated fully – it was very pleasing to see this – I hope they will now transfer back some of their learning to their daily life.
