Proud Moments DofE Silver

Miss Murray was ‘bowled over by two momentous moments on the expedition and GMS are delighted to report them here on our website. She writes, “I was thrilled and extremely proud to receive the following email from a member of the public at the end of Day 2”

‘My husband and I arrived at Ty Rhosyn Coch camping and caravan site yesterday lunchtime to be told that there would be a group of youngsters arriving later in the evening for their Silver DofE. Whilst saying “no problem”, we both looked at each other, with the same thoughts: will we get any sleep tonight? What will the toilets and showers be like (there are only 2 of each)? What will this nice, peaceful little riverside retreat become? I’m sure you get the picture.

However, our concerns were totally unfounded.

Your pupils were quiet, courteous and considerate. The communal facilities were kept clean and tidy and, in fact, they were better neighbours than we encounter generally when we are away. More importantly, they were happy and obviously enjoying themselves, which was a pleasure to see.

We hope their weekend goes well and they pass their Silver with flying colours. They are a credit to themselves, their parents/carers and the school.

Good luck to them all for the future too.’

The second proud moment happened on Day 3 and will be forever a highlight for the Silvers involved, for they truly were superstars.

“On day 2, their canoe journeys were fairly calm and uneventful.

Until … about 20 minutes from the next camp, at the end of a second exhausting day,  a newly wedded honeymoon couple, who had been enjoying an adventurous canoeing honeymoon on the beautiful River Wye unfortunately capsized!

Clinging on to their upturned canoe in the freezing cold water, they panicked as they watched their belongings bob away downstream without them.

However, luck was on their side, as some of our GMS Silver superheroes, who witnessed this disaster, quickly went to the rescue. While an instructor helped the drenched honeymooners back into their boat, some of our super amazing students hurried after the disappearing belongings and returned them all to the very grateful couple.

Two hugely proud moments. Our GMS students are truly magnificent.