In May it was that time of year again for the Silver and Gold participants of the European School Munich to embark on the trip to Scotland to complete part of their International Award. The Award is known as "Das Jugendprogramm" in Germany, "Duke of Edinburgh Award" in the UK and "Merite de Jeunesse" in France.
36 pupils and a team of supervisors flew to Edinburgh and travelled three hours north by bus to arrive at Rothiemurchus Lodge in the Cairngorm Mountains. After a grand breakfast on Sunday morning, the nine Gold participants and their supervisors headed out on their 4-day training expedition. The Silvers spent the day in Scotland’s National Outdoor Training Centre at Glenmore Lodge to prepare for the country’s wilderness. A fantastic team of instructors organised the day and helped the participants to develop their navigation skills, learn how to cross a river as a team and create stretchers in emergency situations.
The following morning, the 27 Silvers and their supervisors left for their 3-day training expedition. The adventure included walking along paths, passed lochs and through forests but also navigating through thick heather and wet bogs and dealing with the extraordinary weather, hence, the sun and heat! All groups showed outstanding teamwork, resilience and commitment to this project, displaying their ability to complete their final expeditions in the upcoming weeks.
On Wednesday afternoon the groups arrived safely back at the Lodge. After a relaxed and fun evening at Rothiemurchus, it was time to say goodbye to the beautifully wild landscape of the Scottish Highlands and fly home the next day. With big smiles on their faces and no losses or injuries, the pupils and supervisors landed at Munich Airport.
Here you can find more information on the International Award.