A group of 36 pupils and accompanying teachers and parents headed out for a day in the hills with Aberdeenshire outdoor activities company, BackStrong Adventures, to learn about the natural environment.
Albyn School’s Lower 5 classes came together in November to learn more about the great outdoors, being prepared, adapting to weather changes, while also discovering there is so much fun to be had without modern technology!
The day began with the group arriving to a winter wonderland at Knockburn Loch, as light snow showers gave an early festive feel. After an initial ‘mountain lodge’ gathering and practising using the Bivy emergency covers, the BackStrong Adventures team of founder Gillian Fowler and guide Garry Cormack led the group, all wrapped up warm, for a walk towards the hills, where they learnt about navigation, the area around them, and were delighted to see hares and deer running across the moors. Snack time saw teamwork activities, with much laughter and yummy treats enjoyed.
After another walk to a viewpoint, the group was then told of another surprise teamwork exercise would begin in the forest, where they were split into 6 teams to put up tents where lunch would be enjoyed, as well as taking turns of making smores over the campfire.
Lower 5 teachers Laura Sinclair and Zibby Brown, both outdoor enthusiasts, organised the day with BackStrong Adventures, having already enjoyed a day out with the company earlier in the year where 46 pupils discovered the fun and beauty of Loch Muick.
Miss Sinclair said: “This is the second outdoor adventure the pupils of Albyn School have been fortunate to experience with Gillian and her team. This time we were “extreme survivors” at Knockburn Hill, trekking towards Deeside’s beautiful snow-capped hills. Pupils were learning about their natural environment and how to survive before returning to the forest to pitch tents as a source of shelter. There they were able to refuel and reflect on the day’s adventure. The pupils absolutely loved their time out on the hills with Gillian and Garry and have requested that we camp overnight next time!”
Gillian added: “We thoroughly enjoyed the day, where you could literally see the happiness on every face. Rosy cheeks, big smiles and lots of laughter spoke volumes as the group took part in a variety of outdoor activities, where teamwork and communications were also important in learning about the environment. We very much look forward to the next outing, and already the pupils have put in their ideas of where and what we can all get up to!”
To find out more about outings, please email info@backstrongadventures.com or visit www.backstrongadventures.com