Two intrepid Year 8 school teams participated in the Exmoor Youth Challenge, organised by the Rotary Club of Exmoor. Teams of four pupils aged 12 and 13 carried maps, compasses, supplies, safety equipment and waterproof clothing in rucksacks, departing at set times from the Challenge HQ at Dulverton Middle School. Their aim was to complete a 16 mile trek across Exmoor as a team and to reach pre-determined check points at certain times.
The intense sunshine added to the challenging conditions of undulating rocky paths, two big ascents, windswept open moorland and rutted bridle paths. Despite this, the two Taunton Preparatory School teams completed the course within the timescale.
Co-ordinating the team was teacher, Tom Raven, who said: “Our pupils demonstrated many commendable qualities: determination, resilience, endurance and team spirit. Everyone learned quite a bit about themselves and gained a valuable insight into what a real physical endurance challenge is all about.”
The exercise will help prepare pupils for the Ten Tors and Duke of Edinburgh challenges that they will have the opportunity to do in the Senior School.
Tom Raven added: “They are more than capable of taking on those events based on the excellent standard they set themselves at the Exmoor Challenge.”
