Splashing time had by Perse pupils on Sweden Summit 11 trip

Seventy Perse pupils made waves with exciting Summit 11 canoeing expeditions in Sweden’s ‘Lake District’.

The Year 11 pupils were joined by 20 members of staff and volunteers over the course of two back-to-back trips to Dalsland.

Students paddled a journey on Stora Le, a large lake dotted with remote islands, which served as camps for overnight stays.

The expedition was self-sufficient with all food for the trip carried by the groups and dinners cooked on open fires. This relied completely upon foraging for appropriate firewood and ensuring it had been prepared correctly using the groups’ cutting tools.

Pupils also slept in hammocks under tarpaulins, something most of them had only experienced in training for this trip.

However, there was still opportunity for students to take a break from the tough expedition by swimming and rock jumping or improving their wood carving and fire-by-friction skills.

Perse Outdoor Pursuits Instructor Kieron Taylor said: “This year’s trips to Sweden at times proved challenging for students, with intermittent bad weather and a flight cancellation affecting the length of the second expedition.

“I was very proud of how all students faced this challenge and ensured they invested in the expedition to make some memories that will last a lifetime.”