Dauntsey’s pupils' Arctic Adventure in Sweden

A group of twelve Second Form pupils from Dauntsey’s spent half term in the North of Sweden on an ‘Arctic Adventure’ of a lifetime.

Their base was the city of Skellefteå which was blanketed in thick snow throughout their stay, with temperatures rarely above freezing and as low as -16°C. The pupils tackled a number of challenges including shopping for 150kg of food in another language, cooking their own meals, cross country ski-ing, snow shoeing, ice fishing and night hikes in the snow. The group also spent some time in a Swedish school, learning about what life is like as a teenager in Sweden.

Sam Moore, Head of Adventure Education, Dauntsey's, who led the trip, said:

“This exciting trip was a new addition to our adventure education programme and proved to be a great success. We created an itinerary which was a mix of challenges in the snow as well as a day of tough quests at the Boda Borg centre. The pupils had to look after themselves, their equipment and each other in this demanding environment.

“This was also an opportunity to learn about the Swedish way of life and how the locals cope with the arctic conditions in the winter.”

One of the pupils on the trip added:

“It was just like being in Narnia – none of us had experienced temperatures like it. We learnt a lot about Swedish culture but also about ourselves and what we are capable of in freezing conditions. We have all brought home some great memories; from tasting smoked reindeer, jumping in the snow after a sauna, being pulled on sledges by huskies, to the biggest snowball fight I have ever experienced, not to mention a lot of hot chocolate to warm us up each day!”

Adventure Education at Dauntsey’s:

Adventure is an essential part of life at Dauntsey’s; not simply an event but something that teaches invaluable life skills and changes attitudes and behaviour for the better. We want pupils to adopt behaviours that will help them lead a fruitful and interesting life, in which they are organised and flexible, willing to have a go and learn from their experiences.