Lynch Island adventures have returned! Last week, all our Year 9 pupils spent a night on the College's very own island on the River Thames. Famously known as The Lynch, or Lynch Island, it is traditional for all Year 9s, in house groupings, to spend a night on The Lynch as part of their introduction to life at Shiplake College.
A short boat ride away from the College, The Lynch is situated in the middle of the Thames. This fun - and sometimes challenging - activity facilitates bonding between the boys and helps the new starters settle into their year group.
After being shown how to build a shelter by Head of Outdoor Education, Duke of Edinburgh Manager and CCF SSI – Mrs Hanlon – the groups were split into pairs and issued with kit to build their own accommodation for the night. The equipment available for shelter construction included an army sheet shelter, a sleeping mat each, string, and pegs; some shelters were better than others and whether by accident or design, some boys spent the night looking up at the stars.
Speaking after the adventures. Mrs Hanlon says:
'During our Island Adventure, the Year 9 boys spent a night camping on Lynch Island, experiencing a true test of resilience and teamwork. Equipped with the most basic of equipment, they set up their own shelters and embraced the elements. Over the course of the week, the boys faced a variety of weather conditions, including one particularly cold morning where temperatures dropped to 2°C. Meals were cooked over an open fire, further enhancing the outdoor experience. Overall, it was an excellent opportunity for the boys to develop essential survival skills and bond with their peers.'
A massive thank you must be said to all the staff who supported Mrs Hanlon during the week including Mr Cooper, Mr Zegzdryn, Mrs Bayley, Mr Heaney, Mr Scammell, Miss Povey, Miss Russell, Mr A Jones, Mr Canning, and Mr Elliott. A huge thank you must also go to Year 13 pupils Ben Stokes and Seb Laing who also spent the night on the island with their respective houses, Everett and Burr.
Make sure you check out the gallery below containing pictures from the week, as well as the short video reel on the College’s Instagram page.
Flickr album: Year 9 Lynch Island 2024 |
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