No wifi! Pocklington campers make a better connection

Dolman House boarders enjoyed a sunny weekend camping trip to the North York Moors in June, and packed in so many outdoor activities, the lack of a mobile phone signal went unnoticed! The 36 pupils and five members of staff fortified themselves with a fish and chip supper in Pickering before carrying their tents, food and belongings on a mile-long hike through the forest to their campsite near Botton Village. They pitched their tents, gathered wood and created an impressive campfire, which they admired during a hot chocolate supper before bed, and the next day during a leisurely breakfast of hot porridge, pains au chocolat – and more hot chocolate. Activities then included some serious shelter building, swimming in the lake, riding the raft or having a gentle sail in the coracle. The water might have been freezing, but it didn’t stop the boys diving, laughing and applauding each other’s feats. They made the most of the warm sun in the beautiful forest glade, working up an appetite as they caught tadpoles, examined newts, whittled wood and played in and around the shelters they had built. Sausages, burgers and kebabs, cooked to perfection on the campfire, did the trick – ahead of a rather heavy-hearted clear up of tents, fire and equipment and a weary trek back to the buses. Housemistress Wendy Wright said: ‘Looking in my rear-view mirror as I drove back over the Moors down into Pickering, at least half of my slightly grubby but happy boys were fast asleep. Job done!’