No phones, no shortcuts, and plenty of hills: our Duke of Edinburgh Silver participants recently completed their Practice Expedition through the Fränkische Schweiz.
Over three days, students trekked from Rüsselbach to Betzenstein, Moritz, and Pretzfeld, covering an average of 18 km per day. They planned their own routes, organized meals and nutrition, carried their essential equipment, and worked together to make decisions as a team.
Without access to phones or devices, students relied on communication, collaboration, negotiation, and trust. The expedition also gave students the chance to explore some of the region’s natural and historical landmarks, including castle ruins, a 70-metre-deep well, dramatic rock formations, fossils, and the famous Oswaldhöhle cave.
The Practice Expedition is an important milestone on the journey towards the Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award. Beyond the kilometers walked, students gained valuable experience in planning, problem-solving, and working together – skills that will stay with them long after the expedition has ended.
