School Expedition into Norway's Wilderness

Today is all about getting prepared for the challenge ahead. Your team will focus on key training activities to ensure a successful trek and canoe journey. Start by planning your meals and be sure you have balanced nutrition, sufficient calorie intake and consider the weight of everything, then head into a supermarket to shop for the supplies. Grab all the neccessary supplies and a few treats; roasting marshmallows around the campsite fire is always a winner. After shopping, pack and distribute the kit, learning how to keep essentials dry and organised. Then lace up for a trial trek, where you’ll practise navigation and footwork. Finally, scout for wild camping locations and learn what makes a good pitch.

Ready to trek? You’ve learnt the basics, now it’s time to put it to the test. Pack your gear for a four-day adventure in the Nordic wilderness. Take it in turns to lead the team as you trek through ancient woodland, past glistening lakes and onto huge granite ridges. Beavers, deer and moose are in their element here, and the mountains above you are roamed by wild reindeer. Trekking with your camping gear is tough, so keep each other motivated and schedule plenty of breaks to soak up the scenery; prepare for epic views over fjords, forests and valleys. At night, you’ll be camping wild. Pitch your tents, then fire up your Trangia stoves and get some food on the go. The long daylight hours mean you’ve got plenty of time to set up camp, during summer the sun doesn’t set until 10pm.

Swap your trekking poles for a paddle, you’re about to canoe along the beautiful River Otra. Upskill with safety training and paddle techniques, then push off from the shore. Paddle beneath dramatic mountain scenery while salmon swim beneath your canoe. Keep your eyes peeled for beavers along the banks and golden eagles overhead. Set up camp on an island or the riverbank, you’ll be a pro at wild camping by now. With your tents pitched, clothes drying out and the campfire lit, you can sit back and chill while dinner bubbles on the stove. When the light fades, listen for moose as they feed in open glades.

Now you’re at one with the water, it’s time to add some adrenaline. The Otra has some of the best white water rafting in Norway, and you’re about to experience it first-hand. Test your teamwork and paddle hard as you navigate the rapids. Take a breather in the calmer stretches and soak up the Alpine wilderness, then dig deep and surf the surging water. Head out for more trekking or go on one final adventure; you could go paddleboarding, try out laser tag or an Escape Room.

After the best ten days of your life, it’s time to travel home. Cram everything into your backpack and head to the airport. Check in, sit back and let it all sink in, you’ve just experienced something incredible. Norway has opened your eyes and challenged you more than you ever imagined. You’ve fast-tracked your life skills and connected with locals; you’ve led your team and made new friends for life. These experiences will shape who you are and put you on the path to becoming a true global citizen. Prepare to return home forever changed!