Ferney Crofts Boot camp

There is an established tradition for learners from the Sports and Public Services curriculum areas to attend an annual ‘boot camp’ as part of their induction.  Following previous successful visits to the Ferney Crofts adventure camp in the New Forest, teaching staff from across TOBES banded together to offer the same experience to curriculum areas from across the Faculty, including Business Management and Travel & Tourism learners.

Working in cooperation, staff and learners alike organised the weeklong boot camp; staff handled the activities, whilst second year Public Services learners organised the catering… luckily most people liked beans!

Learners found themselves with 5* accommodation, as they pitched their tents in campsites across the field.  6am wake-up calls and dawn physical training sessions were all included as part of the all-inclusive package.

Learners worked as a team to tackle the assault course, with the fastest group taking the prize; a box of chocolates!  Groups also learnt drill routines and reached dizzying heights on the high-wire course.
Learners certainly enjoyed the experience, with some describing it as “The ultimate challenge” and saying it helped “build confidence” as well as boost their self-esteem.

Staff said “Boot camp really helps cement the team bonds on the course, for all learners… and it’s really good fun, too!”