From Tent Pitching and Lake Views to Skillet Cooking and Forest Walks

In May 2017, our Transition Year group headed into the beautiful Sligo countryside for an unforgettable two-day Gaisce expedition packed with outdoor challenges and team-building milestones.

The adventure started right on the campsite field, where students paired up to pitch their red and navy basecamp tents. The daytime trek treated the group to incredible panoramic views, including a scenic lunch stop right on the rocky shoreline of a sprawling Sligo lake, a few fence-stile crossings out on the hills, and a surprise encounter with an incredibly friendly local black-faced lamb who quickly became the unofficial mascot of the trip. Back at camp, the energy stayed high with a series of classic outdoor team games, including a giant skipping rope challenge that had the whole cohort cheering.

As twilight settled over the hills, camp life shifted to the main fire pit. Sitting in a massive circle on log benches, the group watched their dinner cook on a large skillet nestled directly into the glowing embers – a true back-to-basics culinary experience.

The real test of trust and communication came just after dark. Students entered the dense forest to tackle a night-line course, navigating the trees by relying entirely on their senses and their peers. The evening concluded in spectacular fashion under a clear full moon, with the triumphant cohort gathering around a roaring campfire for a brilliant lakeside sing-along that capped off an incredible journey! 🌲⛺🔥🥾🌟