Forest school sleepover

The Royal Marines made a visit to St. George’s Primary School, Stonehouse to take part in a ‘Forest School Sleepover’.

Royal Marine Communication experts, from nearby Royal Marine Barracks (RMB) Stonehouse, paid a visit to St George’s Primary School to pass on their expertise and showcase their survival skills along with some of their equipment.

Peter Barlow, Parent Governor said: “The activities that the RM devised were great fun and highlighted the need for teamwork and communication, particularly the blindfolded obstacle course where one a child with a blindfold on was guided through an obstacle course by another child using a walkie-talkie.”

Children from the primary school, described as the ‘village school in the city', used their school grounds to hold a sleepover, for which the Royal Marines Commandos were invited as guests.

During the sleepover, the children had the opportunity to experience night vision technology, use personal communication systems, find out what is in a ration pack, how the food is cooked, and how the Royal Marines make an overnight shelter.

Peter continued: “The ration packs and cookery demonstration were a firm favourite with the children particularly as they got to sample the food afterwards.”

RMB Stonehouse has an existing relationship with the school, where the children are invited to have Christmas dinner in the Commando Forces Officers Mess.

Major Jack Duckitt, Officer Commanding Communications Squadron said: “Events such as this build connections within our community as well as provide kids with an experience where they bond and strengthen friendships based on shared experiences.”