Departure day has arrived...
MONDAY
We arrived safely at just after 12 and had an indoor picnic before heading off for our first afternoon activities. The children challenged themselves by climbing high up the pole before leaping through the air to catch the trapeze. It was great fun but to quote one - “very scary”!
This afternoon we had Aeroball. The children enjoyed playing lots of basketball style games on the trampolines. They cheered each other on and kept count of the score.
All children were ready to clear their plates at dinner time. There were fish fingers, noodles or turkey meatballs and pasta - most went for the final option and filled their tums - yum!
This evening we are indoors playing laser tag in teams. The noise shows how much fun the groups are having. The rain has not dampened the children’s enthusiasm at all.
We have started to unpack in our rooms - this is very exciting!!!
An early start tomorrow as we need to be up, washed and ready for breakfast at 7.20am!!!
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TUESDAY
All of our children settled well last night and rooms were quiet...although mysteriously bags of sweets kept disappearing from windowsills during the night!
Everyone awake (some only just) and getting ready for breakfast.
Today’s planned activities are:
Raft building
Liam siad, "Raft building was very enjoyable because we got to make the raft ourselves using big wooden poles, barrels and rope. We learnt to tie a figure of eight knot!"
A couple fell overboard - the majority jumped off the raft for a swim!
Problem Solving
Lilly says, "I loved problem solving because you had to work out ways to complete each challenge. Some were easier than others."
Scarlet says, "It was a real test of our minds!!"
Lunch was delicious today - we had jacket potatoes with a choice of toppings or Chilli con carne - the children have full tummies but many are already tired from all the activity - hopefully an early night tonight!
Climbing
Climbing was a challenge. Many children were determined to climb as high as they could. I was impressed by all those who made it to the top. Some were like spiders scuttling, at speed, up the wall.
Survival
In survival, first the children chose 3 items that they believed were the most helpful to aid survival. Next, they learnt about 3 shelters: flat line, lean on and A-frame. They then worked in teams to build a shelter - they did themselves and Miss Tubby (our Forest School teacher) proud. The children then practised making fires.
Cluedo!
In Cluedo, the children had to work in teams, navigating the PGL site to solve the mystery of who stole Lord Barton's crown. It was the Princess and she got soaked with a bucket of cold water!!
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WEDNESDAY
A much quieter night and a big effort needed this morning to wake the children up - even with a lay in! They gave activities lots of effort yesterday and are feeling tired from their efforts.
Today another early breakfast and we celebrate the sun shining overhead!!
Activities today include:
Zip Wire
The children loved it. Lots were brave enough to leap or they cheered their friends on - some even jumped backwards!!
Sensory Trail
The children wore blindfolds and therefore had to trust their remaining senses and instructions communicated by their fellow group members to navigate different games and trails. Kai said that he thought the muddy tyre second obstacle was "disgusting" but he still went through it and now has some very mucky trousers!!
Giant Swing
The children have been looking forward to this activity since the start of the week. They were attached to the frame and hung in the air as the rest of the group pulled them up to the top. Many have claimed this as their favourite activity so far.
Orienteering
The children showed their skills following maps around the site in small groups to fill their orienteering challenge cards. They were exhausted by the end as they have had beautiful sunshine all day.
Tonight we do Balloon Splash! The children complete challenges to earn credits to spend on equipment to build protection for their balloon. It will test their maths, and designing skills!
All have loved the food ... lots of empty plates in record time!
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THURSDAY
We're hoping it continues dry and sunny today! Our children settled quietly in their rooms - happy in the knowledge that England are through to the Final!! Nearly all the children were still deep in sleep this morning - I had to bang on doors and call repeatedly and was met with multiple bleary faces. It would have made great photographs but I resisted temptation!!
Today is another day of planned action packed activities:
Fencing
We started the day with a fencing session as a class. It was great fun. The children looked like astronauts in their protective masks!!! Some are enjoying their wacky mask hair!!!!! They loved challenging one another to duels.
Disc Golf
The children took on the disc golf course - there were sadly no holes in one, as it was very challenging playing in the trees! Quite a few discs ended up in the nettle bunkers which gave Mr Jones and I a challenge! Eventually, we returned with more discs than we started with!!! Gold stars to Mr Jones and I.
We had burgers and crispy chips for lunch which proved very popular - plates were cleared and some children were asking for more!
Vertical Challenge
This was a real CHALLENGE and a new activity for us this year. It was very high and very wobbly for the children climbing. It was great to see the resilience, determination (being willing to have a go, even though climbing is not an activity they would normally choose) and their ability to deal with all the feelings and emotions that come with tired muscles and a physical challenge in the sun. Well done all who had a go at climbing!
Archery Tag
It was great fun. The children loved aiming and using their friends as human target boards! Everyone had to get hit so they knew how it felt!!
and a PGL Tournament!
We has GIANT COOKIES for pudding today - "the tastiest ever" was the feedback and then off to the shop (we had to get some maths problem solving in the week!). Great purchases made along with re-stocks of sweet supplies for tonight!!!!
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FRIDAY
Our final day is coming very quickly. The children are sad to be leaving but excited to see their families and share all of their stories and memories.
Friday morning we had two planned activities: archery and rifle shooting.
Well done to all Buzzards for a great week - lots of positive choices and happy memories made. The number one 2024 Buzzards Class!!!
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A fantastic week - a silent coach on the journey home!!