Day 2
After what was a relatively, fairly quiet end to the first day, the staff were woken up, this morning, to bright sunshine and the familiar sound of laughter, chatter and excited children, eager to get going on the day. It was only 6:00am !! However, after a very hearty breakfast (don't panic, the children will definitely not go hungry!), each group went off for a day of fun and adventure.
Mr Fane's group and Mrs Sellers and Miss O'Sullivan's group, donned their helmets and life jackets and went off, with paddles in hand, for a day of canoeing on the canal. Although each group started at different parts of the canal , they met in the middle and swapped mini bus keys - not something I've normally experienced on a residential! As you can imagine, it involved a lot of water being splashed about and several children, from Mr Fane's group, ending up in the canal rather than on it. However, the staff said that all the children were great at working together to try and get the canoes to go in the direction they wanted, and problem solved when they were not facing the way they had hoped for. Miss O'Sullivan was impressed with how two if her group coped when they discovered an enormous spider had hitched a ride in their canoe. Mrs Seller was amused by the look on the faces of some her group when they were surprised there were no actual toilets, and that they had to navigate the 'natural latrines' instead. Another successful challenge completed!
My group and Mr O'Malley's group, both stayed on site for the day, tackling various challenges which required overcoming some fears, showing resilience and perseverance. Both groups conquered the climbing wall, the low and high ropes as well as the zip wire. The children should be really proud of themselves as it required strength, encouragement and real resilience.
The next bit I am going to apologise for before you read it, as you will probably will not understand a word I am saying. However, I have learnt some new phrases today, from your children - you will have to ask them to explain them when they get home; they have reassured me they are not rude!! Here goes... My group were 'mewing' at the top of the climbing pole, to become the 'ultimate sigma'. They were also 'griddying' on the way down. I am now also known as 'The Rizzler' as I am in charge of all the sigmas! Basically, it was their way of celebrating their achievements. Every day is a school day!
After another great meal of sausage and mash followed by chocolate brownie and cream, the children are currently all partaking in the evening activity of photo orienteering. This involves them running wildly around the grounds of Woodlands, trying to identify features from slightly obscure photos. They are having a great time and will hopefully be extremely tired when they go to bed.
Unfortunately, the forecast isn't so promising tomorrow but it won't dampen our spirits.
Have a great night and I will update you on our fun and frolics tomorrow.
Becky Roberts
