Day 4
Just when you think things couldn’t get any more exciting! Today was non-stop action. This year we embarked on a new activity: The Woodland Scramble. It was fantastic. Almost on a level with sea activities and the Assault course. The Woodland Scramble involves donning a wetsuit and scrambling up a river through a woods. Children had to duck under low branches with their faces in the river, enter into a splashing contest, crawl on their hands and knees and then submerge themselves fully in the ‘coffin’ (I’m sure the children will love telling you about this). Apart from the excitement of running through a river, it was also incredibly cool compared to the heat outside of the shade.
Today’s caving group found it a bit tougher going; a number of children found the absolute darkness a little unnerving. However, with the support of the staff and their friends around them, they pulled through… quite literally.
Climbing and the Zip line also proved challenging for some children and I am incredibly proud of Team Caldey and the way they supported each other. I was incredibly pleased that they all managed to make it both up the wall and down the line. I know they are so so proud of themselves and really can’t wait to tell their parents that they did it (some photographic evidence is available).
Bushcraft was great; children learnt about ‘edible’ and ‘deadible’ plants that exist in the British Isles. Wild garlic was picked and used to flavour bread that the children then had baked over a fire. Shelters were built and some subsequently collapsed before they could be tested much to the amusement of the children.
In the morning, we will have a manic time facing our biggest and most scary challenge yet… packing up! The final room inspections will take place and it’s very close. It will be make or break for some dorms.
Tomorrow will also be the presentation ceremony for all schools when we will find out who was the fastest assault course team, who scored the highest in archery and finally who the fastest orienteering team were. In addition, an award will be given to the ‘Top Banana’ boy and girl from each school.
Photos to follow in the morning! Plus an update.