Happy in the sunshine

We woke to blue skies, which certainly made it easier to get out of bed.

Bacon and cereals started the day off, followed by a trip, once again, to the shop. 

Today has been a day for more quad biking, zip wire, orienteering and aeroball (a sort of basket ball on trampolines) and abseiling.  Every child has travelled down the zip wire at least once.  So brave.

Many of the children have conquered fears by climbing to the top of the abseil tower and many of them have abseiled down it several times.

Jacob's Ladder involved paired work, helping each other to climb an enormous, wobbly wooden ladder with ever increasing gaps between the rungs.  It has been lovely to hear words of encouragement and see helping hands between friends.  A pleasure to watch.

The teachers are all throwing themselves into activities, trying the zip wire today.  At the risk of gloating I would like to add that I was the only lady to finish the zip wire on my feet!

We have eaten well again with sausage rolls or cheese and onion pasties for lunch and toad in the hole or lasagne for dinner, followed by chocolate ice cream. Tonight we were even lucky enough to be allocated our own private dining room.

Evening activites are Mini Olympics  - so lights out should be easy tonight.

Tomorrow we have the much anticipated Leap of Faith and 3G swing, which I know Miss Reid, in particular, is particularly looking forward to!!!!!!

What a difference the sun has made today - we have sung more and smiled more and we all have rosy cheeks.  A fabulous day!

Rain, fun, rain, challenge, rain, visitor and a bit more rain!

We did it!   All in breakfast by 7:05!!!!  Sausages, cereal, fruit, yoghurts, toast... the choice goes on.  Added to the excitement;Mr Barrett arrived to spend the day with the group.

Room inspection took place at 8:00 and we were pleasantly surprised.  A good effort by all, especially the scouts.

A visit to the on-site shop resulted in a many buying sweets and sticks of rock, whilst other purchased teddies, pens and even cuddly bees?!

Today has been action packed, if soggy.  Our six group activites run between 9:30 and 19:25 and today have included....

• challenging ourselves with abseiling and balance beam.
• working together on team initiatives and Nightline (a blindfolded assault course, through the mud). Apologies in advance for the forthcoming laundry
• creating the beginnings of our own computer games in Mission Maker.

Lunch was pasta.  Dinner was hotdogs, fish cakes or vegetable hotpot followed by doughnuts. We are very impressed by how many children are heading for the salad bar and fruit bowl.

Tonight is our disco-Club Kingswood-where we will be having a special celebratory dance in honour of the birthday Mums -Mrs Penney and Mrs Spirito-and for our own dear Mrs Meredith for her birthday tomorrow.  Happy Birthday ladies!

After the disco we will wave goodbye to Mr Barrett and head for our beds - tired but happy.

A damp but successful start.

Despite the rain we are all happy and smiling.  We are delighted to be in Alpha accommodation again this year - every child is in a room for two or three, with en-suite shower rooms.  Luxury!

We started with a tour and then ate our packed lunch.  Many of the children were then desperate to play football in the pouring rain so I stood under a tree while Mr Burnes joined in the fun.

After that activites started - everyone tried indoor climbing - even the adults, then we split for indoor laser or team tech (giant meccano) .

Dinner was good - chicken/ veggie burger or chilli con carne followed by chocolate muffins.

Zip wire and quad biking were the last events of the day - Miss Reid went at a good speed and splashed through all the puddles.

As I write the children are all happily splashing around in the swimming pool, before hot chocolate and bed.

We need to be in bed at a reasonable hour as we are not thrilled with our breakfast slot - 7:05a.m!

Last minute reminders

For tomorrow everyone needs 

• packed lunch



Write your name on it clearly.

• named water bottle 

If you put it in a drawstring bag, this will be really handy to carry your belonging around to the different activities.

The weather looks as if it will brighten up by Tuesday - fingers crossed. Have a look on  http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/uk/se/ashford_forecast_weather.html

Some of you need to bring your pocket money in £1 coins and if you are bringing any medication make sure you hand it to an adult in the morning, with your name clearly written on.

I hope you have all been practising putting your duvets into their covers this week, as you will be making up your own beds tomorrow.

Have a good night's sleep. We'll see you in the morning at 9:30!

Packing begins

Now is the time to check your packing list.
Remember that most of the activities need long sleeves and long trousers.
One smart outfit for the disco and your swimming kit need to go in too.
Lots of layers may be needed for our lovely June weather, plus a raincoat!!!
Be optimistic and bring a sunhat and sun cream just in case.
Lots of clean undies and socks, toiletries, a towel and trainers are essential.

Remember that elecronic games, mobile phones and sweets/snacks are not allow BUT you can bring a camera if you wish.

I'm off to pack now, finding a bag that I can carry myself, leaving space to pop Teddy in at the last minute.

Happy packing!

Excitement

This time next week we'll be there!!  Excited!

Home Sweet Home

Everyone was up early today, in order to pack and clear out of our rooms before breakfast. The boys were much more efficient at this than the girls, I must say!

After breakfast, we began our final two activities of the week and boy did they save the best till last! All three groups had a chance to attempt the much anticipated 3G swing. This involved being attached to a metal bar by a harness and hoisted into the air by the rest of the group. Once at the top, you must release the swing by pulling on a rather small piece of string and then the fun begins! Most children attempted this activity and hailed it as "Best activity of the week."

Mr Lomax, Miss Reid, Mrs Buscombe and Mrs Leith also reluctantly took part and some rather amusing photographs were captured.
After both activites were over, we headed inside for our last Kingswood meal of the week. Soon afterwards, we were on the coach home and being serenaded by the children all the way to Staplehurst.

We would like to thank all the staff, who have given up their time to make this week so special. I'm sure that the children will agree that it was an absolutely fantastic week! Their behaviour has been impeccable, their enthusiasm has been infectious and their bravery has been inspiring.