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Day 3 (Wednesday 23rd October)
Day 3 at Little Canada began with a few extra knocks on chalet doors, as the busy timetable of the day before had taken its toll (some chalets however were wide awake already!) It had been another calm night, weather wise, and we were all pleased to see bright and blue skies emerging once again later in the morning.
There was only one topic on the mind of children and staff at the breakfast table: The Sensory Trail! After another hearty meal, the groups set off for their day, tackling the muddy course two groups at a time (and leaving disaster in their wake upon their return to shower in chalets!). The rain of the past few days (particularly Monday afternoons of the torrential variety!) meant we were met with a very muddy, slippery soggy and mucky course in dry weather; perfect for what we needed it to be! Thankfully, the staff were really impressed by the attitude, commitment, and resilience of every group – everyone gave their all to this challenge (see photos from today for highlights of this).
Alongside this, other activities of the day included Fencing, as well as Beach Walk and Laser Taf which we all took part in together. We are pleased to say that despite tiredness starting to set in for some, high spirits have continued to shine through. All of the children have really supported and looked after each other, as well as impress many of the PGL instructors with their enthusiasm, attitude and manners – everything we would expect from our BRIGHT and BRAVE children!
At lunchtime, all visited the shop for a final time and as we write, they have returned from dinner and are setting themselves up for the final evening activity of the week, Ambush; a site-wide game of hide and seek once it gets dark (torches are primed and at the ready!)
The children have had an excellent week and, as they prepare for packing and departing tomorrow afternoon, we are sure they will return with precious memories to share and cherish. Some children seem better at packing than others, so please be on the lookout for any unfamiliar items that appear in your child’s suitcase – as well as of course some clothing to perhaps bin straight away!?
We hope you have enjoyed keeping up to date with our adventures this week. Thank you for your comments and acknowledgments. The children are all looking forward to seeing you on our arrival, so please keep a look out tomorrow afternoon (Thursday 24th October) for any updates via text or email regarding our return – see you all then!
The Woodley CofE Team
Day 2 (Tuesday 22nd October 2024)
6.30am. Chalet doors were knocked, and bleary-eyed greetings exchanged, signalling the end of a really excellent first night for the group on the Isle of Wight. The teachers were really pleased and impressed with all of the chalets and how they settled into their new surroundings on their first evening in a new environment (long may it continue!). Despite a dark start, as the light rose, so did spirits and thoughts to the day ahead…
Then a prompt 7.15 breakfast time for the group, with a variety of cooked breakfast options meeting us. Again, children were all able to find something they wanted, some of the more adventurous trying new foods too. Needless to say, the morning mealtime was full of excitement for the activities ahead!
Then we were off! A day of much excitement; climbing to new heights, learning to survive in the wilderness, Aero ball madness and, as the children can explain, a spot of ‘boat-cleaning’ (or Matrix as PGL call it!?). Many of the children began to challenge themselves and shone through as BRIGHT and BRAVE individuals with particular highlights being so many conquering fear of heights to achieve great things across the day. Support, as well as competitiveness, has thankfully been on display as the day continued on.
After lunch today, the children took their first of 2 scheduled trips to the PGL shop; many stocking up on not only sweets, but also souvenirs to bring home in memory of the week.
As we type, the children are enjoying some free time in and around chalets, as well as on the sports court, before getting ready for ‘Balloon Splash’ to come tonight; an activity none of the adults have experienced here before either, so we are all excited for this too!
We hope you are enjoying our updates and keeping up with the children’s adventures – more to come tomorrow, as all the groups come face to face with the legendary Sensory Trail, alongside bouts of Laser Tag and the Beach Walk. Weather is forecast to be dry (fingers crossed) for another busy day to come!
Check in tomorrow for more highlights (we are sure of the muddy variety!)
Day 1 (Monday 21st October 2024)
After a prompt departure from school just soon after 8am, we set off for the Portsmouth dockyards in high spirits and excitement for the week ahead. All were pleased to get away and looking ahead to the adventures to come!
After a positive coach trip, we arrived on time to the dockyards with grey but dry weather. After a quick toilet trip, we headed for the Mary Rose Museum, which offered Tudor interactions and insightful artefacts. The children particularly enjoyed the interactive Mary Rose battle scenes, giving us a first-hand insight into historic naval combat!
Soon after this, the group headed back to the coach to board the much-anticipated ferry to the Isle of Wight. Despite the heavens opening in a blustery crossing, many managed to get out on deck (some first timers, others less wary) and we were pleased with the children’s active nature towards what was for many a totally new experience.
And just like that, half an hour or so later, we arrived at Little Canada (again, to claps and cheers aplenty from children and staff!). As groups unpacked cases and bags into their Saskatchewan chalets, thoughts turned to the days ahead, with groups looking forward to activities to come. 5.15pm then bought dinnertime!
A range of choices met us; including fish fingers and wedges, pasta, meatballs and SPONGE CAKE for dessert! We were pleased that all were able to find something to eat on this first night, with some also topping up from the salad bar, bread and side dishes on offer.
As we write, the children are preparing themselves for their first evening activity, Passport to the World, which involves the children searching for multinational flags around the activity site. We are pleased to report that, despite some weary faces and a very soggy few hours whilst the children have settled down into their new surroundings, the group are still up for the challenge. Hopefully this final hurdle will see them sleep soundly tonight after this (fingers crossed from all!).
Until tomorrow!
