HOMEWARD BOUND

Blog 7

The children delighted in pelting balls at me during their swimming session. I’ve counted 42 bruises so far – they had a great time splashing, jumping in, swimming and chucking balls at their teacher. On return to the lodge there was a warming hot chocolate waiting for them and a nice hot shower! As usual, bed time was a quieter affair then the first night and again all were tucked up and snoring their head off by 9pm. Again, another night with no visitors and a slightly later wake up time beginning with a 6am… bliss! 

Embarrassingly, we had to ask for more cereal from the office such was the demand from the hungry campers. The Toastinator was again on fine form and she kept up with demands as expected – she’ll be back next year!

The last morning of a residential is like a military operation and everyone plays their part in ensuring a timely departure. We have to clean the whole lodge, including coaxing the children into striping their own bed and putting the items into the correct laundry bags. With the ‘Bobo’ fiasco of the last trip still ringing in my ears I was determined to not be left frantically searching for a lost teddy. It is my great pleasure to report a full bill of health for all cuddly toys; not this time Bobo. 

We ended our trip going around the room and talking about what we had enjoyed about the trip and what we had done that had made us proud. It was great to see the sense of achievement on the children’s faces as they realised they had overcome their fears and were coming out the other side.

As I write, we are currently chugging our way through the beautiful Kent countryside with lambs bouncing either side of the window and the children gently chatting in hush tones about the trip and who they are going to cuddle first when they get home! A big thank you to Mrs Ross the Boss, Mrs Cavanagh – Rope Swing Queen, Mr Andrews the Sherpa ( never has one man carried so many bags to the bus – 8 in one trip, a Carroty Wood record) and the Toastinator for another fun filled trip. There is no better feeling than counting 30 happy faces on the coach as we set sail for our HQ.

St Faith’s Prep we are coming for you!