Well, here we are all at home again after our trip.
Thursday was a great day - if not quite long with the bus journey to finish it off! The day started a little damp but by the time we had had breakfast and got ready for activity 1 the day was looking great! The loch was flat calm - and just ideal for Kayaking! Two groups started off with problem solving and headed off into the woods to take part in a diverse range of activities that would baffle and challenge them while developing good team working skills!
The kayakers got kitted out....wet clothes, waterproofs, life jacket and paddle! They headed off to the beach with their instructor and played some games and went over the basics of using the paddle tohelp them powere the kayak. This is different from canoeing and involved a different technique.
Once they were on the water they headed down the loch towards the end of the loch where the River Spey continues its journey. THey were heading for the bridge and the island beyond the bridge. The conditions were ideal and I watched them work down the lochbefore setting off on a bike to meet tham and film them at the bridge.
The children were really enjoying this activity and were very proficient. They easily made it to the bridge and headed off doen the river to the island. I waited and they soon started to make their way back up stream towards the loch.
Having seen both groups I headed back to the Boathouse and enjoyed a sneaky Latte while the groups made their way back up the loch to have lunch.
Lunch was in the boathouse and included soup, sausage rolls, fruit and juice. The children enjoyed this and enjoyed the chance of sitting on the balcony overlooking the loch in the sunshine. We had a trip back up the stairs to the hall to get ready for the afternoon and then were back for more of the same in the afternoon. Two groups went problem solving again while the other two got the opportunity to go kayaking.
One group of kayakers went down the loch again to the bridge while the other group went up loch and visited some of the bays further up the loch and the 'haunted house'!
The bus arrived at the back of three and I helped the driver pack the bags in the boot. The children eventually made it back up the stairs for the last time and because the driver needed a break we decided to have our tea before we left as the children were hungry. We set off at 4.30 and made it to Strichen by about 7.15. The Longside pupils and staff continued to Longside and made it haome safe and sound.
Overall we had a GREAT week. We hope the children enjoyed it. The staff certainly did and we look forward to making it back next year if we can. The children were great all week and really did represent both schools well! Their behaviour was commented on by staff at the centre and it is always nice to have their hard work and effort recognised.
We hope you have enjoyed reading the blog and seeing the photos each day and that it helps give you a flavour of what they do on the trip!
Thanks
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