Monday 22nd January
‘Move out of your comfort zone. You can only grow if you are willing to feel awkward and uncomfortable when you try something new.’
A busy start to the day was spent organising dorms, unpacking suitcases and attempting to make beds! We then wore our extremely fashionable Bewerley Park waterproof gear and went off in search of adventure. A range of team building activities were first up, before finding out about the John Muir Award. We contributed to this by helping to conserve the environment through building bug hotels (or mansions!).
A hearty evening meal was followed by the Alien Game and supper!
Tired faces followed and the children were soundly asleep not long after 10 o’clock. Let’s see what tomorrow brings!
Tuesday 23rd January
‘Strength and growth come only through continuous effort and struggle.’
After a fabulous night sleep (honest), the children spent morning canoeing, before exploring the darkness within Blayshaw Mine and squeezing themselves through some ridiculously tight holes at Brimham Rocks! The conditions did not break our spirits and we conquered everything in our path; even the staff got involved. A chance to dry off and chill out in the Common Room was the reward for a very, very wet day!
More challenges await on Wednesday with further chances to push ourselves out of our comfort zone. We are hoping for an earlier night tonight as children (and staff) are exhausted after the epic dance off! Let’s see what tomorrow brings.
Wednesday 24th January
‘Running water never grows stale, so you just have to keep on flowing.’
Wednesday, as with every year at Bewerley Park, has been an extremely long day! We have been rushed off our feet with the amazing activities on offer. Brimham Rocks, Ghyll Scrambling, Bushcraft Skills and Treasure Quest were on our list of activities for today.
The evening finished off with the brand-new Blind Line, where the children’s communication skills were tested to their limits!
Lots of tired legs then trudged off to bed with thoughts of our last full day…
Thursday 25th January
‘Life doesn’t get easier or more forgiving, we get stronger and more resilient.’
The busy day was met with enthusiasm and confidence from children who have certainly grown over the past week. To see them throw themselves into adventurous activities has been an absolute pleasure and, although we are all tired (and cold and wet), we simply do not want this week to end. Brimham Rocks and the Leap of Faith were no match for our children!
We decided that the night walk was a step too far and that we would be better off spending time with our friends, filling our faces with the last of our secret stash of sweets and setting the final tables for breakfast tomorrow.
Tomorrow morning we have the final building challenges which will allow us to really show what we have learnt this week!
Friday 26th January
‘Smooth seas do not make skillful sailors.’
Our final day began with packing our cases, stripping our beds, breakfast and then we were out in search of adventure.
We spent the morning in our groups completing a range of initiative challenges, solving problems and working together, exploring Brimham Rocks and canoeing on the calm and clear waters of Glasshouses Lake!
It was a fitting end to the most amazing week – we worked together as a team, sharing successes and talking about the different ways in which we have grown during our time away from home, school and parents.
