Today was our first day in Kent for this years School Journey. After an enjoyable coach journey which went relatively quickly and was helped by the chorus of singing from the children (theme from Little Einsteins being a particular favourite!), we arrived to be greeted by Rik. After a quick chat is was time to find out who was sharing with who. Everyone seemed happy with their rooms and then we had a tour of the site to get out bearings.
After lunch, we had a fire drill and everyone showed they’d been listening to the instructions earlier by getting to the right place quickly. Then it was time for the first activities. Don and Monica’s groups did Archery and the Blind Line today while Henry and John’s groups started with Games on the pitches and the Zip Line.
Special mentions must go to Suraya and Phuk for their accuracy with the bow – look out Robin Hood, you have some competition! On the Blind Line, where you had to lead a partner (who could not see anything) round an obstacle course in the woods while holding onto a rope and never letting go, Hamid was noted for fantastic instructions to his partner Kenza while George showed determination and great spirit despite a couple of tumble – he got up with a smile on his face and just kept on going. Zoe and Chloe proved to be a great partnership as well. On the Zip Line Umar, Mehtib and Keleigh showed great bravery climbing up the tree despite being quite daunted before showing super trust in the instructors and taking on the challenge of zipping down the line! Kellycia showed her group how it was done by going first – always the hardest to go first. After seeing the speed he went up the tree to the Zip Line, Zione has Henry worried that he’s going to beat him to the top of the climbing wall in a few days!
After the activities we had some frisbee and mud fun on the playing fields with Morgan, Amina and Nell particularly enjoying jumping in the muddy goalmouth.
Dinner tonight was Fish, potatoes and veg or cheesy vegetable bake. The cake and custard went down especially well with most. Diaries have been written and everyone is looking forward to settling into their rooms for the first nights sleep. All in all a great first day and spirits are high!
