The Blogging Zone

Last Day

The disco last night meant that the dorms and bathrooms were perfumed out..the parfum de Lynx knocked you back as you entered the boys rooms. The girls were primping and posing for cameras as if they were auditioning for Kingswood's next top model! However, anyone who thought they looked gorgeous last night should have had a morning after shot as we went in to wake them this morning ... anything but glam. Everyone said that they were finding it harder and harder to wake up and get out of bed, even opening his eyes was a major task for Ewan CS. To add insult to injury, two groups started the morning with problem solving. It went a whole lot quicker once there was a speaking instrument and no one could talk unless they were holding it! Several people discovered that they were anything but naturals on a quad bike and many seemed to find a magical attraction to the barriers. However, Ben LT showed them how it was done covering nearly every inch of the track.

Jaz enjoyed the zip wire, he screamed all the way down but then managed to get so tangled up on his safety wire that he couldn't release himself and had to be winched back.

Faith

All three groups have had the Leap of Faith today. We never cease to be amazed at the children's courage, determination and ...faith. It really does bring a lump to your throat to see their pale faces, jelly legs and huge sighs of relief or tears as they descend on the rope having achieved it. Lily said she thought her lunch was going to come up and she was going to eat her pasta twice. Whilst a very white faced Ewan R was still experiencing the adrenalin surging around his body. The Leap of Faith is not about completion but about reaching and surpassing personal goals and Rebecca, Kit and Jaz who were adamant that they were not going to do it actually got to stage 2.

Low ropes were great fun and everyone worked well as a team. Den building was interesting with such unexpected roles as raiders and defenders being invented. Charis was eagled eyed defender repulsing attacks from Jordan, Bradley and Tian. Meanwhile Josh's face was getting  dirtier and dirtier as he directed operations ably assisted by Oliver and Ben Le T. Caitlin discovered one of the heavy logs had a sharpened point and became more interested in trying to write in the dirt. James Christian, aka the monkey - so named by Mr Fyfe because every time he goes into his dorm James is either leaping from bunk to bunk or swinging from one of them - collected as many pine cones as he could and then arranged them in the shape of PL to represent Pinecone Lodge.

Thrills and Spills

The scene last night in the hallway between the two girls' dorms was proof that the teachers will go to any lengths to make sure your children are happy and well looked after. Picture this: Summer with a huge towel wrapped around her heading back to her dorm with long hair dripping. Teachers spring into action: Mrs H produces a hairdryer and dries her hair whilst MrsJ brushes it. It takes a long time so a second hairdryer is plugged in and Summer stands in the middle between Mrs J and Mrs C armed with brushes and a hairdryer each. Not to be outdone Mrs H is given my hairdryer and starts on Tilly and so a salon is set up, processing Caitlin, Miriam and Chantelle in turn. I was assigned the role of official photographer since obviously when it comes to long hair I have no expertise! On the subject of hair Elliote tracked back and forwards to the showers this morning several times but her hair looked no better styled each time. We were informed she was on a Bananarama  day today. She could have saved herself the trouble, the wind could have made that mess effortlessly. Actually it's fascinating how many random, aimless trips they make backwards and forwards to the bathroom in the morning carrying a hairbrush, apparently absolutely for no reason, just playing follow my leader as far as I am concerned. Elliote, Robyn, Annaliese, Elise and Liberty love this game and do it as if they are on the catwalk.

Liberty, aka Patricia, never thought she would do the leap of Faith but amazed herself by succeeding. And trust me it's windy today, and those telephone poles may seem substantial but they don't half move at the top!!

Nightline produced the usual freak weather conditions over Kingswood: absolute downpours on unprotected heads which also soaked the ground making it a mudbath. Unfortunately this meant that children were forced to crawl on their bellies through an assault course, across muddy, gritty ground. Water spouts mysteriously spurted down the back of people's necks, their trousers, and in their shoes. Weird breezes funneled into their ears. Squirrels must have been playing in the trees because half eaten pine cones kept raining down on them. Needless to say Mrs J and I were blamed for these freak conditions but even criminals are innocent until proven guilty!

Tian and I burned rubber around the go kart track. He roared around just on the edge of controlshowing impressive footwork on the pedals watched by an admiring audience of new Kingswood trainees. Jordan didn't even complete the first lap before making an aquaintance with the barrier but quickly improved. Miriam and Lily muttered darkly about the heavy steering: obviously they prefer power steering!

Still on the go!

All the kids had a great time in lazer tag, especially the biggest of them all.... Mr Fyfe! Afterwards the group admitted that they really enjoyed shooting him. In the end there was a shoot out between Bradley and Rhys with the latter claiming victory.

Jack T has amazed everyone with the depth of his knowledge about World War II in the end the instructors had to beg him to let someone else get a word in edgeways! A couple of children were very apprehensive caving this afternoon: Fraser said he didn't like confined spaces, but afterwards said it was his favourite activity so far... even the bits he didn't like. Summer really struggled but trusted Mrs H and the instructors and managed to get down, later she turned out to be the person who didn't panic when the lights went out. Later on she told Mrs Hutchison that she never thought she would do it and she was so glad she had.

In aeroball despite everyone else's best attempts, no one could shift Ewan C S and Ben B, Mrs C hopes all the bouncing will have worn them out. Summer, Kerry and Kirsty decided they were Charlie's Angels in lazer quest but in the end it was divide and conquer and Kirsty was the last one ...standing! (okay not a very funny joke but my energy levels are running low!) Mrs C had a stalker: Lucie B who targetted her every time she entered the room. Summer lost her sense of direction and walked into a wall but was very brave.

We've all been impressed with the children's politeness and consideration and support for others. Ben B, Ben Le T, Oliver, Josh, Robin S in particular have been smashing. Calumn B deserves a mention for the most enthusiastic responses when the leaders teach them the shout at the beginning of activities.

Today has been full on and they are all hot, sweaty, pretty dirty and very tired! Hooray. Another quiet night.

Eating My Words

For the first time since I've been coming no one had any problems with homesickness last night and even more amazingly they settled pretty quickly and slept well. Bacon for breakfast was appreciated and wolfed down: Fraser, Joe and Dylan are taking advantage of the opportunity to return for seconds at mealtimes.

Just before first activity there was an unexpected fire drill courtesy of the school above us in the dorms. Definitely a black mark for them. Caving was first up for my group with a very extrovert instructor called Alex who treated us to a range of impressions including ET. The kids had to do the 'guillibility' test and you will be pleased to know they all passed with flying colours! Rebecca and Charis were a little apprehensive but were prepared to have a go and were very confident by the end. Rebecca remarked afterwards that what she'd learnt was that facing a challenge is hard but if you stick at it you can do it. Robin S learnt that before volunteering next time she's going to check what she's letting herself in for. She and Lily volunteered to act as soldiers and without giving too much away Robin ended up flat on her back in muddy water. After the pledge Ben Le T, Josh and Oliver came out with very muddy faces.

Stars in Archery were Joel and Joe so they are leading Hutchison's merry men. Jack M also seemed at home with a bow in his hand. Whilst that group was bouldering Jaz was really supportive in encouraging Joe who didn't seem to have the same talent on the bouldering wall. Jaz also thoughtfully got everyone on his table a drink at lunchtime. I wonder if he does that at home??? Joel streaked to the top of the climbing wall and obviously has a head for heights.

Orienteering is not one ofthe most exciting activities but my group went round and round in circles quite happily and were soon seeing dots before the eyes as they tried (occasionally unsuccessfully) to copy the dominoes they saw on signs, onto a piece of paper. Lesson from that was more hast less speed and Jordan regretted having little legs which he said were tired, until I told him he could rest them and not do laser tag. Then he showed miraculous powers of recovery. His hat is the envy of all the instructors who think it is so cool.

All present and correct

Flight was a little bumpy particularly as we were landing but no one was sick. Summer was landed with the short straw: sitting next to me, and because of conditions was only allowed to switch her iPod on for a short time, however, she was very good company. The flight attendants complimented us on the children and said they were the best school they had carried. Annaliese was reunited with the bag she'd left behind on the plane!

Movement through Stanstedt was surprisingly swift and we were soon on the coach. Those who had a history of travel sickness were asked to sit up front near the staff, something I regretted bitterly as neiher Ewan R nor Robin S seemed to be suffering behind me and gave me earache with their continuous stream of jokes, songs etc. I have muttered darkly about 'She who laughs last laughs longest,' and have plans for a very wet Nightline for the pair of them.

We made good time and arrived about half past four. We had sausages and apple crumble for supper, Kirsty managed to melt her pat of butter under her sausage so smeared it on her bread as she made a very messy egg sandwich. I managed to get landed with Robyn, Robin Ewan R and Miriam, so my ears were subjected to yet another battery while Dylan sat peacefully on the next table. Note to self, sit next to him next time.

Jack M waltzed behind me back to the dorms telling me how brilliant he was. That didn't last long... we've decided he's going to have to marry because he's the world's worst bed maker!! Meanwhile Tian got stuck in and was sorted in half the time and seems relaxed and ready for action. Caving's up first after breakfast.

They all still seem full of beans, so I think it could be a long night!

Better late than never!!

We don't know what time zone Tyler operates in but three weeks later he has written his response to the Kingswood experience!!!

Mrs B

A bit late but i had a wonderful time in kingswood excluding my squeaky voice any way see ya soon!

Tyler

Hi

Thank you to all the teachers for taking us to kingswood and for giving
us a great time i wish i could go back and do everything again =)

                 Michael D

Thanks Michael, it was a pleasure.

Mrs B

Hi
I loved kings wood it was really great.Wow and so was your
massaging.Thanks 4 being a great group leader. It was a shame you could
not do any of the activities.Your blog has inspired me so i thought i
would make up my own all about my thoughts.

                        Lots of Love From Amie x

Watch it Amie, it's easy to get hooked on blogging! Actually we're going to be starting a whole new approach this year so I'll drag you in as one of the first volunteers.

See you tomorrow.

Mrs B

Post Trip Thoughts

Thank you for letting us come to Kingswood. I had a awesome time. My
favourite part was laser tag but I enjoyed it all.

Thank you

Ben M

It may surprise you Ben but we teachers had a great time too and we do it because we know what a memorable, fantastic opportunity it is for everyone. However, it's nice to be appreciated. Thank you.

Mrs B

Hi this is Olivers brother Daniel.  Hope he has had a great time as Ive not heard anything on the blogging zone about him.  Cant wait to see him when he gets back.  I wonder if he did do the leap of faith?  See you soon.  Love Daniel

Dan, your brother was as perky and cheerful as ever all trip and had a
great time. Since he wasn't in my group and didn't do anything
spectacularly bad his group leader didn't report anything for me to
put on the zone. Hope when you hear his tales it makes you want
to sign up.
Mrs B

I don't want Amie to come home keep her for another year because I made
burgers and rolls all by my self.And its much quieter around here.

Sophie Le F

Sophie, I know what you mean about being peaceful without her, she was
in my group so there was no escape!! Actually she was great fun and
good company and my Number 1 client for massages! Hope when you hear
about her trip it makes you want to come.
Mrs B