No, this post isn’t about college spring break in the US; it’s how Bude is best described today. The wind is howling, the rain is flying in every direction and the sea is a feral hound – but, in all honesty, it’s not been too bad. The rain held off this morning and has never been too heavy this afternoon. Knowing such weather and conditions can take their toll, the key word of the day has been POSITIVITY. The children have been challenged to bee positive and make the experience better for themselves and those around them. To live life in all its fullness, we need to learn not to moan about the weather but instead, how to dance in the rain. Unsurprisingly, these children haven’t let us down. They’ve been a joy to be with.

Today saw four activities: canoeing, surfing, body boarding and mountain boarding.

Once again, teamwork made the dreamworld in the canal, although several groups did seem to go in circles at times and crash into the unmoving river bank. Thank goodness driving licences are for aged 17 and over!

The sea was raving mad today. Huge waves outback, currents pushing and pulling in every direction, but, fortunately, fun waves on the inside on low tide. There were a few sad faces on the beach before as the wind whipped cold cheeks with sand and salt, but once we were in, it was like seeing our 10-11 year olds as 5 year olds again: giggling as they splashed about on their boards, loving being in the elements.

Mountain boarding involved a 20 minute walk alongside the picturesque Bude marshes, home to a variety of local wildlife. Once we’d arrived in the hilly field and the arduous job of children getting their elbow, knee and wrist pads mixed up and strapped on the wrong body parts was over (not quite as bad as them getting their wetsuits on but close!), it was time to speed down the hill pulling off turns as well as falling off a good amount. Some ended up in hedges but everyone had fun and came back in one piece.

What a great day!

I can tell you that everyone is feeling a little tired now, adults included, but the fun won’t stop for us so we’ll just keep on smiling and being POSITIVE.