Only two weeks into Year 6 and our three classes of children arrived at school on Monday morning weighted down by baggage that certainly wouldn’t meet Easyjet’s overhead cabin restrictions filled with excitement about the week ahead. Our young adventurers were going on an adventure of a lifetime. Five days of fun-filled action in Bude, north Cornwall.

Cruising down the M4 with the sun’s smile upon us, after three hours, we stopped at Taunton services to refuel our bodies.

Energised by our sandwiches (and of course sushi and houmous made an appearance), Bon Jovi’s ‘Livin on a Prayer’ rang out: “We’re half way there.”

By 3.30pm, we arrived at our new home for the week and were greeted by the friendly staff. The most exciting news (room allocations) was shared, to resounding cheers of satisfaction. Shortly after suitcases were ‘carefully’ dumped in the middle of rooms, groups met their instructors for the week who will support them in navigating physical, mental and emotional challenges – teamwork will be key.

It was also an opportunity for some of our staff team to visit the beach.

At 5.30pm, it was time for dinner and roast chicken and caramel pudding was eagerly devoured by all.

After food, it was time for an array of choices: football, karaoke, movies or relaxing. There were prizes for the best karaoke but Mr Cadman’s rendition of the Backstreet Boys was left remarkably unrewarded.

At 9pm, everyone gathered to hear the story the largely unknown Australian creature, the chuzwoza, who overcame remarkable challenges but was able to find its moment to shine. Whatever we feel, this moment comes to all of us at some point – our moment to shine.

Finally, before heading up to bed, Reverend Donna shared an evening blessing. She told us that her grandmother had said “You are never nearer to God than in the garden,” reminding us that in this period of Creationtide we can be close to God when amongst his most beautiful masterpiece that is nature. Donna urged us to enjoy the fun of the week, of playing and laughing with friends, but, as the sun’s glow disappeared behind the ocean, “to let the beauty of this place sink in.”