On a cool, autumnal morning, Year 6 arrived at school this Sunday ready for their week long school journey residential to Adventure Bude in Cornwall. All excited and many apprehensive, the children bustled on to the two coaches ready for their journey to the south west despite the coach company arriving at the wrong site. Slight concerns were voiced when we saw one of the bus drivers but after fears were allayed (and the adult was removed from the driver’s seat), the children waved goodbye to parents and Mrs Abrahams ready for a week to remember.
It wasn’t long into the six hour journey that ‘Livin’ on a Prayer’ began to echo around the coach; it was on the fourth encore that teachers quickly reached into the DVD selection. The sounds of SpongeBob SquarePants a welcome relief on this occasion – a first maybe.
Two or so hours in, we arrived at Sedgemoor Services where lunches were ravenously devoured and adults refuelled on coffee.
Back on the coach and with the wind behind us, it was smooth sailing to Bude. Rolling through the lush green countryside alive with the sounds of autumn was a treat for all but the adults who were fast asleep within seconds on the road. Arriving at 3.30pm at Adventure Bude was a successful journey by all accounts; no sick bags used – those travel sickness pills worked parents.
Congregating at the entrance, centre leader Macca introduced himself and his staff whilst also informing them of the highly anticipated dorm allocations – one group yelped in excitement but everyone was happy. The only exception was Mrs Power who quickly upgraded her suite at the expense of Mr Cadman who was ousted from his quarters.
After bags were unpacked, it was time to explore the centre and its vast array of activities and facilities. “This is going to be the best week ever,” cheered one child.
Dinner was eagerly received a 5pm: a choice of sausage rolls with chips, tomato pasta or cheese and onion quiche followed by ice cream – yum!
The children then split into eight groups and met their centre tutor for the week who will guide them through the adventures that lie ahead. Each tutor taking particular care in getting to know each child and any concerns or needs they may have.
A beautiful sunset to send us to sweet sleep. Or better yet, for the disco!
At the time of writing, the children continue to charge around the dance floor – some taking a more measured approach playing pool, football on the astro, chilling in the games room or watching a film on the TV. (The three class teachers currently flossing away to music that would offend most.)
Tomorrow promises to be a thrill with body boarding, team trail, climbing and high ropes awaiting…
Sleep well parents. Everyone accounted for. Everyone safe. Everyone VERY happy.
