Well that is another spectacular trip to Trewern in the books. What a wonderful adventure it has been for everyone! Here’s hoping that the coach journey back brings some relaxation and peace and quiet for the staff!
We should arrive back around the end of the school day but the office will update you when we are closer with a more precise arrival time.
Thank you to everyone who has followed the blog and I hope you enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed sharing our adventures with you.
It is so hard to believe that we are here already. Where has the time gone? It was another beautiful day here at Trewern and aside from one quick thunderstorm on Monday evening, the weather has been spectacular.
This morning, everyone woke up (eventually) and has done everything they could to make the most of their final day. We have had another amazing day with a wide range of activities that were embraced by all.
Today it was Group 1's turn to venture underground into the caves of Porth yr Ogof (no that is not a spelling error). There was some initial trepidation on the part of the children but within minutes that melted away and everyone was throwing themselves into every crevice and tunnel. It really was quite amazing how some children were 'terrified' at the beginning and then begging to take the lead within minutes. Virtually everyone took a trip through the famous letter box and completed a wide range of other challenges and games. What an incredible example of resilience and determination from all the children once again.
Much to Mr Ferguson's excitement, it was - finally - Group 2's opportunity to try the stand-up paddle boarding. It quickly became the favourite activity for almost all the children in the group. They completed some challenges paddling down the River Wye before seeing who could stay on the paddle boards the longest. It was quite clear that they all wanted to 'loose' and enjoy a refreshing dip in the river. Upon returning to the centre, Group 2 also had their turn at the famous Muddy Puddle. Everyone put in an incredible effort and several children actually made it to the other side (which is an incredible feat given how much larger the puddle is from last year).
Group 3 had there turn on on the BMX track today. Although it has been said many times, the determination and resilience was on display from all the children. There were challenges for many who did not know how to ride a bike but everyone embraced the challenge putting forth their best effort and they loved every second of it. Following the BMXing, the children then had an opportunity to try a homemade slip and slide. It was amazing talking to the children afterwards and many of them put this simple activity down as one of their favourites.
This evening, the children will be tidying, packing and getting to experience the low ropes course here at Trewern. There is still an awful lot of excitement and attempts to make the most of the last few fleeting moments here at the centre.
It certainly has been another incredible trip this week. The children have been excellent examples of Godwin students and are a credit to their parents/guardians. I am sure they cannot wait to get home and share all their stories of the different adventures and excitement this week.
Wednesday dip? What Wednesday dip? Usually many children really struggle due to tiredness on the Wednesday but that was certainly not the case today. Although there were some tired faces this morning, the excitement of new adventures clearly took over. Once again, the children were wonderful. They worked so well together and demonstrated an excellent level of determination and resilience.
Group 1 began their day on the BMX track. It really was a sight to behold that within a few minutes 10 of the 12 riders were so capable that they were moved straight onto the track and they completed the circuit multiple times. There were a few falls but every time the child rose with a smile determined to get back on. The other two children, who had not ridden a bike before, worked so hard and managed to learn to ride within a matter of hours - the level of perseverance really was something special. After BMXing, the group ventured into the forest to try some shelter building, fire making and even got to have some lovely campfire popcorn - yum!
Group 2 overcame their initial worries and went caving - they all loved it! It has been quite interesting speaking to many of the group members as they were honest about their initial concerns but the encouragement and support of their peers gave them the courage to try all the challenges and by the end, they were all desperate to be first to try every element of the cave.
It was gorge walking and indoor climbing for Group 3 today. Instantly, gorge walking rocketed to the top of the activities for many of the children in this group. They absolutely loved the challenges presented, the opportunity to be leaders and of course the natural rock slides. There is little doubt that Miss Foley's excitement and enthusiasm (as a first time Trewerner) also helped to inspire the children and the gorge walking was loved by all. Following that activity, the children continued to develop their teamwork when working together to achieve new heights during their indoor climbing sessions.
This trip has again demonstrated how wonderful it can be for developing children's independence as well as showing them the benefits of moving outside of their comfort zone. The staff have continually remarked how much the children seemed to have 'grown up' in just a few days.
Although you can never predict the future, it feels a safe bet that the children will once all be shining stars tomorrow. There is little doubt that they will embrace the fact that it will be their final day and will all certainly work together to make the most of it.
Yesterday, we spoke about the fact that the children were so excited that they did not get much sleep. That was certainly not the case last night. Tuckered out from their first full day of activities, the children were great at going to bed on time and many of them even had to be woken by members of staff this morning.
Today was another incredible day filled with new experiences, terrific teamwork and all the children trying so many new things.
It was Group 1's turn today to venture into the indoor climbing wall before experiencing some wonderfully refreshing gorge walking. The teamwork and communication skills during the climbing were amazing. The children were very patient and so encouraging of each other. Everyone pushed themselves and achieved all the challenges that were set for them. After that hard work, it was time for some gorge walking through the Dulas Brook. This only proved again how much this group love the water and the gorge walking is the highlight for many of them so far.
BMX and forest skills were on tap for Group 2 today. The morning began with everyone on the small track to assess their riding skills and very quickly almost all of them were moved onto the more challenging BMX track. It was quite amazing to see the progress the children made with the vast majority completing a whole track (a real rarity). After BMX, the group ventured into the forest to try their hand at some shelter building, fire making and even had the opportunity to make some fresh camp fire popcorn - delicious.
Rounding out the daytime activities, it was Group 3's turn to try the stand up paddle boarding. Initially, some of them were a little apprehensive but it was not long before everyone was challenging themselves and having an amazing time. The Group did work together as well to give Miss Foley a real Trewern initiation by making sure they dumped her into a river - it happens to us all!
The evening has brought another great meal where all the plates were cleared before the children got to explore the grounds with some challenging orienteering.
So far, everyone has been absolute stars. They are working so well with each and everyone is trying everything. Another great day is almost in the books and tomorrow we will all be working hard to avoid the dreaded 'Wednesday dip'.
Well day one is winding down and it certainly has been eventful. The children were so excited upon arrival last night that it was a bit of challenge to get everyone to sleep. Many of them also decided to wake up at the break of down as well full of enthusiasm and - well - noise.
We were very fortunate with the weather today as the storms held off until the exact moment we had all returned to the centre and managed to complete our day's activities. There is still the slight rumble of some thunder but the forecast for the next days is lovely so it looks like we have seen the worst of it and it has not affected any activities.
Today the groups took part in a real smorgasbord of activities with Group 1 being the first Godwin children to try stand up paddle boarding (or SUP) as well as the legendary 'Muddy Puddle'. Group 2 went gorge walking and climbing. Group 3 really surpassed all expectations crawling through the Welsh caves.
Group 1 were due to go canoeing but upon the recommendation of the Trewern staff, we tried stand up paddle boarding instead - what an incredible experience it was. Not only did the children learn some new paddling skills, they also really developed their teamwork and had an absolute whale of a time in the river Wye. Many children were not quite able to stand up and paddle for long as they kept 'falling in'. They certainly enjoyed paddle boarding but they loved just playing in the river more then anything. Well that and dumping Mr Moran off his paddle board. They then moved on to complete the 'Muddy Puddle' and we had several children almost make it (nobody ever does).
Gorge walking and indoor climbing were the activities for Group 2. The members of staff working with Group 2 were shocked at how incredible they were. Not only did they support each other through all the challenges but they also showed an incredible level of enthusiasm for all the activities. Many children took leadership roles during the gorge walking activities, demonstrated patience and communicated very well with the rest of their team. The communication skills also really shone through during the climbing and belaying activities.
It is safe to say that the surprise group today was Group 3. It was their day to go caving and there was some apprehension going into the activity however the children took to it straight away. Everyone took part in all the different elements (including the dreaded letter box) with a huge smile and almost had to be dragged out of the caves as they were enjoying themselves so much.
Once back the centre, the children had dinner where everyone ate everything! It really was quite astounding but they certainly had worked up an incredible appetite. The day will finish with some problem solving activities before a short visit to the tuck shop and then bedtime. I know that the staff are certainly praying the children fall sleep a little quicker tonight.
What a wonderful first day it has been and we are all very much looking forward to doing it all again tomorrow!
We have arrived safe and sound!
Let the adventure begin!!!
Check back later for more updates - lots to do now.
We haven’t arrived yet but we are certainly enjoying the journey!!!
Unfortunately not the ones with chocolate chips.
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