Day 4
Well, where has the time gone? It's incredible to believe that our time in Trewern is coming to an end - it only feels like it have just begun. The children have all been incredible and have continued demonstrated the Godwin Values throughout the week. It has been so wonderful to see so many new friendships forming, children trying (and loving) all sorts of new foods and of course, everyone embracing and conquering all of the challenges they faced this week. The staff are hoping that we are returning 'new' children now equipped with a variety of new domestic and life skills.
In the morning, it was Group 1's turn to try gorge walking in Cusop Dingle. It may have been a little chilly but that did not dampen anyone's enthusiasm. They had a fantastic time trudging through the gorge and of course loved the natural rock waterslides. After returning to the centre for another lovely lunch, the group took to the indoor climbing wall. It was amazing to see how quickly they all progressed and it looked as though the room was filled with seasoned, professional climbers. The teamwork, patience and communication was a real sight to behold.
As for Group 2, it was their turn to explore the caves of Porth yr Ogof. Much like the groups before them, many of them were a little worried going into it. It probably didn't help that previous groups were warning them to look out for 'big hairy spiders' and other monsters. Once in the cave, they took part in the famous letter box, wormhole and a variety of other challenges. For many of the children in this group, this activity skyrocketed to the top of their list of favourite activities.
Group 3 found their internal mountaineers and scrambled their way through wind and snow to conquer Tympath mountain. As always, everyone's experience was slightly different so this group didn't quite get the same views as Group 1 on Tuesday but they did have a little more snow (which was an absolute highlight for many). While at the summit, the children pitched a mountaineering tent and all got to climb inside to be given the try mountain climbing experience.
For the evening activity, the children went on a short local walk to help decorate some Christmas trees at the local community centre with decorations they created before the far more exciting packing.
It has most certainly been a very memorable trip for everyone and the parents should be puffing their chests out with pride at how amazing their children have been - a true credit to their families. Now let's just hope the children maintain that and give the staff the gift of a good night's sleep!
Day 3
What a day of adventures we have had. All the children have been amazing at getting stuck in and trying all the activities, enjoying all the food and being incredibly organised. The Trewern staff have even commented on multiple occasions about how quickly the children are prepared in the mornings and how neat their bedrooms are.
Today it was Group 1's turn to venture underground and try caving. There were many nerves heading in but very quickly the children put those aside and focused on enjoying the experience. There was no coaxing or convincing needed as everyone completed all the challenges - including the famous letter box. It seems that the staff have now cracked it by just not telling the children it's the letter box until after they have completed it.
Group 2 took their turn to learn some forest skills. They worked together to create some 'interesting' shelters before learning how to start a fire and then enjoyed some campfire popcorn. After finishing their bush craft activities, they ventured up Twmpath mountain. Although they did not have the same clear venue as Group 1 did yesterday, they did get to experience some snow at the top. Well what they considered snow - Mr Moran felt otherwise.
Group 3 had their turn today at gorge walking in the morning. For many of the children in this group, this instantly became their favourite activity. With the wetsuits and other equipment, no body seemed to feel the temperature and loved every second of it. After the gorge walk, the children had the opportunity to show off their amazing teamwork in the indoor climbing wall.
In the evening, everyone had an opportunity to relax a bit and focus on catching up with our Trewern booklets.
It was another wonderful day and we can't believe that tomorrow is our last activity day. How has that happened already???
Day 2
And so ends our first full day of activities at Trewern. As mentioned yesterday, the children were quite good at going to bed last night but that did lead to a few early risers this morning. Fortunately, they weren't too early and they were just so excited to get their Trewern experience going!
Group 1 had two activities today and began with forest skills. During that activity, the children tried their hand at shelter building, they learned how to start a fire and even got to have some campfire popcorn - which was the highlight for most! Following a nice break for lunch, the group took to some mountain walking. They climbed all the way to summit of Twmpath in the Brecon Beacons (about 700 metres above sea level).
The day for Group 2 also consisted of two different activities. First, they braved the cold water and gorge walked through Cusop Dingle (straddling the English-Welsh boarder). For many of the children, it was a highlight they said would be hard to beat. They loved every second of it and did not want it to end! After the gorge walking, they worked together to develop their climbing skills in the indoor climbing centre.
Group 3 were the first to venture to Porth yr Ogof to experience some caving. As always, there were a few who were a little concerned about the caving but those fears quickly evaporated and were replaced with enthusiasm and excitement. Everyone loved it and took part in all the different activities - including the famous letter box.
After a lovely dinner, the evening activity was orienteering. With head lamps, the children were separated into small teams and had to work together to use maps of the centre to find specific locations.
Many people were concerned with the fact that this trip was in November however, the weather was quite lovely today with sunshine for the most of day and it hasn't stopped any of the children from having an incredible time. There is such a buzz around the centre looking forward to tomorrow's activities. Check back tomorrow to find up what we've been up to.
Day 1
Well that is Day 1 in the books. It's all been a little different arriving on a Monday today but as Mr Moran said to the children earlier, "Everyone's trip to Trewern is a little bit different." The children were absolutely fantastic today. They listened well, followed instructions and tried everything - it sure was amazing to see how many of them loved the soup at dinner.
Today has provided the opportunity for the children to try their hand at some photo orienteering and then enjoyed an amazing night walk around the local area.
The children were so excited and seemed to love it all. We also have never had a group go to sleep so quickly on the first night - guess there is something to be said for leaving at 8AM.
Tomorrow will be our first full activity day and everyone is filled with nothing but excitement.
We have arrived safe and sound! Please check back later today for some details on our first day.
Unfortunately not the ones with chocolate chips.
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