Wow, what an incredible week we have had here in Y5! It’s not every school day that you get the chance to become a survival superstar, a terrific trekker or an archery extraordinaire!
After a delicious first meal, the ‘night-line’ was our first endeavour! Scaling through the treacherous forest in the dark of night, Y5 worked so well together, shouting advice and instructions to help the team members behind them. We all escaped unscathed (yes…even Mrs Quinn) and unharmed by the ‘drop-bears’.
‘We all had to work together so we could get through to the end. It made me feel really proud of my achievements!’ – Ewan.
When morning came, after a much needed sleep, a lovely breakfast and prayer time in the Earth Room, we set off on our first activity. Over the course of our stay, each group (either Pugin, Talbot, Kenelm and Scahill) participated in 3 activities- 2 on Tuesday and 1 before leaving on Wednesday. Each activity was met with excitement, strength and perseverance, whether trekking, archery, adventure course or survival. Many laughs were had each time someone slipped face first into the mud or lost their shoe in a swamp but one thing was so very striking- there was not one complaint from our little explorers, only positivity and everyone rallying round to help unstick that shoe or give a helping hand to pull someone from a puddle.
“Whenever someone was struggling or needed help, everyone just pulled together to be a friend” -Regina
Y5 conquered their fears, made new friends, said ‘Yes!’ to new opportunities and experiences and truly became closer as a group. During activities, there was a reflective meditation linking to the stories and teachings of Jesus. We learned how these teachings and messages could relate into our lives today which is often a difficulty when we are so wrapped up in our own busy minds.
“I just have to tell you that this is one of the best things that has happened to me. I’ve had the time of my life!” -Stefan.
From this point onward, we hope to continue to grow throughout year 5, personally and spiritually as we learn from the experiences we have had at Alton Castle and become the best version of ourselves that we possibly can. Even if we are traumatised by what teachers look like in the morning!
Photos of Alton Castle will be following shortly!
Now…..let’s get ready for St Patrick’s Coffee Morning!
The fun never stops here in Y5!
