Day 2

Good evening everyone,

After a full, exciting second day at Robinwood the children have finally settled down for our final night. The children have had an action packed day which included 7, yes 7 activities. The activities ranged from the very scary piranha pool to the high flying giant swing.

The day started at 7.45 when the night ninjas came round and woke the children, some needed more persuading than others. After packing the kit bags for the days activities it was down for breakfast. Cereal, sausages, bacon, toast, waffles and more were on offer for the children.

After finishing our breakfast it was onto our first activity, canoeing for Mountain team, climbing for Crag and zip wire for Ridge group. Lots of children stepped up to face even more fears and challenges, even though these were personal challenges they were supported superbly by their teammates. The support, encouragement and empathy shown by our children have stood out to Mike, Tommo and Jonny (our instructors) and are so impressed and can't believe they are working with 10 and 11 year olds.

2 more activities for each group to complete before the end of our morning sessions. Mountain had giant swing and the Dungeon of Doom; Crag had giant swing no canoeing whilst Ridge team piranha pool and climbing. Lunch time.

Ravioli on toast, spaghetti hoops on toast and a range of sandwiches were welcomed by the children after a busy morning. A chance to catch our breath before moving onto the afternoon activities.

The rain had started to fall but luckily enough Mountain group found themselves down the caves (indoor caves), Crag group found themselves talking a wet and muddy nightline and Ridge group braved the elements and took to the water for canoeing.

One of the most underrated activities followed 'Toilet Quest'. As between all activities the children have a quick pit stop to pick up some fruit, a drink of juice and go to the toilet. No time for a chat as it was straight on to our 5th and 6th activity for the day including the trapeze, archery, caving, climbing and crate challenge. The clock struck 6, dinner time!

Pizza, curry, sausage and mash and lasagne were on the menu for treat night. After an earlier visit to the tuck shop during the day the children could bring a drink and treat with them into dinner. The thought of eating with  29 children would terrify most adults after a busy day, but they don't have our year 6 class; their table manners are impeccable and it has been a delight to sit and share our meal times together.

Team challenge was our final activity for the day; quiz, games, disco, lots of fun and the teachers embarrassing sing themselves (I will let the children explain what we had to do when we get back home). Hot chocolate to finish the day. Tired faces and yawning children signalled bedtime. Good nights and hugs were given out as the children were sent to get ready for bed.

I know I might be repeating myself but the children have been SUPERSTARS! We are very proud of their positive attitudes, perseverance, stickability and behaviour. Unfortunately the wifi is not strong enough to upload the 100's of photos we have taken but as soon as we get back we will be uploading them to the class webpage.

Well it's home time tomorrow but another fantastic breakfast awaits at an earlier time of 7.50am as we still have another 3 activities before lunch. We are due to leave Robinwood at 2.20pm, with a toilet stop enroute we are expected back about 5pm, but this is very much dependant on traffic. We will keep in touch with school and they will pass on any news on our arrival time.

Well it's past our bed time and after 2 days away we need our beauty sleep especially the ladies in the group. Thank you all for your wonderful messages, poems and comments. The children love them and the smiles on their faces after reading them is priceless. Please continue to leave them on the blog and I will pass them onto the children throughout the day. A special shout out to Mr Kirkmans Limerick it made us all smile including the Robinwood staff!

Good night 😴😴
Mr E, Mrs Shaw, Mrs McCarney and Mrs Harkins

Day 1

WOW!
What a fantastic send off this morning (I can't believe that was only this morning).
The coach journey was great no one travel sick, lots of songs and jokes made for an enjoyable trip. Barry our driver was very impressed with our children's behaviour. GOLD STAR!

We arrived just before half 11 to what can only be described as a field in the middle of no where! The only sign of life were our very enthusiastic instructors who welcomed us with open arms.

Our first activity was the Moorland Challenge,  a gruelling 10 mile hike, only joking it was a brisk, wet 2 mile walk which allowed the instructors to get to know their groups and the teachers.

After arriving at the centre the children got to select their meals for the 3 days, pizza, pasta, curry, jacket potatoes and lots more on offer the children and staff were spolit for choice. It was then onto making their beds and packing their kit bags.

Unbelievably it was only 2pm. Onto our first activities which included night line, crate challenge and trapeze. The children all took part and gave it 100%. Then it was onto even more activities before stopping for our evening meal.

After the children had finished eating it was onto ever more activities, including caving, archery and zip wire in the DARK! A check of the watches and it was 9 pm. Hot chocolate time and review of the day.

9.30 bed time. The children were well and truly ready for their beds. No reminders were needed that a busy and exciting day was awaiting for them in the morning.

We are incredibly proud of the children's perseverance, courage and teamwork today and can't wait for tomorrow's activities.

Thanks for the comments already, I will share them with the children in the morning. Please keep them coming as it means a lot to the children.

Goodnight
Mr E, Mrs McCarney, Mrs Shaw and Mrs Harkins

Suggested Clothing List

With the Y6 trip to Robin Wood only a few days away, it’s important that your child brings suitable clothing. There is no need to go out and buy anything special, all specialist equipment is provided for the on-centre activities. Below is a suggested list of the clothing to bring:

• 3 T-shirts
• 3 Sweatshirts/(long sleeved) tops
• 3 Pairs of trousers
• 1 Pair of shorts
• 6 Sets of underwear
• 6 Pairs of socks
• 1 Pair of trainers (indoor use)
• 1 Pair of outdoor shoes/boots
• 2 Towels
• 1 Coat (ideally waterproof, required for walk to and from centre)
• 1 Warm hat/sun hat
• 1 Pair of gloves (cold weather)
• Suntan lotion/insect repellent (warm weather)
• 1 Set of nightwear
• 1 Bag of toiletries
• 1 Black bin liner

Please ensure that your child is dressed appropriately for an initial walk to the centre (Approximately 1.5 miles)