Hi everyone,

After our arrival yesterday, we met our leader Gareth and found out that we are the only school here until Wednesday so we've got the best accommodation. Brilliant!

Beds were made fairly quickly (some of the class' first challenge!) and then we were ready for our first activities.

One group got wet and muddy straight away in the caves - smiles all round; the other group became Robin Hood and tried archery. They now have another string to their bows (sorry, couldn't resist!) - special shout outs to Freya, who persevered and concentrated so hard even though she struggled at first, and to Brandon, who was in his element!

Then dinner - great choice of pasta or fajitas - most children even raided the salad bar. Celebrations were had for Jen's birthday - her cakes were absolutely delicious!!

After a little time for our dinners to go down, we were off to the pool. I had a whale of a time (and more importantly, so did the kids)! Floats, balls, disco music...what else could you want?

We had hot choccy before a story under duvets, then bed! Children settled quickly and are up and full of beans this morning. Grapefruit was a hit at breakfast!!

Currently they are making games and climbing Jacob's ladder. The only area they could possibly improve on is their shouting skills...their team chants need work. I'm sure by Friday there will be no stopping them!

Love from all at Kingswood :)

Bet you wish you were here!

Miss T, Mrs S, Mr J and Mr C

Good morning everyone,

It is a glorious day here and children are riding quad bikes before a visit to the beach - it is sunblock and shades as order of the day.

For any parents who have forgotten that delightful musty, fusty aroma of slowly rotting clothing, do not worry; it will all come flooding back (literally) when you open some of the suitcases on Friday. One or two have aired clothing but the majority of wet clothes, despite suggestions to the contrary, have been forcibly stuffed into bags ready for packing. No air and no chance of drying out. Enjoy!!!

However, to more important matters. We all had an amazing day with so much packed in and culminating with 'movie night' and a trip to the 'rip-off' shop to spend our pennies. At least they are learning about monopolies and supply and demand. The children slept through again with no disturbances at all. Today after the beach we have more adventures and tonight it is slick back hair time and prettiest frocks for the disco. The children are all moaning about where the time has gone and about coming home so quickly. Not heard the same from the teachers, but we have enjoyed the company of our lovely class so much.

Anyway I will try and send one more update.

Best wishes and love from all here.....

Mr S, Mr J and Mrs B

Hello from a very wet Kingswood but we hear that Nether Heyford is even wetter.

The difference being that we have been outdoors all day. We keep hearing that Norfolk folk have webbed feet and we think we know why!

Despite this everyone has taken part and morale has remained extremely high. Plenty of cheering and encouragement as everyone took on the challenges to the best of their ability.

So far we have completed more bush craft, more 'leaps of faith' and even more lazer and orienteering. The mission maker programmes are nearly ready to come back with us and our clothes are completely sodden.

Tonight is more activity before our much awaited visit to the beach tomorrow. We have packed extra sunblock just in case!

I can not believe how happy everyone is and I think they will be very sad to leave on Friday but pleased to get home to dry clothes and more sympathy than we can muster.

More news tomorrow.....

Mr S, Mr J and Mrs B

Good morning from a very wet Kingswood

The rain is heavy and incessant and much of today is outside! Luckily we changed the beach morning to tomorrow when it is supposed to be sunny.

Children have just completed the Leap of Faith and fencing. Congratulations to Isaac who was first to complete the entire task and successfully leap to the bar. Everyone reached the top but the rain meant it was very slippery when it came to the final section.

The sleep can only be described as quick and heavy last night. I am not sure about the children!! Actually they were asleep in minutes and many needed waking up at 7am today.

I will try and write again after the lazer and bushcraft this afternoon but do not hold up much hope for the firemaking.

Best wishes to everyone,

Mr Scanlan, Kim and Ben

A big hello from dry Kingswood.....

It has been a wonderful day. Some great successes up the outdoor climbing followed by some fabulous computer programmes and bushcraft wher the Bear Girls beat the Bear Gryls to create fire. The boys was more impressive though!

The children are eating for England and stayed for seconds again. It was pizza, spring rolls or Cornish pasty with wedges and vegetables or a combination at lunchtime.

Next is archery and fencing followed by tea and the pool party and deep sleep we anticipate.

Tomorrow is forecast rain all day so we will be briefing appropriate clothing but are not sure of the response. It could be a steep learning curve!

An update tomorrow morning.

Enjoy the peace, we will on Friday!

Mr Scanlan and team

Good morning from a beautiful Kingswood!

The weather has improved and so have the spirits. Today is definitely an outdoor day as we have no rain predicted. Tomorrow is no longer beach as it appears to be rain all day so we have moved that to Thursday.

As I speak the children are problem solving and high climbing. It is a very full day again with so much to keep everyone busy. At lights out they dropped off to sleep by 10pm and not a squeak until 7am. Everyone in very good spirits. They are all being kind, polite and well behaved as I would expect.

I will try and let you know how the day went later, but all is well at present and it seems to be so much fun for the children.

Best wishes from the Kingswood team.....

Mr Scanlan

Hello everyone from the coldest and wettest Kingswood on record.

For those who packed working waterproofs and plenty of layers - well done. For those who taught their child to wear said items when it is so cold wet and wintry (and that does not include many of you!) even better.

However I was very lucky as had some work to do this morning and by luck the sun came out just as I completed the work.

The children are having a great time in spite of, or even because of, the adversity and they are piling down the carb laden foods.

Tonight may not be as peaceful as last night but hopefully the day will make them extremely sleepy. We can hope!

So far today we have done - initiative test, more nightline and bouldering, caving, go karts, Jacob's ladder and tonight is possibly camp fire time.

Another update when I get a moment between coffees tomorrow.

All is well here so far.....

Mr Scanlan    

Hello everyone,

All well here in Kingswood except the weather. So far we have had.............torrential rain, sleet, snow, hail and a glimpse of the sun! Last night we took part in nightline and bouldering as well as murder detective with Mickey Mouse the victim.

All slept well from 10.30pm onwards. Kim and Ben say it is a record and the head should be there every year. Amazing what a few well phrased threats will do!

Today we have bouldering, caving, go karts, initiative test and a few other choice activities. The boys are the tidiest so far.

All the children tucked in well to beans and sausage with hash browns, fruit, cereal and yoghurt this morning....staff as well.

I will try and update as often as humanly possible - and the timetable allows.

The children all send their love and say they are missing you a bit but I am not sure this is the case with yourselves!

Best wishes from a freezing and very damp Kingswood,

Mr Scanlan, Mrs Bastin and Big Ben