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Posted: 27th August 2022

Friday round the campfire!

We went out with a bang at the end of our week at Lambourne End with an afternoon roasting popcorn around the campfire.  Throw in a bit of bushcraft, a few songs and some chocolates for everyone and it signalled the end of a wonderful week at the farm and outdoor centre on the outskirts of Havering.

After the (much needed) rain the day before, we were back to sunshine and bright blue skies, which means that our early morning groups on the zip-wire had perfect weather for their 344 metre ride across the treetops.  This was followed up by the low ropes course over the water.  At first glance, it looks quite straightforward, but when you actually get on the ropes and logs, it's really tricky and we're delighted to report that none of our young people ended up in the water!

Meanwhile, all our young people were in the water over at the pool, where we had a double session of rafting, followed by kayaking.  As with most of our water activities, it generally ends in chaos, with everyone going into the water.  But no-one seemed to mind.

After lunch, it was a change of pace as we headed to the campfire to roast popcorn and reflect on a terrific first week at Lambourne.  Once again, our young people have surpassed expectations, tackling every challenge with enthusiasm, and testing themselves agaist all the obstacles that were presented to them. We've done several things that we've done before, like kayaking and archery and we've also attempted a few new things, most notably the rockets and zip-wire.  It's all about new experiences and of course, working together, supporting each other and improving those vital social skills.  

We wrapped up the week with presentations to the young people and a little memento of the week. Thanks must go to the staff and instructors at Lambourne, who were enaging and patient from that first morning and also to all the staff and volunteers who helped make the week go so smoothly.  In particular, our team leaders, the ever popular Poppy, Rebecca, Sammy, Dolapo and Shaun, without whom this would not be possible, and also to Debbie & Steve for putting the week together and ensuring that it went so well.

We always like to plan the week with a bank holiday at the end, so we have an extra day to recover.  And that's just for the staff!!