Residential Visit to Hindleap Warren Activity Centre 2008

From Monday March 31st to Friday April 4^th our Year 9 pupils took part in a week of activities based at Hindleap Warren, a centre deep in the heart of Ashdown Forest. They were accompanied by members of staff: Rob Mayes, Matt Crowhurst and Liz Nimmo who were there the whole week, Sam Thomas (Mon. to Wed.) and Debbie Clark (Wed. to Fri.). Some other members of staff visited us at various times during the week, notably Duane Mackwood, Hilary Dobbie, Nick Hart and Jane Davies.

Though we went a little earlier than last year, we all thought that it was an agreeable way to spend the last week of the spring term. March certainly wasnt going out like a lamb and the start of the week was a bit cold and damp. By the end, though, we were basking in sunshine and, on some of the High Adventures, you certainly felt that you were that bit closer to the sun! The earlier wet weather, however, meant that the black, sticky stuff much loved by Hindleap devotees was much in evidence

 

The students were faced with some very challenging activities during the course of the week. Many of these were physically demanding, climbing trees and walls, negotiating obstacle courses, archery and walking through large tracts of the forest. The Forest Adventure included going through a number of tunnels (invariably wet and muddy) and wading through a section of the waterways that run their course through the grounds of the centre. There were, additionally, a number of tasks that were mentally taxing: map reading and orienteering, working as a team to solve a variety of problems posed by the instructors etc. The children also learnt a great deal about the flora and fauna of the forest and sustainable development. A new activity this year saw us Pond Dipping and notwithstanding the competitive element displayed by the group as to how many minibeasts they could relocate, we all now can recognise the difference between common, palmate and great crested newts!

 

The response of the students to these challenges was superb and they were complimented on many occasions by the Hindleap staff as to their spirited approach and determination. For much of the week, our time was spent outdoors and the combination of fresh air and exercise fostered healthy appetites. The students enjoyed the excellent food that was on offer and were usually first in the queue when second helpings were available.

 

It was an excellent week in which the students learnt a great deal in particular how to work together and how to overcome fears. They came back very tired but with a real sense of achievement. As for the staff, they were left to contemplate how much of the holiday it would take to recover!

 

 

 

Rob Mayes