Sayers Croft 8th - 12th August 2008
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In the Summer 2008 holidays fourteen Moor House School students took part in a project called "Building Confidence and Communication by Overcoming Physical and Social Challenges". The students were chosen from between Years 8 and Year 11, and spent five days at Sayers Croft Field Centre in Ewhurst, Surrey, under the supervision of Mr. Hart and Miss Jane Davies.
Yet again, the British sun proved hard to find with the weather being quite cool and rainy, but this did not actually matter too much as with all the physical exercise we did, nobody had a chance to get cold, though many of the students did end up soaked to the skin, as seen in our first activity of the week - raft building.
The students were divided into two teams and given the task to make a working raft out of some wooden pallets, some air-filled barrels, and some rope. We immediately began to see some good teamwork with all students having a chance to contribute their ideas, and showing that some jobs really are easier when shared. The finished rafts were, without doubt, the best rafts I have seen students build at Sayers Croft, although this did not stop certain students accidentally on purpose falling into the muddy lake. Clark enjoyed the first full-body dip into the water, soon followed by Miss Davies, and Ken showed what best friends are really for when he gently tipped raftmate Ellis overboard. Tom B. made it to the island and back, Romany succeeded in a tour around the island despite initial concerns, thus facing (and completing) the first of many challenges.
After dinner, we worked in pairs to navigate the blindfold trail; with one person's eyes covered by blacked-out goggles, their partner had to talk them through a series of obstacles involving tyres, trees and tunnels. This is a real test of teamwork and communication skills - both speaking and listening - and Tom G. and Clark stood out as being a particularly good team here. The evening finished off with some games in the hedge maze, followed by movies and hot chocolate back at our cabin.
On Tuesday morning, the students faced their first big test of bravery so far - first, rock climbing on the 10 metre high artificial wall, then abseiling down the vertical drop on the other side. Every single person showed bravery here, but particular mention must be made about James, Hong and Romany, all of whom were nervous at first but summoned the courage to confront their fears and give this challenge a go.
Later in the afternoon, we went on a 5 mile hill walk to local viewpoint Pitch Hill, guided by the students themselves using maps and compasses. Parts of this walk were very steep and tiring, but the view at the end was worth it, especially with the view of local Dunsfold Aerodrome where the Top Gear racing track is located! Kane and Tom B. raided the blackberry bushes and then practised camouflage techniques within them, while Louise tried to work out the direction of Sayers Croft from the summit.
In the evening we had a nature talk from Graham Cornick, a local wildlife expert who brought a few amazing specimens of his own, including a barn owl, a snowy owl, and two ferrets which nearly found their way up George's trouser legs. Fortunately they decided against it, allowing George to breathe a sigh of relief, especially as he had already learned that ferrets are known for having extremely powerful jaws!
Wednesday morning saw the students once again facing physical challenges, this time on the High Ropes course. Certain students confirmed the long-standing fears of staff by demonstrating an uncanny similarity to monkeys as they scrambled nimbly from element to element. Bradley faced his fears on the rope swing, and Kane showed absolute fearlessness on the final and hardest part of the course.
After lunch, we headed off in the minibus for an afternoon on the lake. Students had the opportunity to try both canoes and kayaks, and much fun was had playing games on the water, splashing around and occasionally capsizing - especially as the sun showed its face to warm things up. Connor showed an unfortunate accuracy in targeting staff members with inflatable balls, while Romany took things at a calmer pace and put her trust in Miss Davies to keep her dry… mission accomplished!
Thursday morning saw us take a break and spend some time outside of Sayers Croft, as we went to Cranleigh - officially the smallest village in the country - to stock up on supplies. It was very encouraging to see the students generalising the social skills and lifeskills they have been working on in new and unfamiliar situations, with all students impressing staff with their sensible and safe behaviour.
In the afternoon we set out for Guildford with canoes and kayaks in tow, where we spent an afternoon paddling up and then down the River Wey. Although none of the students are ready quite yet for the 2012 Olympic Games, the experience certainly whetted a few appetites to become more involved in these sports. Well done to Hong who, despite some early nerves, proved his ability in a canoe - although he did have a nasty encounter with some nettles (well done for taking it like a man!).
Our final evening saw the traditional campfire, complete with some very original ghost stories, thanks largely to Clark, George and Bradley. Students toasted marshmallows and made 'smores' with melted chocolate, and Ellis conducted a science experiment to discover whether toasted sweets taste better than raw sweets. The general view seemed to be that more research of this type is clearly necessary. As darkness set in, an inspired game of Cops and Robbers on the nearby field took part, before students returned to the firelight to talk about their favourite parts of the week.
The final morning dawned bright and fresh as we set off for the last activity of all - the fearsome ZIP WIRE. After getting harnessed up, students must climb nearly 20 metres up a tree, firstly by going up a ladder, and then by going up iron footholds stapled into the tree trunk, before clambering onto a platform that seems about the size of a postage stamp. Once they have been safety checked and clipped onto the guide wire, participants are expected to launch themselves off this platform… into thin air. It is not for the faint of heart!
Some considerable bravery is necessary to even attempt this, so well done to all the students for making it at least halfway up the ladder! Most students succeeded in completing it; special mention is due to Graham, who showed tremendous courage by psyching himself to overcome the fears he showed in his first unsuccessful attempt, and who managed to complete the activity on his second go.
After all the above activites - and some others that there hasn't been time to mention, including archery, woods orienteering, giant games, the thunderstorm nightwalk, and Peggle - the students returned home on Friday afternoon exhausted but in good spirits - which is the way it should be.
Thanks must go to our Sayers Croft Group Leader, the ever patient Nick Fairbrother, and also to John who has assisted us with the canoeing and kayaking for four years in a row now, as well as numerous other Sayers Croft staff members, not least centre director David Quoroll.
Thanks are also due to my co-leader, Jane Davies (STA), and of course to Surrey County Council who helped to fund the activity.
Nick Hart
Teacher and Visit Coordinator