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North Camp, Week 2, 2018

Monday, 16th July

The children began their first day of week 2 North Camp with a hearty breakfast of delicious British crumpets and toast. Afterwards they partook in the iconic L&E tradition of morning dodgeball, in which a small tournament was established, and the children fought to take their team to the top. The children then chose one of three options for the morning activities, netball, den building, and papier mache balloon making.

Although it did start to rain (in typical English fashion), this didn’t dampen the spirits of our campers one bit, as the den builders raced to construct a shelter and the netballers fled to the sports hall, the activities continued without interruption. Campers partaking in our creative class got stuck into a messy session of papier mache, whilst others got to grips with friendship bracelets, the poor weather posed no obstacle! Those studying English braved the rain and ventured into Bedale for an exciting scavenger hunt

Having refilled our engines, the groups then chose their second activity of the day. Hockey was very popular, however somewhat overshadowed by an excellent scavenger hunt created by Harriet, where the children had to solve a riddle in order to get all the clues to find the hidden prize. The children in creative let their imaginations run wild when creating pompom hairbands and mysterious characters.

After a dinner of fish fingers and chips, the children prepared for arguably one of the best nights of camp (amongst others), icebreakers! The campers were split into teams in order to take on a series of exciting and hilarious icebreakers, which ultimately ended with determined campers yelling ‘chubby bunny’ in an attempt to win the final game. After a great evening, the campers settled down with hot chocolate before bed, concluding the first day of north camp week 2.

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Tuesday, 17th July

With a hearty British classic of bacon ‘sarnies for breakfast, some very energised campers with made their way over to the sport’s hall to commence the morning with an exhilarating game of dodgeball. The tutors verses campers match saw the tutors quickly annihilated, soon realising that winning against 72 campers is quite the challenge! The day opened with scuba diving, which continued throughout the day to ensure that all campers got the chance to snorkel with the infamous Scuba Steve. Those partaking in creative embarked on an incredibly enthusiastic session of karaoke, accompanied by some gorgeous solos and choreographed dances. Those opting for adventure got involved with some archery (a special shout out to Sara who scored a perfect bull’s eye!) which proved very popular. Regardless of some rainy outbursts in the morning, sport continued with a game of five aside football in the sports hall which resulted in sweaty faces all around!

With another stereotypically British meal of beef stew, our campers returned to their afternoon activities. Scuba diving continued, whilst some sunny outbreaks allowed for a fantastic game of tennis for those opting for sport. The creative session ran with a variety of options – continuing papier mache, creating photo frames and ‘ancient’ art pieces fashioned into treasure maps, there was an option for everyone! Activities were concluded with some free time in the pool, exhibiting some fabulous pool-acrobatics and water fights.

Evening activities consisted of a warm up game of catch the flag and a series of competitive team games, prior to our greatly anticipated weekly campfire! Having chanted some of our campfire classics, groups took to the stage to perform, many of which featuring national anthems, whilst others sung solo pieces, seeking reward for some coveted marshmallows. With marshmallows toasted, and hot chocolates finished, our very happy campers go to sleep content and tired after yet another busy day at North Camp, in anticipation for the fun to be had tomorrow.

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Wednesday, 18th July

As we come to half way through week 2, the new campers have really settled in to life at L&E, tried lots of new activitities and found new friendships. After the jolly singalongs at last night’s campfire the kids woke up bright and full of energy ready to take on another day of fun. Fueled by boiled eggs and toast, dodgeball got everyone working together before splitting off for morning activities.
Creative was outdoor chalk drawings and we added lots of colour to the basketball court and walls. The sport option was rugby and with an enthusiastic bunch of campers, the game was very close. We had a delicious adventure option onsite, making muffins in oranges on the campfire, and as it was so popular we offered it again in the afternoon. The English group also had a chance to bake after discussing food, restaurant role play and exploring menus – their jam tarts were scrumptious!
With canoeing an option in both morning and afternoon lots of campers had the chance to give it a go – some for the first time. We had a slalom course, a couple of games of water polo and even sang head, shoulders, knees and toes while standing and jumping in the canoes. We had a couple of kids falling/jumping out and we all went swimming at the end before heading back for lunch.

Filling up on bangers and mash, salad and fruit the campers then had a little free time before afternoon activity choices. After the horse riders and canoeists set off and the campfire was relit the rest of the camp had a choice between sport and creative. Ultimate frisbee was the sport option with just the right amount of competive spirit to keep it interesting. For creative, the campers were also up and about with a dance session then a yoga class. They were taught a piece of choreogphy, some floor work and had the chance to freestyle and work in pairs. The yoga session left our brains and bodies feeling calm and rested with some giggles when our balances didn’t quite work out. With some free time before dinner, lots of the campers chose to go to the pool to squeeze in a little more fun before a dinner of pasta and garlic bread, with most going for seconds.

After a very physical day, we were happy that movie night gave us a chance to chill out in our pjs. With this week’s theme being Spy Games, our movie of choice was ‘Johnny English’, which the campers thought was hilarious. It was soon time for hot chocolate and a good nights sleep ready for tomorrow’s adventures.

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Thursday, 19th July

This morning we had breakfast as normal at 8:15 followed by a game of dodgeball between 9 and 10 am, to warm us all up for the days activities. The sport activity for this morning was waterpolo which was held at the swimming pool. A group went out rock climbing as the mornings adventure activity, and the rest of the adventurers played a game of capture the flag and the creative group had a morning of nature art. This concluded the morning activities before lunch.

The afternoon activities consisted of a second group going out rock climbing for the adventure activity, and the rest of the adventure group going out to do some tree climbing. A small group of 8 had an afternoon of football out on he field which was very enjoyable session even though the number of players were limited. The waterslide was a whirlwind ride of opportunity and adventure which was run by a few of the camp tutors while the rest prepared for the evenings theme night.

The theme of this week was ‘Spy Night’ and was a huge evening event which took place at various stations around the school. We had a number of mysterious yet fun and energetic games and activities set up by our L&E staff. Games like, Water balloon target practice, Interrogation room and a small casino where the campers could bet skittles on the games they played. Tonight was a great success for all the staff and campers and there was no better way to end the night with a cup of hot chocolate in the dining hall with the whole group before bed after an exhausting day.

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Friday, 20th July

What a day to finish off the second week of Learn & Experience North camp! It has been an epic week with plentiful laughter and kindness at the abundance.

Can’t be more proud of the group of young people that have attended this week. They have risen above all tasks and taken on activities like absolute professionals.

We started the day with a wholesome cooked breakfast, a select few were picked to go on the outdoor adventure to Brimham where they were able to clamber across rocks and be true outdoor explorers.

While they were away the others were able to let loose in the dodgeball hall. Some for the last time.

Then teams were split, one for creative to create masterpieces of art and crafts! The others were sent out to fiercely battle on the rounders pitch!

Lunch was consumed and the everyone joined in to feast on a rather quality spread of cooked food and salad.

Soon enough, after some free time, we regrouped as a whole to see which group could create the ultimate bin bag extraordinaire outfit. A catwalk was set out and 7 fabulous looking individuals strutted their stuff in their bin bag masterpieces. Finally Albane and Fergus were the winners with their strut and truly creative outfits!

Everyone sat around for what was the final supper for many, afterwards packing their bags and preparing their Oscar outfits!

It was an excellent evening!! Oscars took off with a wham and a bam.
Music – Fergus
Kindest – Theo
Helpful – Nina
Creative – Elise
Happiest – Paul
Sports – Sven
Adventure – Alexandre
Rising star – Karol
Star -David

We had a trio of gymnastics, a piano recital by Zoe, the polish national anthem (lead was Karol, taking a magnificent stand whilst backed by a dozen enthusiastic fellow campers), Zoe-Marie lead a French solo, Fergus and Simon lead a chant!

We finished the evening with a quality montage of the week in photos and videos and a raving disco where the campers were cutting shapes and showing their skills!

Hot chocolate and off they all went to bed with high spirits!

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Weekend

This weekend the L&E North Camp, happy campers travelled to Whitby. A lovely countryside town where the streets a lined with fish and chips shops and old sweet shops, with ice cream stalls dotted in between. It was a cloudy but warm day and the children roamed the streets enjoying what the town had to offer. Some of them braving to feel the temperature of the sea and others climbing the 199 steps to get a panoramic view of the town.

In the evening the campers settled in with some popcorn to watch The Avengers and then it was hot chocolate and bed.