This year, our Year 6 children visited Marrick Priory Outdoor Education Centre near Richmond for three days of action-packed outdoor adventures. It was fantastic to see the children find their way around the Centre very quickly and literally leap into their first activities head first.
The children arrived early on the Monday eager to begin and surprisingly took to their first challenge (making their own beds and unpacking) with unexpected enthusiasm! After a quick lunch on the grass outside, the children headed straight off in one of three activity groups to complete a variety of outdoor activities from rock climbing and zip lining to abseiling and archery. They showed great team spirt, bravery and determination and it was fantastic to see so many children trying out lots of new activities, learning new skills and conquering fears. The evening activity on their first night was the ‘Night Line’ where children had to work together and communicate to complete a range of challenges in complete darkness.
After an early wake up, the children tucked into a full cooked breakfast before heading off in their activity groups for their second day of activities. Throughout the day, each group drove out to a local reservoir and had a splashing time putting their canoeing skills to the test. They even had time to squeeze in a quick dip in the lake before returning to the Centre once they had dried out slightly. The evening task o n the second night involved learning how to create their own camp fires and most importantly, how to roast the perfect marshmallow. There was just enough time left for the tuck shop and a quick game of Residential Bingo before bed.
On the final day, the children we up once again bright and early to tidy their rooms and pack up their things. After breakfast the children again headed out to undertaking their remaining activities and also got to take on the low ropes course where they all showed great team work, supporting each other through a wide range of obstacles. After a sunny lunch outside on the grass, it was sadly time to leave when the bus arrived for the journey home. A huge well done to all the children who attended this year’s visit. It was really fantastic to see all the children developing their skills and confidence, even in such a short space of time and we’re sure they will all have created some very special memories which they will take with them as they soon move on to secondary school.
Take a look at the pictures below of what they got up to…
Day 1:
Day 2:
Day 3: