Last week, our Year 5 pupils embarked on a fantastic camping trip to Penshurst Place. The three days were filled with adventure, learning, and plenty of fun – even if the weather didn’t always cooperate!
The itinerary was packed with brilliant team building activities, including wilderness first aid training, shelter building, fire lighting, camouflage, and saving their teachers from a plane crash! They all challenged themselves in some way and it was lovely to see them supporting their peers. They loved making homemade pizzas in the pizza oven and filleting a salmon, which they later enjoyed eating after it had been cooked on the campfire. The evenings were filled with laughter and music as they learnt a delightful selection of camp songs and games. A particular favourite was the catchy ‘Bungalow’ song – if you haven’t heard it yet, ask your daughter to sing it for you! Spending quality time in their bell tents was a particular highlight (once they had got rid of all the spiders) and they had great fun sleeping under the stars for two nights.
They boarded the coach home with smiles on their faces and the smell of bonfire in their hair. Not only had the girls made lasting memories, but their few days in the forest had encouraged greater independence and a willingness to overcome challenges, putting them in great stead for the rest of Year 5. Here’s to many more outdoor adventures ahead!
Here are a couple of Year 5’s favourite moments from the trip:
“I loved making our own pizzas! Some people wanted it cut ‘barbarian’ style and the more we screamed the more Jade (the camp leader) sliced it! I also liked it when we roasted marshmallows and made s’mores which we ate with hot chocolate by the campfire.” Maisy
“My favourite part of the camping trip was when we made bracelets out of paracord and pencils out of wood. I liked playing the game ‘Where’s My Monkey?’, it was so much fun!” Reeva
Mrs Bartlett and Mr Trueman, Year 5 Class Teachers
