St Mary's Calne
The LIV had a fabulous time in Bude! We arrived on Sunday to a warm welcome from our instructors at Adventure Bude and, after unpacking and settling into our new dorms, we enjoyed a choice of activities: some football, a film night or a disco!
Following a pre-breakfast run or swim on Monday morning, the LIV went down into tunnels under the Adventure Bude building for a caving experience. It is certainly challenging to move head first through caves - some with vertical drops, twisting through the smallest of places; but everyone managed to overcome their fears and complete their own personal challenge - many loving every moment.
After lunch and a trip out for ice cream, the girls had a go at mountain boarding - snowboarding on grass. Those who are proficient at skiing, rollerskating or skateboarding had no trouble learning this new sport, others found it trickier but highly amusing when they started to head off piste into long grass and trees!
Tuesday was spent getting wet while completing a team trail which involved lots of teamwork, co-operation and negotiation. This was followed by an afternoon of body boarding. Unfortunately, the sea was very calm so there were no waves, but the instructors still made the activity fun by getting everyone to hold their boards in the sea as stepping stones for others to run across.
A beautiful coastal walk and tour of Bude was a highlight on Wednesday morning and the afternoon was spent doing some canoeing and having fun on the river.
Thursday was a climbing day: climbing to the summit of a 60ft wall and then abseiling down again and completing a high ropes course. There was then time for some speedy packing before getting ready for the prize giving ceremony. LIVE won Adventure Bude's ‘Superteam’ prize for gaining the highest points - awarded for team work and tidy dorms. Congratulations to Reirei for receiving the 'Bottle' prize for her bravery and resilience; Olivia for gaining the 'Joker' prize for laughing all week and keeping everyone's spirits high; and Ava and Mrs Thompson for being our Superstars: Ava completed all challenges brilliantly and was supportive to all; Mrs T completed her 33rd, and final trip, to Bude. The girls had been set an extra challenge by Mrs Muir to make this the best ever St Mary’s trip to Bude as the ultimate thank you to Mrs T… we think they smashed it!
Co-written by Mrs Muir and the LIV.