Year 6 Residential 2017: River Dart Expedition
When and where? Dates 12 th -14 th July 2017. Young Spirit Camp next to the river Dart
Balcombe camp is a own woodland camp on the Raleigh Estate near Dartmouth. We have exclusive use of the camp which consists of: A main lodge that can seat 30 with wood burning stove and kitchen. 3 main sleeping huts - large sturdy canvas topped cabins. Two log cabins for school staff with 3 bunks each. 2 substantial toilet cabins with efficient composting loos. Outside seating and group area and plenty of room to roam. The camp is set in a large private forest. It offers a wilderness like environment yet with amenities to make your stay more comfortable and good access to roads and services.
Day one: Meet in Dittisham. Luggage is collected and driven to camp. The children will navigate to camp. Walk though Dittisham village, then steeply up on to quiet footpaths, summiting Fire Beacon Hill, then descending back to the river and finally to camp. Arrive at camp, briefing, prepare camp and settle in. There 4 cabin tents for children (Oak, Ask, Holly and Hazel). They can sleep around 8 children each. The children use poles ropes and tarps to create a sturdy entrance porch for their tent. The camp needs water so the group will take our Canadian canoes and paddle up Old Mill Creek to find the water barrels where they have been left on Freshwater Beach. The water is transported back to camp. Bush craft session - wild cookery, fire making, possibly knife work and woodland craft. We will create pizzas from scratch using the method invented and developed by Young Spirit. We will also search for wild ingredients for a bush craft stew. After dinner, play games and explore. As darkness falls we can sit round the fire and entertain ourselves. You may wish to bring song sheets, musical instruments or a story book. Our staff do love to be entertained (we may even join in)! Wash and bed. We have good washing and teeth-cleaning facilities plus ample hygienic composting toilets.
Day Two: After a cooked breakfast we begin our challenge day, when we learn about ourselves, the people around us and the wider world. Each child will have the opportunity to try: high ropes I4m tree climb, waterfall and gully scramble, wet and dry challenges, problem solving and team activities. Plus a few surprises along the way! Instructors prepare an evening meal followed by an evening wildlife walk. Finishing the day with drinks around the fire and more entertainment! Wash and bed.
Day Three: Breakfast and preparations for the journey back. Review, reflection, celebration and reward Home cooked popcorn, marshmallows, chocolate fondue and a chance to try the 70m zip wire! Break the camp and clear the site. After lunch we set out to walk a short route back to meet the transport. Leave for home at around 1.30pm
Kit List Clothes to wear on arrival Trousers, jogging bottoms or similar preferably not jeans x 1 (maybe shorts!!!) T-shirt x1jumper/ fleece x1 Socks x1 Suitable boots or trainers with good soles. In a bag suitable for carrying, e.g. small rucksack Sun cream Warm hat or sun hat Packed lunch. Drinks bottle Waterproof coat (and trousers if possible)
Kit List Bedding, overnight and camping kit Packed and sealed in a separate soft bag, rucksack or thick double bin bags and labelled 2x pair trousers, 2x T-shirt, 2x warm top, 2x pair socks. Underwear Wellies, Trainers, crocs and/or shoes for around camp (wellies for on the river and it can be very muddy when wet) Sleeping bag or duvet (it is possible that all items taken will get damp and dirty) We can hire sleeping bags for a small fee Pillow case, Warm nightwear, Towel & Toothbrush Personal items a soft toy, a book Small torch Spoon and plastic mug, bowl
What will we be doing?
Where will we be staying?
Staffing Ms Whetstone Mr Matthews Mrs Russell
Any questions?