Year 6 Camping Residential to Danbury

Well, where do I start? Another year at Danbury and after three years staying in wooden cabins we were back in the tents for 2019. Two night under canvas. The children were very excited at the prospect. Mrs Hudson? A little less so!

The coach arrived at 10am on the Monday morning and everyone was organised and ready to get going. After loading the bags onto the coach, some of which were rather large for a three-day trip, we were off and on our way to deepest, darkest Essex. Just after 11am we had made it. Danbury. Our home until Wednesday.

The campsite at Danbury is fantastic and I have really enjoyed taking children there since 2015. When I joined Porters Grange, I wanted to start a new residential visit for the year 6 children as I have always valued how important they are to children’s academic and social development. Every year I have enjoyed getting to know the children better and seeing everyone really challenge themselves with new experiences. This year was no different.

Over the three days the children participated in 6 activities; bush craft, orienteering, caving, an obstacle course, archery and lastly ‘Leap of Faith’. Leap of Faith was a new activity for 2019 and involved climbing up a pole and then jumping off a platform at the top. It was a little scary but everyone gave it a really good go.

On the Tuesday night there was a fantastic bonfire where we toasted marshmallows. The children collected twigs from the forest and helped to construct the fire. It took a little effort to get it lit but eventually it was roaring away. The marshmallows were absolutely delicious!

In the spare time – and there wasn’t much - there were opportunities to play and spend time with friends. The sun shone for the whole of the trip and the children’s behaviour and attitudes were fantastic. I felt very proud on my last Porters Grange residential.

Thank you to every Year 6 camper. A great time had by all. A huge thank you also to Mrs Hudson, Miss Gibson, Miss Bartlett, Mr Rasor and Miss Henley. Without staff giving up their time, visits like this one do not happen.Year 5 – over to you for next year. I can tell you that in 2020 it’s back to the cabins… Mrs Hudson is jumping for joy.