Fairthorne Update Number 4!

Hello from Fairthorne

We all woke up to blue skies and sunshine this morning which made a nice change after the rain. First activities were the crate challenge and vertical assault course. The assault course was great, and lots of us managed to reach the top which was no means feat. The crate challenge was good too and lots of us conquered our fears and stood on at least 8 crates.

Despite the torrential rain at lunchtime we spent an extra session in the sports hall playing games and then the final activity was the blind trail. A muddy walk through the woods with blind folds on which involved a lot of trust between each other.

Tonight, after roast chicken, it will be the campfire and then packing bags before bed. A cup of hot chocolate and a story and then a good night’s sleep before we come home tomorrow.

Do feel free to leave a comment below and let us know what you think of the Blogs… they are being viewed by so many of you, making them really worthwhile. We hope they are of use…

Bye for now, from all at Fairthorne!

[Written by Mrs Dudley and Mr Thorns]

Fairthorne Update… Number 3!

Hello from Fairthorne!

Well as the sun has set on another fabulous day at the camp, children have had a fun filled day of adventurous pursuits, from outdoor den building and obstacle courses to an amazing session of indoor archery to hone their accuracy and bow skills!

The day began a little damp and windy, but nothing  could dampen the Holbrook spirit from creating some magnificent woodland structures to shelter  from a “storm” – whereby an instructor threw a large canister of water to “test” each of the dens! Much laughing and screaming were heard in equal measures!

Alongside this, the children also conducted teamwork games, working together and collaborating on several problems testing their initiative too! A lunch of giant warm sausage rolls and winter soup warmed everyone, ready for the outdoor obstacle course! This muddy-marathon of tires, barriers, a giant spiders web and swing rope over a swamp was enjoyed by all, with children throwing themselves in (literally) to each of the tasks. Parents would have been so proud – albeit they might have been shocked at how much mud, leaves and twigs could stick to their children! A great activity, with a highlight being the children cheering Mason R onwards as he beat Mr Burt around the course. Mason even stopped for a cheeky celebratory wave as he Tarzan’ed to victory over the gloopy swamp on a rope swing!

Other special mentions are deserved for Charlie and Reagan’s splashes into the swamp and Harvey’s superb shot knocking a ten-pin skittle off of a target from 15m away! Disco night tonight, after a hearty meal of meatballs and pasta with chocolate brownies to finish.

A huge thank you also to all you parents, who have provided such excellently prepared kit and resources, which have allowed the children to complete their activities come rain or shine. This has been exceptionally appreciated by the staff and instructors too.

Goodbye for now, from all at Fairthorne!

[Written by Mr Thorns & Mrs Dudley]

Fairthorne Update Number 2!

Good evening from Fairthorne!

Day 2 started wet and grey but a breakfast of sausages and hash browns soon raised our spirits. Group 1 headed off for the zip wire while group 2 went into the woods to find insects. The rain continued but everyone was doing their best to be their best and challenge themselves to attempt the zip wire, then the abseiling wall and finally the climbing wall.

Even Mr Burt abseiled and climbed the wall. Mrs Dudley and Mrs Ingledew were very busy taking photos!!

This evening, it’s fish and chips for tea then relay games in the hall. The instructors here have lots of enthusiasm and are proving to be a big hit with the children.  The teachers are hoping for an early night for everyone!

Goodbye for now, from all at Fairthorne Manor!

[Written by Mrs Dudley and Mr Thorns]

Fairthorne Update Number 1…

Hello from Fairthorne! 

Day 1:

We arrived and explored the park with the weather generally holding for us too! Plenty of mud and big puddles to splash in though.

Lunch was great – they had made some tomato soup which lots of us tried and which warmed us up ready for the afternoon.

First we had orienteering which was fast and gave us time to explore further. Then we had camouflage lessons where lots of us got very muddy. Ninja squirrel and sardines finished the afternoon.

Chicken kebabs for tea then wide games to finish the evening – leaving many of us exhausted and ready for a good night’s rest!

Keep an eye out for future updates in the coming days!

Goodbye for now, from all at Fairthorne!

[Written by Mrs Dudley & Mr Thorns]

Year 4 Minstead Celebration Assembly!

This morning, children from across Year 4 (under the careful guidance of Mr Burt) gave an assembly about their adventure to Minstead recently. The children recounted how they had journeyed into the foggy New Forest, hurdling the Ditch of Doom and the group’s encounters with donkeys,

Others told the school about their nature name necklaces (with their Latin names) and recalled the singing, dancing and passing of the great Thenga stick – much to the delight of the watching classes from the rest of the school!

Year 4 at Minstead… Update 3!

Hello from all in the New Forest at Minstead camp for another fun-filled-final day! Yesterday saw children feeding sheep and learning about their teeth – including the products that we use sheep for, such as in a piano! Leave a comment if you think you know whereabouts it is in such an instrument! Or which other musical instrument they are used in?!

Children have also been making felt planets from wool, placing an “earth stone” in each – earning their water beads and ‘re-use and recycle’ beads for their necklaces at the same time.

Year 4 at Minstead… Update 2!

Hello to all from Minstead! A good night had by all at the camp – everyone out asleep by 10:30pm!

Last night saw children making lanterns following a dinner of hot homemade pizza and wedges after a chilly day! Dessert was a delicious hedgerow-blackberry crumble, served with custard!

All of the children continue to focus on earning environmental awareness beads for necklaces that they are making and have all also been given Latin names of animals – Mr Burt has been given the name “Mr Natrix” – meaning the snake (or Mr Snape as he is now being known!)