This afternoon saw two sessions on the white-knuckle Giant Swing, two sessions of the hilarious and disorientating Sensory Trail, another round of Challenge Course, and our first taste this year of old favourite, the Trapeze. The children have been constantly pushing themselves out of their comfort zones and are starting to show some excellent teamwork.
The Sensory Trail, which snaked through the woodland, called for creativity, communication and a great deal of patience. Deprived of sight and linked together, the children were required to negotiate a series of tricky hazards whilst listening to those in front and relaying information to those behind. As an added challenge, the children were asked to identify their own trainer from a selection using solely their power of smell... it was amazing how accurate they were!
The Challenge Course tested both physical and mental agility as teams had to complete a gruelling obstacle course whilst carrying the pieces of a demanding puzzle. Success in the task relied once again on good teamwork, and the children were encouraging and supportive of one another at every stage.
Those who braved the Giant Swing (everyone, of course!) were strapped in to the twin seats and slowly hauled by the others into a precarious airborne position. There they waited, suspended, stomachs churning and sweating in terror, before releasing the catch to fling themselves downwards at high speed - there were more than a few wobbly legs as the children returned to terra firma!
Those of you who have heard the legend of The PGL Trapeze know that it involves a vertical climb up a telegraph pole before clambering onto a tiny platform, standing amongst the branches, and then flinging oneself into thin air. The aim is to catch hold of the trapeze hanging a couple of metres away before being lowered to safety; this leap of faith really tests the mettle!
The following images will give you a little taste of today's fun and games:
