PGL 2022 - Day 4

It’s been harder to get up every day! The children are tired out, but the excitement is still there.  

With bellies full, it was time for Mrs Hall’s group to take on the giant swing. The Lobster accompanied them to help pull on the rope. Oh, The Lobster is Mr Chan as he was sunburnt yesterday – arms, face and neck!

Evie, Edith and Grace were up first. Straight up to the top they went and whoosh, they were swinging away. “This is the best thing I’ve ever done in my life,” said Evie, happily at the end of her two goes.

Ella, Sofia and The Lobster were up. Even though the nerves were getting the better of the two children, they were hoisted up to the top. Tears and fears were overcome as the string was pulled to release the swing. Screams echoed for the first half of the swing and then all of a sudden, Ella performed a Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde: “Ahhhhhh I don’t like it.” Ten seconds later, “This is really fun!”

Next, Ted, Ollie and George. Ted showed tremendous courage. He went to the top, not once, but twice, even though he was nervous.

Now, imagine the loudest scream you have ever heard. Now, times that by 20. Here, we have Emilia, Mrs Hall and Kaitlin. Who do you think made the loudest scream? If only there was a video to show this…

After watching many others attempt theirs before them, nerves were building for Amelia, Oliver and Valentina. Nevertheless, straight to the top they went and another two whooshes! This was shortly followed by Blake, Edgar and Edith (again) – straight to the top and two more whooshes!

Meanwhile, in another area of the PGL centre, Ms McGibney’s group was tackling the ‘Challenge Course’. The children raced one another through tyres, under and over wooden blocks and climbing cargo nets.

The next two sessions were climbing and sensory trail. In the sensory trail, the children were all blind folded and had to work together to battle their way through the harsh terrains of the woods. The instructor said that she would happily lead this group again as they were super fun and well-focused!

Yet again, another high challenge. The children geared up to take on the climbing wall. Each child knew what to do: set their own personal goals. Liam was first to achieve his by making a few climbs on the wall. Mylo and Mathilde were next to make the ascent. A couple of blinks later, he was at the top and she was half way up the wall. Anna and Pippa climbed three quarters of the way and then some and that was the same for Jess and Thomas. Shortly after, Toby, Stefan, Mia and Willow made their way to their personal destinations. Last, but not least, Arthur, Rowan, Bo and Ellis made their way up and achieved what they set out at the start.

On the way back towards our meeting point, Mathilde decided to make up stories about Mr Chan. Mr Chan came looking for some extra sunscreen in the morning. Mathilde knew this, but the conversation that took place when walking back from climbing was:

“I’m not sunburnt, it’s a new type of tan,” said Mr Chan cooly.

“Yes you are Mr Chan! You came around in the morning asking everyone for some aloe vera,” lied Mathilde with a straight face.

These children have enjoyed making up lots of stories about their teachers!

After lunch, the two groups split up for orienteering and climbing. High praise was given to the how well the teams worked in orienteering: “One of the best groups I’ve ever had!”

The 2^nd group to take on climbing continued to show that grit and determination that helped them achieve the own personal goals. A huge success on the climbing wall again.

The last afternoon session involved the whole class. ‘Wacky Races’ involved relay races with a variety of animal noises, zombie strolls and a water pistol. Well, it started off that way. With a little spray here and a little spray here with a water bottle or two. A giant game of get the teachers commenced – soaked from head to toe! We were ready to shower and get ready for tea.

Finally the sky opened up and gave us a downpour! The children gathered for their final activity – the photo challenge - with the extra excitement knowing, since it was their last night, they could stay up a little later and devour their sweet feast. The children gathered in small teams to explore the PGL hall with challenge cards like find a staff member and take a photo with them or make a short advert with a PGL instructor. Fun and laughter echoed through the halls.

Even with the offer of the later bedtime now, many chose to rest in their rooms whilst others played human hungry hippos and consumed all their treats within seconds! With no more food left, there was only one thing left to do - go to sleep!