Ice cream mission

After the thunder storms earlier, we now have perfect ice cream weather and we are visiting our friend Monsieur Sigler on the opposite side of the lake.

Joe and Barney scale the heights.

Joe and Barney on their way to breaking this week's crate stacking record.

Raft build Group 2

Group 2 learning the knots and lashing together their rafts.

Washing up.

The lunch washing up duty falls to these people today.  There was another, but he jumped out of the shot so his mum wouldn't get the impression that he likes doing it.

Orienteering

Group 1 draw maps in preparation for a spot of orienteering.

Raft build.

Group 3 learning how to build a raft.

Kata-kanu

Group 1 getting ready to go.

En garde ...

A spot of fencing this afternoon for group 3.

Night line

Group 2 head off into the woods.

Climbing wall

Tom and Joe on their way up.

More stand-up paddleboarding

Group 3 ready to go.

In the lake

Games in the sunshine on the paddleboards.

Climbing wall.

Bertie reaches the top.

Stand-up paddleboarding

Group 1 find out what they'll be doing.

Kayaking

Group 1 learning how to paddle.

Y8 Kayaking

All our year 8 campers at the end of their kayaking session.

Mission impossible

Initiative challenges under way.

The flying Louie

Louie jumps off the pole and grabs the trapeze.

Archery

Milo gets to grips with the bow technique.

Supper, finally.

A little delayed, but supper has arrived and the temperature is beginning to cool a little.

Water games

Useful to cool down in the unexpected heat.

Arrived!

At the campsite and it's hot and sunny so far.

On the ferry.

Currently on traverse La Manche.  Et on mange ...

Ardres 2018: Kit list

Sleeping Bag (it may be quite cold at night, so a "3 seasons" one) 

Pillow 

Nightclothes (onesies are good) 

Bath towel / hand towel (several) 

Casual clothes for evening 

Disposable camera/films (I think they still exist!)

Insect repellent 

Old T-shirts/shorts (many) 

Rash vests (recommended as they dry very fast) 

Jumper(s) and/or fleece(s) 

Bin bag(s) for dirty/wet clothes 

Socks 

Sunglasses 

Sun hat 

Swimming gear 

Tie-on for glasses/sunglasses 

Toiletries 

Torch and spare batteries 

Tracksuit bottoms 

Trousers/jeans/shorts 

Underwear 

Waterproof sun cream 

Waterproofs (top & bottoms) for activities if it rains 

Shoes (not open toed) for wet activities 

At least one pair of dry footwear (not open toed) 

It would be advisable to bring school polo shirt and shorts as backup 

A small amount of money changed into euros (there is a tuckshop).. 

Please do not bring expensive electronics such as iPods, cameras, games consoles, mobile phones or jewellery, as these will not be covered by our insurance. Tents are not very secure, and if you choose to bring valuables we cannot be held responsible for their loss. There will also not be facilities for charging things up and pupils will not be allowed to use mobiles on-site.

I would stress that at least half the activities are likely to involve a dunking in the lake (or at least a significant splashing), so plenty of shorts and T-shirts will be required so that you have dry clothes to change into whilst the wet ones are drying. There may be 2 wet activities per day.

If you have your own "shortie" wetsuit, you might want to wear it for some of the activities (although wetsuits may be provided if it's cold). If you bring yours, be prepared to take it home wet!

Please pack a soft bag rather than a rigid suitcase as luggage space on the coach will be at a premium and soft bags are more efficient and easier to stow.  Acorn request no larger than 30x45x70cm.