Ardres 2017: Photo Album

I have been fighting with Google Photos once again (it never seems to do what I expect!), and I think I have managed to create an album of 800px photos. Link below.

For anyone interested in the photographic details, I used a Nikon D7100 and a Nikon 18mm-300mm lens (recently acquired and quite impressive).

Click the link:

Ardres 2017 Photo Album

On the ferry ...

Just a couple of shots that I didn't manage to upload when we were crossing La Manche.

I am working on making the usual large album of photos, and a link will be posted in the next day or two.  Watch this space ...

Travel updates.

12:37 (Fr) We arrived on time, moved swiftly through border checks and are now on the ferry, which is under weigh.  Everything running to schedule so far for our ETA of 3:30pm.

13:17 (UK) The ferry has docked, we have driven off and we are now driving through Dover.  Will advise of any change to ETA.

13:40  Google is currently telling us that we should arrive at 15:09.

14:49  Final ETA: 15:15.

The final wash-up duty

Followed by a quick visit to the tuck shop while the coach is loaded then we'll set off on the return journey.

Talent show

Final evening talent show just getting going in the fresh air, with Shelley, the same compère, coincidentally, as in 2012 (she's actually back doing the catering just for this week).

The last supper

Supper is about to be served in the marquee.  Later there's a talent show (Oh bother, I forgot to pack the sousaphone).

Note the rather fine view through the open side of the marquee  -  and the continued amazing weather.

Star challenge

The pupils are engaged in a big circuit of different activities.  A couple of Acorn instructors asked to be included in the photos.

Climbing boys

A group of Year 7 boys scaling the climbing wall this morning.

Raft building

An afternoon raft building session in progress.

Afternoon on the lake

Two of our Year 7 groups have just set off on kayaks and canoes on the lake in the sunshine.

Wednesday morning

More sunshine this morning and we have, among other things, fencing and archery happening.

This afternoon in the sunshine

The sun came out and we slapped on the sun-block for this afternoon's activities up on the high ropes, on the lake and elsewhere.  There are also loads of wet-suits available this year, so everyone's happy.

The photos show the crate stack, night line and stand-up paddle-boarding activities.

Off on the lake

Two groups preparing to go out on the lake for sessions of canoeing and kayaking.  Dull so far, but fairly warm.

Activities under way

The weather is hot and quite sunny, to the surprise of those who were here last year, and things are up and running.

Nearly there.

After a very flat ferry crossing, we are on our way to Ardres.

We have clothing ...

The clothing order arrived this morning and I'll distribute the garments as soon as I can sort it all out. Friday at the latest.

Ardres 2017: Registration lists etc.

For registration purposes I have organised the 48 pupils into 4 groups of 12 purely alphabetically, because this is how our lists are organised.  These are not groups, as such, merely lists so that we can quickly make sure that everyone is present whenever we need to check.

A PDF document of the lists is being emailed to all parents, along with a link to a page on the website carrying the same information.  Please find out the allocated member of staff and report to that person to be checked off on arrival at 06:30 on Monday morning.

There will be five actual activity groups when we are in Ardres and all groups will be doing the same set of activities, just in a different order.  Details of these groups will be available when we arrive.

Wet-suits are arriving at the centre this week and will be available for our use.  The T-shirts and hoodies will arrive by Thursday.

Please refer to the kit list in the previous post.  Acorn request that you pack a soft bag rather than a rigid suitcase, maximum size 70cm x 45cm x 30cm, maximum weight 20kg.   This is to make sure that all the luggage will fit into the hold on the coach.

Ardres 2017: 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 

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.

Ardres 2017: Clothing orders

Please see your emails for a link to the clothing order form.  I need the details by the end of term so that the supplier has plenty of time to print up the garments.  Also, of course, the balance payment is due by the end of term as well.

Ardres 2017: Update 4

I am very pleased to report that we have finally managed to recruit anther member of staff for the trip. This means that we are now able to take 50 pupils.  The ten sets of parents who can now pay the deposit to confirm their place have been emailed and invited to do so.

Next step:  clothing orders (T-shirts and optional hoodie).  Watch for the email ...