Class Four went to Laches Wood on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday this week. We all had a really good time, but we enjoyed coming home afterwards. We did lots of fun activities, including axe throwing, archery, high ropes, bushcraft, caving, and orienteering in the mornings and afternoons. In the evenings, we did a campfire and a photo trail.
During axe throwing, we used two different types of axes. The first axe we used was the smaller of the two. To throw it, we had to hold it out in front of us, bend our arms backwards, and sling it away. We tried to hit the target, but it was very hard. Archery was also great fun. We had to hold the bow out in front of us horizontally. Then, we slotted the arrows in and clipped them onto the string. Finally, we lifted them vertically, put three fingers under the arrow, pulled back, and released. It was fun trying to hit the bullseye.
The high ropes were a blast! There were three challenges we had to try to complete. One of them was the GLADIATOR—a really fun challenge where we tried to climb to the top of the obstacle course, and when we got to the top, we got to jump off (we were in a harness, though). Second was the box challenge, where we stood on a stack of boxes and climbed up until it fell over. Lastly, there was a tall tower we had to step off. In bushcraft, we made log dens and fires.
When making dens, we used bags and tarpaulins to make a waterproof shelter that would fit our whole team inside. We used leaves from outside to disguise our den so it looked like a natural pile of leaves. Making fires was also fun and exciting. First, the instructor showed us how to make sparks with our fire-steel tool. After that, we set fire to a piece of cotton wool. Then came the best part: we tried to make real fires! We placed two large sticks with cotton wool in the middle, set fire to the cotton wool, and added smaller twigs on top while trying not to suffocate the flame. At the end, we roasted marshmallows. Yum!
During caving, we went through a tunnel, following the guide's directions, and came out of the other exit. We did the same thing again, but backwards. Then, we went through the tunnel to try to find a ball pit and then find the exit. Orienteering was great fun too! We were given a sheet of numbers and a map and had to try to locate them. It was really enjoyable trying to find all the checkpoints using just a map.
The evening activities were wonderful as well. The entire trip was three of the best days I have ever had. I wonder if any of our future residentials will be able to compare to this one?
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)