We haven’t left yet!! 🙄
10.06. Now we have!! And Kevin from DJ Coaches is our driver on our Mercedes coach!
10.27. Not there yet!
Going to PGL is always a thrilling experience! The anticipation leading up to the adventure is palpable, and the excitement is contagious. From the moment you hear about the trip, there's a buzz in the air as you and your children eagerly discuss what's in store.
First, there's the thrill of packing your bags, carefully selecting your adventure-ready clothing and ensuring you have all the essentials. (Sugar-free Monster energy drinks and fish and chip flavoured crisps) You can't help but imagine all the incredible activities and challenges that await you at PGL. The thought of conquering high ropes courses, tackling zip lines, and navigating through obstacle courses fills you with a sense of exhilaration.
Now we’re on our way, we can all hardly contain our enthusiasm (😳). The coach ride to the PGL centre at Windmill Hill is currently filled with laughter, chatter, UNO and Tic-Tac-Toe…(video in the pphotos!)
and the occasional nervous excitement. Luckily, the singing hasn’t started yet!! 😩
10.36. A21!!
* This afternoons activities are Fencing and Trapeze!! They don’t know yet! Can’t wait to see their faces when they see the trapeze! Ha!
Tonight is Balloon Splash! New to us! Sounds loud…..and wet!
11.33 We’ve arrived and the sight of the beautiful natural surroundings, lake, the main building here at Windmill Hill, the sprawling grounds, and the welcoming staff members instantly intensifies the children’s anticipation!
and Zac is our ‘Groupie’ this week!!
1st activity today, as above , group 1 have fencing with Abby, group 2 trapeze, then the 2nd activity, they’ll be swapping!! 🤪
Fencing at PGL is an exhilarating and skillful activity that challenges both the mind and the body. Participants are equipped with fencing gear, including a mask, a fencing jacket, and a foil (the fencing sword). Here's what you can expect when trying fencing at PGL:
Safety First: Before they even touch a foil, safety measures are explained and demonstrated. The importance of proper fencing etiquette, wearing protective gear, and understanding the rules of engagement are stressed.
Basics and Techniques: The. Children are introduced to the basic fencing stances, footwork, and hand positions. Understanding how to hold the foil and how to advance, retreat, and lunge are crucial skills that are taught.
Mental Agility: Fencing isn't just about physical prowess; it's also a mental game. Participants learn to anticipate their opponent's moves, react quickly, and strategise on when to attack and when to defend.
Engaging in Duels. The real fun begins when they face off in one-on-one duels. Fencing bouts are fast-paced, filled with quick thrusts and parries. The objective is to score points by making a valid touch on your opponent's body while defending yourself from their attacks.
Sportsmanship: Just as in any sport, respect and sportsmanship are core values in fencing. Participants learn to shake hands with their opponents before and after matches and follow the rules of fair play.
Competition and Camaraderie: Fencing is both competitive and cooperative. While you're vying for points, there's a strong sense of camaraderie among the children. Everyone encourages each other to improve.
Building Confidence. Fencing can boost self-confidence. As they master the techniques and engage in duels, they'll feel a growing sense of accomplishment and self-assurance.
Fencing at PGL is a unique and memorable experience. It combines physical activity, strategy, and discipline in a fun and supportive environment. It's an opportunity to try something new and perhaps for the children to discover a hidden talent for this elegant and exciting sport.
The trapeze activity at PGL is an adventure that takes you to new heights, both physically and emotionally. Participating in the trapeze at PGL is an unforgettable experience, combining adrenaline, courage, and a sense of accomplishment. It's an activity that pushes you out of your comfort zone, helping you build self-confidence while having a lot of fun in the process. Here's a description of what the children can expect when trying the trapeze at PGL:
Safety First: Safety is paramount when it comes to trapeze, and they will receive thorough instructions and demonstrations on how to use the equipment and harness properly. PGL staff ensures that everyone is equipped with the necessary safety gear.
Climbing the Ladder: To begin, they will ascend a ladder to a platform that's situated high 😬😱 💩above the ground. The climb alone can be an adrenaline rush, especially for those who have never been on a trapeze platform before.
Facing their Fear: Once they're on the platform, they'll stand at the edge, looking out at the open air across to the East Sussex coast. The moment before they jump can be filled with nervous excitement and delight for us staff watching!! It's a chance for them to conquer any fear of heights they might have. 🤣
Instructor Guidance: PGL's skilled instructors will guide them every step of the way. They'll provide clear instructions on when to jump and how to position their body in preparation for the swing.
The Leap: When the moment arrives, they'll leap off the platform, feeling an exhilarating sensation of freefall before the trapeze bar swings into their reach (hopefully! It’s ok, they’re on a safety line!!). It's an adrenaline rush like no other (so I’ve been told 😉).
The Swing: Holding on to the trapeze bar, they'll swing through the air, It's both thrilling and liberating (again, so I’ve been told! 😬).
Catching the Bar: After a few swings, they'll aim to catch a second trapeze bar that's hanging from another platform. This is a challenge that requires timing and coordination.
A Soft Landing: Once they've performed their tricks or caught the second bar, they'll be safely lowered to the ground with the help of the PGL team, ensuring a soft and controlled landing. 🤞
Overcoming Fears: Trapeze at PGL is not just about physical adventure; it's also about facing your fears, building confidence, and achieving something they might not have thought possible.
Supportive Environment: The PGL community is encouraging and supportive. You'll receive cheers and applause from their fellow Highamers, creating a positive and motivating atmosphere. 🤞or tears and knocking knees, it’s quite high 🤣🤣
18.30 Evening meal. The PGL canteen is a vibrant hub of social interaction, where the diversity of voices creates a symphony of conversation and camaraderie. It also reminded me personally that I forgot my ear plugs! 🎧 Amid this joyful tumult, the kids share experiences and creating memories that will linger long after the meal has ended (and to about 11 o’clock), which for all, is some time, because it’s several treks to the salad and fruit bar! It’s not just salad and involves multiple journeys to the drinks machine as well!
Back to the rooms after for a quick break then off to ‘Balloon Splash’ in the main sports hall!
Kids are divided into teams and and play a selection team games. This creates an engaging and playful team competition where aiming, timing, and teamwork come into play.
Sometime between 20.00 - 21.00 in the rooms chatting and the usual banging on walls.Then between 21.00 and 23.00……lights out….eventually!!! 🤣
Unfortunately not the ones with chocolate chips.
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