Glorious day for sea kayaking and ‘fire and food’

Sunday was a stunning first full day at the adventure school for the Newton Prep Year 7s. We woke at 7 am, having prepared our ‘day packs’ the evening before, and set off for a quick hike to a high point above the adventure school before breakfast. The sun was rising above Foinaven as we climbed. The high point gives the boys and girls a 360-degree view of all the places we will explore together over the week. It is a first glimpse at Survival Island and Ben Stack, the mountain we will climb together.

After breakfast, the Red and Blue teams went sea kayaking with Eliot, Zak and Kat. They explored the coves and bays of Loch A Chadh-Fi, learning new skills, playing some games and learning a little about the environment around them. Meanwhile, the Greens walked to the remote Ardbeg Bay to look at the ‘fire and food’ parts of the survival skills needed on the island later in the week.

All three teams were back together again for a picnic lunch before swapping over for the afternoon. It was gloriously sunny all day, with a warmth that has eluded us for much of the summer.

After supper, the boys and girls met with their instructors to look at maps of Survival Island and discuss how to plan and prepare for the experience. Lots of top tips were shared, and the pupils are now in a position to start making a plan within their team, knowing what is expected of them and what they might expect to find when they go to the island.

Today (Monday), the teams left after breakfast to climb Ben Stack, one of the three mountains that form our eastern horizon. The climb is designed to be challenging but within their physical abilities. We expect them back at the adventure school later this afternoon for a swim if they wish before supper.

Everyone is on good form, learning loads and enjoying a very different environment from Battersea. Don’t worry if you can’t see a picture of your child in this journal post; they are all doing well. Your fantastic teachers are taking loads of pictures, too; we just haven’t had an opportunity to share them yet.