Woodlark’s camp went very well this year. After a two-year break and a little apprehension as to what we could and couldn’t do for the week, it went swimmingly. The decision to stay on camp and use the pool and grounds was a good one and we enjoyed this variation to the programme. I have had very good feedback from the 29 campers who attended re the new activities and using the site more. The weather was very kind to us with mostly sunshine and only a little rain one morning. Having a smaller camp meant we got through the daily jobs easily. We all take turns to veg prep, wash up, clean, litter pick in our designated groups. Everyone found it easy to get to know each other and we caught up on the missing years news. Next year it’s hoped that we can go back to a slightly larger camp by inviting more clubs, yet still retain the intimate feel we had this year.
After arriving on Saturday, we have a getting to know you meeting and explaining the rules of camp. Then it’s all catch up on the news and a lovely evening meal.
The NASCH AGM was held on Sunday morning, and it was lovely to see some new clubs represented there. We then had our Church service in the wooded Chapel, which is always special and this year more so as we remembered all the campers who were no longer with us. The afternoon was spent enjoying the outdoor swimming pool, with its heated water and new floor, which is shallow all the way across, very Disability friendly.
We celebrated three birthdays at camp and held a Noels birthday party. The activities this year ranged from swimming of course, outdoor games, putting, snooker, table tennis, boule. The craft morning was a wonderful event, and everyone enjoyed making banners for our party night celebrating the Queens Platinum Jubilee.
We hold a garden fete with various stalls and games to raise money for our camp stay. The stalls are made by each group.
The Teddy bears treasure hunt was a lovely morning spent in the Woodlarks grounds on a nature treasure hunt where teddy bears are hidden around a woodland walk and we had a lovely walk to find them discovering the new paths and wonderful wooden caved sculptures. We ended our walk all clutching a teddy or in my case a small bird! Tea and cake and a little song or two.
New to this year was a BBQ in the woods and a stroll round the site, this proved very popular, and the burgers tasted delicious being outside.
The hall was decorated with our posters and a lovely party night was had by all, Crowns and tiara were the order of the day. DJ Bens music went down well with everyone dancing.
Friday brought the last swim in the pool, we had great weather all week for swimming. A posh lunch was served up by our fabulous cooks. They produced some fantastic and varied meals all week all on an open range.
We were so lucky to be back at camp and my thanks go to everyone who was there and enjoying the fun.
Lorraine.
Social Secretary.