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Daily News 25th July
Last day of Camp...
I think there will be quite a few tears and hugs tomorrow, we will have to make sure to get the taxis away on time !!
A dry day today but quite a strong wind … 3 campers already left and tomorrow is the big departure day …
The golfers finished their competition which was won by Carlos and enjoyed by all. It has been perfect weather for golf……not too hot for sure and little rain! Some days a strong wind which adds an extra challenge. The pros gave out prizes and said their farewells.
The riders again enjoyed a trek across the beach and this time no one got wet or fell….what progress they have all made! A few horses decided to lie down and scrub themselves in the sand but they were kind enough not to throw our young riders off! A thanks and some souvenirs from the riding teachers and a fond farewell to the horses.
A special kangaroo court with all the staff on trial for various misdemeanours …punishments were dished out by the campers who got their revenge after 3 weeks! I was busy at the airport so avoided the court as the camp director usually gets the worst punishment!
The annual campers v staff soccer game was narrowly won by the staff and a very close game.
Time to pack those bags and clear the rooms – or maybe I should say throw all the clothes (clean and dirty) in the suitcases!
The buses left at 18.30 for Cork and our special last evening supper and awards night. We had the big upstairs room to ourselves and after eating a nice meal we cleared back the tables and enjoyed a 15 minute compilation of the camp highlights in video form by Damien.
Awards were made and certificates along with a CD of the video and many photos will be mailed to all campers. We then ended with a short disco and a chance to dance or relax. Back to camp ready for some early departures.
See you next year in Ireland or at one of the other VC venues. A great and happy group of campers from many countries and all told a successful programme.
Thanks to all staff for their hard work.
David, Cork Camp Director
Photo Gallery 25th July - Slideshow
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Photo Gallery 25th July
Last day of Camp...
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Daily News 24th July
Today was Irish Day...
What a festival of Irish culture !
Another busy and varied day but I have to start at the end (we are in Ireland after all!) as this was for many the highlight of the day – we all attended the preview opening show of "Dancing Thru The Ages" at the Firkin Crane Theatre in Cork.
What a festival of Irish culture with 7 musicians and a really pro dance troop. Judging by the way the group were clapping in time to the vibrant Irish music they had a great time. It really gave us all a taste of the best Irish music and dance along the lines of River Dance!
All the specialist programmes ran as normal and to end the afternoon we had a coaching session in Irish Hurling on the big field. Also we used the sports hall. It was a good introduction to this national sport.
The golfers had a big handicap competition over 9 holes and will complete it the last day tomorrow.
Stand by for our big final day with a few tears and emotions I am sure. The group have really bonded well and are like one big happy family.
Counsellor Profile - Sarah & Rachel
This is Sarah & Rachel's 1st Summer at Village Camps
As it is our Irish focus day what better time than to introduce our 2 lovely Irish girls Sarah and Rachel!
Both are young and energetic and willing to try and help out in all areas. They are students and helping in the facilities area plus with many of the programmes.
Both enjoy sports and the chance to travel and meet people from other cultures.
Photo Gallery 24th July - Slideshow
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Photo Gallery 24th July
Irish music and dancing and loads more...
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Daily News 23rd July
Another dry day but not so much sun...
Camper still had fun doing all kinds of activities!
I spent some time at the riding stables and was impressed by the organisation and progress that the riders had made. The advanced group were doing some jumps in the field and gaining in confidence even if a few were thrown by horses reluctant to jump!
The intermediate group were taken on a short ride outside. The instructors are very patient and encouraging but firm and well organised.
The English group finally got the camp NEWSLETTER completed and it will be published tomorrow….hooray! They are making good progress and enthusiastic. All the oral and practical work has given them more confidence.
The golfers are practising hard for their competition tomorrow which will be in 2 groups.
After the programmes today the group had some well deserved down time in Ballincollig…….no challenges, competitions, sports…..just a chance to get a drink in a local café or explore the shops! I am sure some bought souvenirs for their parents so stand by Mums and Dads and hold your breath!
Tonight we had a nice choice of dishes in the local bistro with Fish Cakes or Chicken or Quiche. A delicious carrot and coriander soup was served first.
Another Event X group organised a Talent Show in the college theatre tonight with each apartment coming up with a sketch, song, dance etc. and the Event X group hosting and organising the show. The 2 MCs had Irish ginger and green wigs and did a good job of introducing the acts. We enjoyed a Russian dance, acoustic guitar songs from Willie (staff) and Ilya (camper), Latino dancing from Sofia, Golf juggling from Thibaut/Panos, card tricks and finally a haka NZ Rugby dance/chant with Wok and 4 boys.
All in all a fun and successful evening so well done campers for organising it!
David, York Camp Director
Counsellor Profile - Jennie & Willie
This is Jennie & Will's 1st Summer at Village Camps
Willie and Jennie are from USA and work as Activities Counselors.
Willie is a musician and guitarist and paints murals he
also likes biking and outdoor sports.
Jennie is used to camps in the US where they stay in cabins or tents in the woods so this is like a 5 star hotel!
Jennie enjoys the native American culture of New Mexico where she teaches at present. Like Willie she enjoys outdoor adventure and sports and also makes jewellery.
Both Willie and Jennie have enjoyed their travels allowing them to experience new cultures and see more of the world and so far it has been a great learning experience for both of them.
They have organised and helped the campers with many super events and activities and their enthusiasm and energy has been appreciated by other staff and campers.
Photo Gallery 23rd July - Slideshow
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Photo Gallery 23rd July
Riding like the wind!
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Daily News 22nd July
A perfect day for Golf !
One of the best days weather wise with lots of sun...
A perfect day for golf and after some practice most of the golfers completed 9 holes at the club and enjoyed their picnics in the sun. Our golf pro Brian played with a group and shot one over par using quite a few pitch and run shots to the green! I am sure his group learned a few new tricks also.
The English group enjoyed a quiz in Midleton, a beautiful historic town. They chose various cafes for lunch and came back for a review before the afternoon meeting.
Kristin joined our riders today as she has also taught riding and it is her passion. As the English group were on an excursion and had an extra staff member she was able to get away and enjoy some riding.
After the Kangaroo Court where 3 of the Spanish girls were on trial, we all left for the final TALE Challenge in Cork's English Market. Each group had 20- and a list of questions and challenges that included buying various items from the various stalls.
After supper in Cork at a place of their choice we returned to review the photos of the groups taken during the Ballincollig Photo Challenge. Our 2nd Event X was organised and the campers chose a fashion show with small groups dressing each other … A good time was had by all along the cat walk and we even had a DJ and cocktail waitresses to make the evening more fun!
Counsellor Profile - Wok
This is Warrick's first Summer at Village Camps
Wok (Warrick) is our English teacher from New Zealand but living now in the UK.
He lives life to the full and is always playing around and having fun with the groups whatever the activity.
Wok has really enjoyed working with youngsters having mainly taught adults up to now and has found the atmosphere to be supportive and friendly.
He also enjoys meeting youngsters from so many different countries and ages.
Photo Gallery 22nd July
Another sunny day!
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