Camp Journal - Ardeche, France

Daily News 14th July


	First Breakfast Together … Gusts of wind brought the day to a start as the campers gathered for their first breakfast together.



	The sun shined all day but the breeze kept us cool throughout the day as everyone engaged themselves in various activities. Activity one and two enjoyed Canoeing, Biking and Caving. The wind made a challenging first experience on the river but it didn't damper their ability to succeed in developing their paddling skills. Although muddy and cold, Caving was as successful as ever with keen and brave kids. Hide & Seek and Marco Polo were a great challenge in the dark and by candle light. Mountain biking uncovered an all around strong and determined group of cyclists. The biking trail took the campers on an approximately 6km loop through rich green vineyards, across valley bottoms filled with rough karst scenery and finished by travelling up and over a limestone plateau. The French group was tested right after breakfast to divide them into two classes. They participated in team building exercises and were briefly introduced to French culture through games. In the afternoon both groups swung from trees into nets, tested sketchy bridges and zipped from one high platform to another at Vertiage. After a great meal of hot soup and pasta, came the excitement of receiving their very own Village Camps T-Shirt and bracelet. The kids trucked off past the local vineyards to the Salavas Market which happens only a few times a year. The kids were overwhelmed with all the small merchant booths full of candy and local goods. They explored the market for about an hour, and as the sun set we made our way back to prepare for bed and get ready for yet another exciting day full of fun.