Camp Journal - Ardeche, France

and a hot breakfast on the terrasse to jump start the day!

The sound of rain pattering on each tent brought the camp to life as everyone enjoyed a bit of extra sleep. A hot breakfast on the terrace jump started the day as all three activity groups organized into am bandana sessions.

The campers opted to have rock climbing, canoeing and sports offered to them. With the athletic crew the kids continued to practice and dominate techniques for each canoe stroke. They mastered the climbs at Le Jeau, our local crag. Meanwhile, the sports group continued to enjoy each minute spent playing Gaga ball, challenged each other in their Cricket skills and finished with a good time playing touch rugby.

Both French groups enjoyed a morning of additional practice of Français courrant followed by talent show rehearsal complete with techno dancing.

After a multitude of choices for lunch the campers split into four bandana groups. Once again rock climbing and sports were offered. In addition, a group for kayaking and caving were formed. Sports of course featured the session favourite Gaga ball but also gave the kids the opportunity to master some teamwork in running games, ultimate Frisbee and water-sponge challenge. However, afternoon activities were interrupted with a fierce thunder and lightning storm. The water poured down halting most activities. Kayakers were on and off the water all afternoon and the rock climbers had the opportunity to boulder for the first part of bandana and play in puddles for the latter half. Cavers escaped into the unexplored with tantalizing slides of rock and small openings for the brave inquisitors. 

Dinner again brought the semi-dry camp together to enjoy a delicious dinner followed by delectable ice cream. After tent inspections a mid-session review with each tent group allowed the kids to artistically express themselves and disclose the ups and downs of camp thus far.

A slideshow followed, the campers revisited the moments of the first week bringing the evening to a charming end.