Summer Camp Ardèche, France
The expedition continues
After a night sleep with the stars above our heads, we began with an efficient approach to breakfast by using yoghurt pottles for cereal and juice, having polished off the yoghurt itself. The team then banded together to collect all the gear from the camp site, and make their way down to the river for the second day of The Grande Descente!
A fantastic rapid was run around the first corner, and we charged down stream with gusto. Then mid morning began the raft race to beat all raft races. Campers were split into 3 groups, and within their teams they had to construct a raft, utilizing all their boats, carrying all their paddles and gear, and must be able to deconstruct the raft successfully on the water at the finish line. A big task. But the challenge was taken on and with great skills and imagination, the race was neck and neck until the finish.
Paddling on, we shared the river with many other holiday-makers, cruising through the beautiful, winding gorge. The time for lunch arrived so we went ashore for welcomed food and shade. A few hours spent here saw campers snoozing, chatting and relaxing, but only when not swimming down rapids and being wrestled in water fights!
Winding our way through the last leg of the day, campers paddled strong, despite ever increasing crowds on the river and a lengthy final stretch. Bravo! Reward shall benefit those who persevere, and cool drink was awaiting us at the finish, with thanks to Alain (our maintenance dude and all round great guy).
A special callout to teams Ryo and Nik and Mauricio and Mael, who successfully managed to get each of their canoes flipped over the course of the day! They managed well using techniques garnered in lessons on how to swim rapids and getting the boat upright again. Good job guys.
Smiles abound on a great couple of days, we made it back to camp for a delicious meal (thank you once again master chef, Andrew) and Talent Night. Campers performed card tricks, sang songs and enacted jokes, to much applause, laughter and re-energized vibes. A very special song was written especially for this camp by Seffa, Maria, Sabrina and Kristian - thanks guys!
To cap off an awesome day, we had a surprise treat in store, and escorted the campers to the neighbouring campsite to a disco for a dance and cool drink. It was great fun as we bounced and bopped the night away!
- Breakfast: Cereal, yoghurt & bread
- Lunch: Baguette, meat, cheese, salad & fruit
- Dinner: Sausage casserole, vegetables & apricot pie
- Subject to change. Vegetarian options always available.
Click here for more information about Summer Camp nutrition
Latest photos from Ardèche, France
- Rapid swimming
- Canoeing
- Talent night
- Dancing
