Summer Camp Ardèche, France
Mini descent!!
It has been another huge day here at Ardeche: perfect weather and only a spot of wind, which was perfect conditions for one of our two big river adventures: the Mini Descent!
As it was Sunday, there were no French lessons, and the whole camp was treated to a sleep in - rising at 8.30, and breakfast at nine. The rest of the morning was spent preparing for the descent: organising everyone's clothing, helmets, pfds, extra gear, and learning important river signals for when we were on the water. We had lunch here at camp and quickly after headed down to the boats, which were waiting on the river for us.
In a smooth succession the whole team managed to disembark from the Village Camps campsite and begin their trail downstream, with Lynx acting as Momma Duck and Moose, Poodle, Pebble, Arch, and the two french guides on the river team. All of the other counsellors spread out among the campers - a fleet of 31 ships - as we made our way down stream. After a few good rapids, including Charlemagne, we made it to the Vallon Pont d'Arc - a beautiful natural limestone arc of world renown. We shored up just afterward for snacks and a session of cliffjumping, before hopping back in and paddling another kilometre to the exit point. Everybody made it with plenty of time, and the disembarking was flawless. We left the boats down on the river (where we will begin the Grand Descent on Tuesday) and caught a bus back to camp by 5.00.
After returning their gear and having dinner, the campers are now having a "wellness" evening, with mandatory showers, while the Blue band girls making smoothies and others play music. Later on will be story night!
- Breakfast: A selection of breakfast cereals with fruit, yoghurt and honey. Baguette with butter and jam. Orange and apple juice.
- Lunch: Pasta, leftover BBQ chicken, salad bar
- Dinner: Roast ham and potatoes with carrots and peas, rice salad, spiced pineapple salad, green salad with olives and pickles and baguette. For desert: chocolate tart. Evening treat: smoothie mocktails!
- Subject to change. Vegetarian options always available.
Click here for more information about Summer Camp nutrition
