Do we have to go home tomorrow?!

WOW!! WOW!! WOW!!

What a fantastic day! Just when you think our children could not be any more magnificent, they go and prove us wrong again! I must say this every year but if I had a pound for every time a member of Robinwood staff commented on what a marvellous group of children we have, I’d be rich enough to retire here in North Wales. The compliments about their manners, enthusiasm, and respect for each other and the staff have made us smile all day long.

The day began with a glowing report from the famous Robinwood Night Ninjas. No midnight escapades or lively discussions this time — the children were brilliant throughout the night and woke up ready and raring to go.

First stop: breakfast! With sausages, beans, cereal, toast, fruit, and the ever-popular hash browns, the children were more than fuelled up for the action-packed day ahead. The staff tucked in too, and I think it’s safe to say the meals have been amazing for both children and adults alike.

The morning brought a whirlwind of activities across the groups:

• Waterfall group dived straight into raft building, followed by night line and canoeing. They worked brilliantly together on the water — though my raft was soon boarded and capsized by a group of very mischievous children. To add insult to injury, I had to swim back to shore in soggy defeat!

• Stream group started the day in the Dungeon, then headed to raft building, high ropes and archery. They showed courage and teamwork at every turn, but the big drama came when Miss C’s raft was spectacularly overturned, leaving her soaked but still smiling.

• Spring group took on the Crate Challenge, climbing, and the dreaded Piranha Pool. They scrambled higher and higher on the crates, scaled walls with determination, and narrowly escaped becoming piranha supper. Meanwhile, Mr Ferguson is already taking notes and planning extra precautions before his turn on the water tomorrow… just in case!

But not to stop there the activities continued to come thick and fast. 

• Waterfall went underground into the caves, then faced the trapeze and tackled the rock climbing wall.

• Stream soared on the giant swing and tested their balance and teamwork in the Crate Challenge.

• Spring zipped down the Zip Wire in style before heading into the caves and braving the trapeze.

The children threw themselves into every challenge with determination, encouragement, and (of course) lots of laughter.

After tea, there was still more fun to come with the evening Team Challenge. The children competed in their teams alongside a staff team — and yes, the adults gave it everything they had! From a high-energy dance off, to a game of pong, to the unforgettable ‘mummy’ challenge, the hall was filled with cheers and giggles. The children loved seeing the teachers embarrass themselves, and the staff enjoyed every moment too.

Hot chocolate, biscuits, and bedtime soon followed, with plenty of tired but happy faces.

As we head into our final morning tomorrow, we couldn’t be prouder of the courage, perseverance, and positivity the children have shown. One more round of adventures awaits before we begin our journey back to Collingham.

Before I sign off tonight, I want to say a huge thank you to Mr Ferguson and Miss Cuthbertson for all their hard work and dedication in coming on residential. We have all thoroughly enjoyed these few days away, and the children have been an absolute pleasure to be with — from mealtimes together, to supporting each other through challenges, to facing their fears and achieving their personal best. We could not be prouder to share this adventure with such amazing young individuals.

Goodnight,
Mr E, Mr Ferguson & Miss Cuthbertson x