Kilvrough 2025
Monday 31st March
After a very early start, the children have had a very busy first day. We had an excellent journey with a stop at Magor services before arriving at Kilvrough around midday. The weather has been beautiful, so the children have been able to enjoy the grounds and take part in lots of team building activities. This evening, we have undertaken an orienteering challenge in the grounds of Kilvrough Manor, which has allowed us to familiarise ourselves with the immediate environment. Our evening meal was fish fingers, chips, beans and salad, finished off with jelly and ice cream. Everyone is now (9.30pm) settled down in bed and will hopefully get a good night’s sleep.
Tuesday 1st April
The first night’s sleep at Kilvrough must go down as one of the best on record! We were very impressed with everyone and even more so when the morning room inspections were done - what tidy children!
For breakfast we were served cereal and toast and then we prepared for the first full day of activities. Each group met to discuss their activities and were then tasked with getting everything they needed before getting on the minibuses and venturing off site.
For breakfast we were served cereal and toast and then we prepared for the first full day of activities. Each group met to discuss their activities and were then tasked with getting everything they needed before getting on the minibuses and venturing off site.
Groups A and B went on a waterfall walk and were able to experience the awe and wonder of the Welsh landscape for themselves, which was made all the more incredible by the stunning weather we have had today. There was lots of walking and climbing involved, and plenty of streams and puddles to splash about in!
Group C travelled to the Neath Canal, where they learned to sail canoes, working in pairs to sail from the canal basin to the lock. The children learned that sailing canoes is not as easy as it looks and that a huge amount of teamwork is necessary to ensure the canoe goes in the right direction. Some of the canoes ‘accidentally’ capsized, but this just added to the fun - even if we did have some very wet children at the end!
After returning to Kilvrough and getting showered, there was more free time before our evening meal, which tonight was a feast of spaghetti bolognaise, followed by apple crumble and cream.
Our final activity of the day was a night walk to the ruins of Pennard Castle, where we all looked out to the sea and watched the sunset which was a beautiful experience.
Our final activity of the day was a night walk to the ruins of Pennard Castle, where we all looked out to the sea and watched the sunset which was a beautiful experience.
As of 9.30pm, everyone is once again tucked up and tired from the exertions of the day.
We look forward to another exciting, action-packed day tomorrow!
We look forward to another exciting, action-packed day tomorrow!
Wednesday 2nd April
What an action-packed day we have all had today! We started off with a hearty breakfast, including cereal, toast and bacon rolls. After this, we met in our activity groups to prepare for the day.
Groups A and B travelled to the Neath canal to experience canoeing for the first time. They learned how to work together in teams and were able to traverse the canal like experts by the end of the day! Unlike yesterday, only one child had an unexpected dunk in the water!
Group C travelled the short distance to Pobbles beach, an outstanding beauty spot. Here they learned to abseil and climb the rocks, while working in teams to belay and ensure that the climbers/abseilers were safe and supported. After this the children had a great time exploring the rock pools and paddling in the sea.
After returning to Kilvrough, we enjoyed a full roast chicken dinner, followed by chocolate mousse. We have been very lucky with the excellent food served so far!
For the evening activity, both schools went into the woods next to Kilvrough Manor for a den building challenge, after which they sat around a camp fire and drank hot chocolate.
As you can imagine, there are a lot of tired children tonight and, as of 9pm, everyone is tucked up in bed - hopefully settling in for a good night’s sleep once more.
As you can imagine, there are a lot of tired children tonight and, as of 9pm, everyone is tucked up in bed - hopefully settling in for a good night’s sleep once more.
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