Danbury 2024 blog

Click on the date to discover the day's activities and images. The blog will be updated every evening.

Monday 21st October 2024

 

We have had a fantastic and adventure-filled first day at Danbury today. Drop off went well with only a few teary hugs goodbye…mostly from the adults. The children were split into their cabin groups and set to work setting up their bunks. It was soon time for lunch and then on to the first activity. Over the next few days, the children will take part in archery, bush craft, aerial trekking, vertical challenge, obstacle course, zip line and a climbing wall. The children also tucked in to biscuits to keep their energy up between activities.

After the first two activities, it was time to say goodbye to our instructors and head back to our cabins. Not for too long though as it was time for dinner! We were treated to a Monday roast dinner with all the trimmings. For dessert, the children devoured a chocolate cake to rival the one in Matilda.

After dinner, the children put their smarts to the test in Mrs Thompson’s Danbury quiz. They were tested on general knowledge, music, chocolate bars, space and their own teachers. In teams, they had to work together and we were all shocked to find out an octopus has 9 brains!

To settle in for the evening, the children brushed their teeth, changed into pyjamas and watched some TV. Then it was time to get into our bunks, ready for a blissful and full night’s sleep…hopefully.

Memorable moments and shout outs-

Mrs Sanderson – ‘All of my group used their growth mind-set during aerial trekking. They all did really well!’.

Mrs Thompson- Maggie H for using her growth mind-set in archery. She was resilient and kept going even when she was finding it challenging.

Miss Anderson – All of my group did well today but a special shout-out to Bella S, Grace F and Penny C for finding their brave and overcoming their fears in aerial trekking.

Mrs Whipps- Lewis C for his brilliant listening skills and being sensible during bush craft.

Mrs Dumitrascu – Well done to Ellie A for using her growth mind-set on the obstacle course. I think we have found a hidden talent, you were brilliant.

 

 

Tuesday 22nd October 2024

 

The children awoke with excitement for another day of thrill-seeking activities. First on the itinerary was to brush teeth and get ready. Then we all eagerly rushed to breakfast as there were rumours of a full English breakfast. After filling up on sausages, bacon, hash browns and eggs, it was time for the first activity of the day.

Today, the children took part in four new activities that tested their bravery and skill. We saw the confidence growing in many of the children, as they left their hesitations behind and took on their challenges. We have been incredibly proud of how the children are supporting each other and cheering them on for their achievements.

We stopped for lunch and filled up on pizza and wedges to give us the energy to get through the next few activities. In the evening, the children tucked into a delicious dinner of pasta and garlic bread. They also had the option of salad, which surprisingly did make its way onto some plates. They were treated to a donut before tackling the showers. They had to use their growth mind-set and resilience to get through that challenge.

After this, the children took part in an escape room activity, as Mrs Sanderson ‘figuratively’ locked them into the dinner hall. They had to work together in their cabin teams to win their freedom…and hot chocolate and biscuits.

Only one more activity to go in the morning before it is time to bid farewell to Danbury 2024. We are all looking forward to seeing you tomorrow!

Memorable moments and shout outs-

Mrs Thompson- Shout out to Sadie and Tommy for amazing teamwork on the obstacle course. They moved with the speed of lightning on the over/under bars. A special shout out to Ralph as well for pushing himself out of his comfort zone and trying new things!

Mrs Whipps- Isabella for overcoming her trepidation and doing the zip line 4 times!

Mrs Sanderson-  The whole group displayed brilliant teamwork on the obstacle course and Emily’s laugh was contagious as she got stuck in the net.

Miss Anderson- A big well done deserves to be said to Penny for pushing herself today. Although nervous, Penny challenged her fears and ended up doing the zip line 4 times!

Mrs Dumitrascu- All of the group were amazing! They were brilliant in aerial trekking, where they took on both levels reaching new heights. Well done to Rosie and Ellie for overcoming their fears on the zip line.

 

 

 Wednesday 23rd October 2024

 

Our final day at Danbury has arrived. The children woke up full of energy ready for their final morning. Before breakfast, they were asked to pack up their cabins, embarking on the challenging task of fitting their sleeping bags back in their covers. Once packed up, the children headed down to breakfast. On the menu was croissants and sausage baguettes, with the option of fruit, cereal, toast and yoghurt.

After breakfast, it was time for their final activity. The children have taken on all kinds of challenges on their Danbury adventure. They have faced their fears, whether that is taking on the high ropes or staying away from home. We hope that they have thoroughly enjoyed their time here and we look forward to reminiscing about it at school tomorrow!

Before leaving, the children were asked to deliver a performance about their time at Danbury. They performed songs, raps, dances, monologues and speeches about their favourite activities. After this, it was time to tuck into a jacket potato (with a choice of filling) for their final lunch. The children and adults have made lots of lasting memories here at Danbury!

Until next time…

Some final memorable moments and shout outs-

• Inara for overcoming her fears on the zip wire
• Claudia and Isabella for completing both levels on the high ropes
• Niamh, Maggie and Katie for taking their end of Danbury presentation very seriously!
• All of Mrs D’s cabin for going to sleep at a (half) reasonable time last night- a big improvement from the night before!
• Jacob for his incredible speed climbing on the vertical challenge. The Danbury instructors were impressed that you kept beating the challenges they set for you!
• Everyone for overcoming their fears and giving the activities a go. Well done!