Both yesterday and today, I got to spend a couple of hours canoeing on the Mere after school with some of the pupils from Ellesmere Primary School. The funding for these sessions came from money given to the school to spend on pupils that receive free school dinners and we planned both sessions to be for key stage 2 pupils that fall into this category. … Read More »

Today saw the last session of this Summer's Active Adventures program taking place on the Mere in Ellesmere. The circus were also in town and encamped on the banks of the Mere, which made it a little interesting getting the canoe trailer in and out, but we managed to squeeze through! We had a family canoe session with both father & son and mother & daughter … Read More »

Today was my last day this week working with the kids from Ellesmere College's Adventure Plus activity program. Having already had a go at rock climbing, kayaking and orienteering, I figured it would be a great opportunity to take advantage of some sunshine and go for a journey in the canoes. Here in Ellesmere we are very fortunate to have The Mere for fun and … Read More »

I love kayaking but, for some reason, I don't get to do much of it as work. So it was a real treat for me to get out in a kayak with a group for the morning. After some warm up games and the usual safety brief, we got our kayaks on the water but left the paddles behind for the first 15-20 minutes. The main … Read More »

Today was the first day of Active Adventures - our own program of outdoor activity sessions for the whole family during the holiday. Active Adventures aims to give as many people as possible the opportunity to have a go at various outdoor activities. They're designed teach the basic skills whilst having fun in the outdoors. We're offering canoeing, rock climbing, hill walking, high ropes and archery … Read More »

For the second day of Ellesmere College's Adventure Plus holiday program we headed back to The Mere in Ellesmere for a second day of paddling. Yesterday had been a 'dry' session due to a number of the group not having a spare chance of clothes, but everyone was ready and raring to go this morning. With the kids split into 2 groups, it was again … Read More »

Ellesmere College started running their Adventure Plus holiday club last Summer. It offers a week long program of activities for 11 to 14 year olds and today was the start of the first week that they will be running the program this Summer. Some of the activities make the most of the facilities that Ellesmere College has on site, but I've been asked to provide … Read More »

Today marked the beginning of a 2 week holiday program at Prestfelde Preparatory School in Shrewsbury. Having broken up for the Summer a good 3 weeks before the state schools, an 8 and a half week holiday needs a bit of variety to keep it interesting! Today there was shelter building, an art project, a water rocket challenge and kayaking. Consequently, I spent most of the … Read More »

The Year 8 pupils at Prestfelde Preparatory School in Shrewsbury have just finished their exams for entry into their senior schools. As part of their post exam program, they are heading off for a week in the Ardeche region of France. During their trip, they will be experiencing a wide range of activities including a canoeing expedition. This morning provided the pupils with the opportunity to … Read More »