HILLTOP RESIDENTIAL DAY 2

Group 1 started this morning with a walk to Sheringham called The Journey. Using maps and compasses, the children took turns navigating a long route out of the grounds of Hilltop, through Sheringham Woods, past the old monastery, across the railway tracks, up and over Beeston Bump and into town. The walk is a bit of an endurance challenge especially because the temperature went up and layers were shed. Luckily, a cooling ice-cream awaited before the walk back to the centre in time for lunch.

Meanwhile, Group 2 had their turn on the Air Jump. This is a seriously impressive activity – it requires the children to jump from a wooden tower onto a 4 metre high air bag. The children learn how to jump safely by throwing their legs forward, crossing their arms across their chests and landing on their backs. If they can master this, their can choose to go up the tower to higher and higher levels – 4 metres, 5 metres, 7 metres and… for the truly intrepid… 8 metres. It’s a seriously long way up and it’s amazing to watch the children’s mental battles as they try to convince themselves to jump off.

In the afternoon, the groups swapped over. Needless to say, this evening they were all very tired. But that didn’t stop most of them joining in with a very energetic game in the Enchanted Forest.

Now they are in bed and – we think – fast asleep. Their rooms are certainly quiet. They’re all looking forward to tomorrow morning’s activities and home comforts tomorrow afternoon.

Good night all.