Tuesday, 17 August 2010

Wet.

Back in the north now and it is very wet! After a week in the balmy south, especially in devon where it was so bright and hot i needed sun cream, this weather is particularly noticeable.

Let me tell you a bit about Longbarn: its a camp for 8 - 11 year olds in kent, set in the middle of a forest. As such there is not much electricity (there is some thanks to a couple of solar panels), no flushing loos, no internet, and no showers.

Surprisingly, speaking as someone who loves cities, mod cons, and a shower in the morning, going to longbarn is one of the highlights of my year!

I help run the camp, along with around 15 other leaders, ensuring the kids fufill one of the most important rules of the week: to have fun!

Its always strange re-entering society after a week there. One is struck by people using money, rushing to get places, and wearing suits! This is compared to longbarn-ers who emerge into the world needing a wash, engrossed in the idiosyncrasies of camp and looking blankly at a £10 note!

This year's highlights: winning astroblitz (longbarn's premier game), aceing survival (enter forest, cook lunch, try to make sure children don't get food poisoning), and having a bunch of kids really understand the bible stories we were teaching them and ask some excellent questions.

Check out scripture union (who run the camps) to be inspired yourself. :-)

Adios.

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