News from the Blencathra Centre - August 2009

We get a lot of different types of feedback from students who visit us at the centre. I thought you might be interested in this poem we received as feedback from Ullswater Community College, Penrith.

The sun shining on the car park at UCC
All the students busy as a bee
Wondering what lies ahead what there is to see
15 students with martin and me

Excitement, apprehension building up inside
Duvets on beds what a challenge to blow the mind
Tour of the centre, the games room and where we are going to dine
Smiling faces which means everything is fine

Team games to challenge and bond the group together
All around brilliant sunny weather
Helping each other, problem solving working together
Trying so hard to be better and better

Evening stroll on our nature walk
Excitement while learning creating interesting talk
Listening, helping each other as we walk
Take a left as the road forks

Exploring Castle Crag along the path we weave
Helping each other achieve
Collecting items that we need
Ice cream at the end, what a need

Working towards the John Muir Award so conservation tasks to do
Breaking bracken, weaving willow and improving the pond, all things new
Still the skies clear and blue
What a fantastic crew

Discovering the river getting fully immersed
Laughter and excitement being first
Enjoyment, achievement no one getting hurt
A good way to wash off all the dirt

From river to lake upon canoes
Rafted up into 2`s
To the island we cruise
Set alight the BBQ`s

Sausages sizzling, burgers growling and veg on a stick
Filling tummys lick, lick, lick
Watching the ducks having a pick
Skimming stones, off with a flick

Tidy up and packing away
All the students enjoyed their stay
Learning new skills each day
What can we say

From start to finish there has been a huge change
Certificates and gifts exchange
10 feet taller, skills and qualities learned what a range
I feel privileged to see such a change

Thank you for giving so much
Supporting with funding is brilliant touch

Tim Foster

Head of Centre Field Studies Council Blencathra

Tel: 017687 79601