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A great day was enjoyed by all who attended our activity day on 20th Aug 2011 although numbers we slightly down on previous events.  We guess this was due to it being the middle of the summer holidays.

An early start….
…arriving at 9.30am at Outdoor Element’s new activity centre in Simonstone, near Burnley.  Our furthest family travelled from Stoke but were actually the first to arrive.  There were lots of tired faces and a few grumps (and that was just from the adults) so the jugs of hot tea and coffee were most welcome to kick start the day.  The whole group couldn’t help smiling though with Jamie’s enthusiasm to get started.  He selected archery as his group’s first activity and was raring to go!!

Bush Craft & Archery…
Jim and his team, our instructors for the day, briefed the group before setting off into the woods.  One group went off to learn some bush craft.  After arriving on a desert island the group were tasked with hunting for food, building a shelter and lighting a fire.  Thankfully they came across some marshmallows left from the shipwreck so were able to carve Alder tree twigs to make skewers for toasting. Yum Yum!!

The other group were tested for their skill and accuracy, having a go at archery.  After a safety briefing the group shot arrows using the centres new ambidextrous bows.  After a practice the instructor attached some balloons to the target with the aim of popping them.  All those involved were quietly competitive, and with being left handed, Brooke enjoyed competing on a level footing with the others, managing to hit 3 balloons!!

On site stoma care exhibition…
Whilst families were having fun in the woods, the stoma care and support group reps were busy setting up their stalls back at the activity centre.  Families then enjoyed a delicious packed lunch and were able to learn about new products, receive samples and gather lots of information on other support groups that might be of benefit to them.

Lunch was followed by a team photo and a couple of cheque presentations from fundraising efforts of two of our members.  Thank you Emily and Anna.  This group really does have some amazing young people!!

High Ropes...
…was the focus of the afternoon.   The Jacob’s ladder caused much amusement, especially watching Richard and Mark with Jacob (appropriately named) pulling themselves up each rung.  It was like a scene out of the Chuckle Brothers!! They were lucky they had the Lawton lads holding them in place.  Jen and Naomi also did a sterling effort, finally making it to the top, 40 minutes after setting off!!

The most popular activity seemed to be the crate stacking.  It was a real team effort with two people stood on the crates whilst the rest of the group passed or hoisted crates to them.  The aim was to build the tower as high as they could without it toppling over.  Adam and Jacob were the eventual winners building a tower of 19 crates high but were left dangling in the trees when the tower fell to the ground!!

Trees were also a focus on the afternoon’s activities.  They were used as a climbing wall as well as the nerve busting ‘Leap of Faith’.  Anna had to be the bravest girl there, climbing right to the top, jumping with no fear and reaching and touching the ball hanging high in the air.

Time to say goodbye….
…with the day officially coming to a close at 4pm no one seemed to want to go home.  People started to say their goodbyes in dribs and drabs and the kids were finally pulled off the crates at 5pm.  The weather had been perfect.  The instruction was spot on.  Families spent time chatting, children played with their friends and many people learned new skills or tried a new experience. All in the beautiful setting of brand new facilities for Outdoor Elements.  Another successful Diversions event!!