Venture Camp 2010

Venture returned to Calvert Trust in the Lake District this year for the first time since 2005. It is a truly great Centre with fantastic staff who looked after us very well. It’s not every Venture Camp that gets waved off by the Mayor, which made for an amazing start to a fantastic week.

After a few days of settling in, the kids all came together to form one of the most cohesive PHAB groups we’ve ever witnessed. Activities ranged from a wheelchair assault course, horse riding, canoeing, abseiling, rock climbing and much more. Everyone was included and all activities were designed to cater for everyone’s needs.

The final day offered choices and those who went back down to the waterfront actually got to sail their boats on their own! Karaoke night was a true highlight with everyone getting involved and some true stars coming to the fore. Rosie’s Dancing Queen had to be the best solo, while Rachael’s “Is this the way to Amarillo?” quite literally got everyone on their feet. One of our children initially suffered quite severe homesickness, but after chatting with her parents decided to soldier on. She ended up making some lasting friendships on the Camp and amazed everyone by doing the “drop-swing” twice!

The warmth of feeling between everyone by the final night was overwhelming, making for one of the best Venture parties in years. The theme was Vampires, Werewolves and Zombies and everyone rose to the occasion making for the goriest horror-fest Venture has ever witnessed.