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**NEW** French Summer Trip - July 2012 - Video Embed (A must watch)

13.07.12

Day 1 ~ In the Big Brother Tent

The inmates have been split into two teams based on age and beauty. Team 1 the young and beautiful have been set a challenge to use modern technology and resources to get them to Chillac. The iPad was swtiched on and the route planned very quickly. We then used the iPhone to book tickets from Stanstead to Lyon and reserve a car. Team 2 the grumpy old men and friends all got a map out and everyone knew how best to read a map and plan a route!

Our challenge is whoever arrives first in Chillac will live like Kings and Queens for the day and the losers will live as peasants.

Day 2 ~ In the Big Brother Tent

9.26am ~ The grumpy old men and friends lost the challenge, and are now working hard for the young and the beautiful. The young and beautiful are living like Kings and Queens relaxing by the river and searching the IPad for a local health spa. The losers have the challenge are making us a living/kitchen area. 

Day 3 ~ In the Big Brother Tent

7.18am ~ Grumpy old man has now been sleeping for 10 hours. Today six people are up for eviction, to avoid the public vote they must find gold worn by the Duke of Edinburgh in three days and return to camp.

All other tent mates have been offered a treat. Paddling with the Grumpy old men or climbing with the young and the beautiful. 

Day 4 ~ In the Big Brother Tent

7.18pm ~ The inmates have all settled into a routine of early evening games. The young and lively are the volleyball addicts, the French set are enjoying boule and the grumpy old man is still trying to master the slack rope

Day 5 ~ In the Big Brother Tent

11.09am ~ The inmates have been grouped by ability today and grumpy old man has opted for the elite group to go gorge walking with him and the beginners to paddle with Dave. Dave had almost a 100% pass rate except for the boat captained by Lady Winbow and first mate Sando. Grumpy old man had a excellent day and produced his first smile of the holiday. He just needs help with telling the time! Luckily the abandoned group found somewhere for a ....

Day 6 ~ In the Big Brother Tent

 After the excitement of shopping, once again we were split into 2 groups.  The young ones went out to do Gorge walking and 3 waterfalls to abseil down whilst the elite group were led by the now not so grumpy old man to do a Via Ferrata.   The camp is buzzing with what they have achieved. 

Day 7 ~ In the Big Brother Tent

Chapel this morning was opened by, Here I am to worship by Tim Hughes and finished with Jerusalem. Then we split into 2 groups, one group off to use skills already learnt on a different section of the river with more challenges. The other group are climbing In a new area. Today we hope those up for eviction will return with gold worn by the Duke of Edinburgh.  

Day 8 ~ In the Big Brother Tent

Last night the DofE returned all with a piece of gold. Olympic fever hit camp, the oed team organised a very competitive evening of games, grumpy old man is not moving as well today!!.  Today we are all white water rafting, a very early start for the first group. The buzz in camp is amazing, everyone working together and encouraging each other at all times. 

Day 9 ~ In the Big Brother Tent

This will be my last blog as a busy day for us all tomorrow. Myself and the children would like to thank Mr Sellar and his OEd team for this truly amazing experience. He is not the grumpy old man we all thought he was. Everyday has started at 8am with groups going in all directions, he has fully planned and made sure everyone had the right equipment for every activity. He has organised shopping for food trips and still had the energy to organise games in the evening. As well as offering support to staff. His enthusiasm for children to reach their potential is limitless and his encouragement of those less confident has brought new experiences,to those to whom these activities were previously alien. He has achieved what no one else could, a proverbially impossible feet. He has kept every one happy all the time.