School camp photos

I promised that I would put some photos on - here are the first ones. If you haven't seen any pictures of camp yet, here's your first opportunity.

Mr Devereux

The Low Ropes Course

The team try to escape from the Titanic, while Saltire and Fudge try to help each other balance.

The High Ropes Course

Bramble and Whisky just hanging around after swinging on the trapeze. Bramble is also showing off her belaying skills.

On the high ropes course

Paul Burn demonstrates how to do the cows' tails while The Human Nessie prepares to climb.

Preparing to go night swimming...outdoors!

In the forest

Bramble finds a grass snake and goes, "Aw..."

The Tarzan Pool

Camp photos

Mr Devereux's final thoughts on camp

Most embarrassing moment:
Not recognising Adder in the disco and asking him, "Which school are you from?"

Best moment:
Doing the water slide at the end of the gorge walk.

Most bizarre moment:
Paul Burn getting a big bump on his head...after having been hit by...a Boost chocolate bar.

Best overall thing:
Dry, warm weather for all of camp.

Most frustrating thing:
Not catching Neap during tig!

Noisiest moment:
When Pink's So What was played at the disco.

Scariest moment:
Seeing Bramble pick up a snake (guess who doesn't like snakes!).

Best ghost story:
My own one!

Most repeated question:
"Are we nearly there yet?" (on the bus).

Best meal:
Fish and chips.

Voice I heard most often down the girls' corridor after lights out:
Tinkerbell!

Camp eating award:
Paul Burn!

Most amazing moment:
Seeing Rob Roy MacGregor lying back relaxing in the Tarzan pool as if she were in a hot tub while everyone else was shivering and freezing to death in the arctic waters.

Last to sleep:
Hawthornden Primary staff @ 2 am.

Well done, everyone, on meeting so many challenges and being such a great crew. You were toptastic!

Mr Devereux

Benmore Blog, day four (Nettle)

We did the ropes course today. It was so cool because I jumped off a trapeze and climbed really high. We also did canoeing. We had a race and my team won. We also got the results of the raft race and we came 3rd. I am going home tomorrow and the disco in tonight. SCARY SCARY! Better go because I really need the toilet! Tonght is the last night I write my Benmore diary.
Nettle
xxx

Benmore Blog, day four (William Wallace)

This morning we went on the ropes course which was fun especially the Trapeze when adder and me started walking up each other to try and hang upside down. In the afternoon we went canoeing in Loch Eck. After canoeing we turned a canoe over and started jumping on it until it flipped over and threw us off. Highlander and Thistle threw me head-first into the cold water. Tonight we have the disco. Dinner was roast potato and Yorkshire pudding.

Benmore Blog, day four (Ally McCoist)

This morning we did canoeing and we went sailing and we never got wet totally. In the afternoon we went on the ropes course which is a 40-50 foot climbing thing with ropes and when we did that at the end we went on the trapeze.

Benmore Blog, day four (Turnip)

It was great this morning because we went kayaking. We attached two canoes together and paddled down the loch. We then put up a sail and sailed the rest of the way. It was a bit wet but still great. We then went on the ropes course in the afternoon. It was really scary looking at the course but when you got up it wasn’t too bad. We climbed up about 50 feet and then jumped off. It was really exciting. We then stood up on a really high platform and swung onto a trapeze. It was great.

Benmore Blog, day four (Stardust)

Last day.
We had breakfast, did canoeing again (hurray) and did sailing at the same time, lunch (boring), gorge walk. Slides were great. Tea. Janina’s cake for pudding. Now disco time.

Benmore Blog, day four (Adder)

Last day.
Best day!!
I really enjoyed today. We went on the ropes. I did trapeze with William Wallace. Today felt really long. After lunch we went canoeing. We rafted them together. We are about to go to the disco. I hate dancing!

Benmore Blog, day four (Neap)

It was really fun today. This morning we went canoeing. It was really windy so we tied the canoes together and used sails to ride. In the afternoon we went to the ropes course which was great. We had to climb up all these logs and ropes and then jump off and there was a trapeze. It was great. You climbed this really high wobbly post then with a partner, jump off and grab it then swing. After tea we got cake and not just any cake. It was a birthday cake with my name on it! I was really pleased and the class got extra cake.

Benmore Blog, day four Tinkerbell)

This morning we did the ropes course. It was WOW!!!!! My favourite! It was really scary especially the trapeze. Me and Thistle just jumped off together screaming!!! Then we went canoeing and got soaked, stuck and then sank eventually.
Tinkerbell xoxox

Benmore Blog, day four (Highlander)

In the morning we did the ropes course. It was super-high but very fun. There was one point where we had to jump on a trapeze and that was FREAKY. In the afternoon we went canoeing. It was very windy so we rafted the boats together. At the end we got very wet. In about half an hour we’re having a disco and that’ll be FUN!

Benmore Blog, day four (Thistle)

The ropes were AMAZING! They were definitely my favourite. I did the cancan halfway up a log and danced on the pole. The trapeze was so fun. But I had to clamber up Tinkerbell to hang off it!! It was soooo fun!!!
The canoeing was fun too! We all really enjoyed it. We roped two canoes together and all went together. We all had a race and we won!! It was great!!!

Benmore Blog, day four (Bramble)

Human Nessie woke me up today I was really tired it was so annoying. We went down to have breakfast. We had bacon! Went out to see Pete. We’re going abseiling. We got ready and walked down to the indoor climbing wall. I managed to do and overhang. WOW. We finished there then walked to a huge boulder. We walked up a path to the top and attached ourselves to ropes. We abseiled down. it was 50 ft then we walked to and other rock and climbed it. We went and had lunch then went to the gorge. We started with some scrambling then had to walk over a log then fell in. We kept on walking then got to a slide. I slid down it really fast. We got to a rock called the keyhole we had to crawl through a really tiny space to get out. We got to a steep bit and Grabbed a rope. We pulled ourselves up and got to a bit called Africa. We had to crawl under a rock (in the water). We got back. It was freezing. Had tea then Janina’s birthday cake. Yum.

Benmore Blog, day four (Berry)

Well this morning we went to a big house and got to climb these big rock things and then we went climbing and abseiling but I only did the climbing. In the afternoon we went gorge walking it was great fun because there was lots of water. Tomorrow we are going home and I am excited. Tonight we are having a disco.

Benmore Blog, day four (Highland Cow)

We went canoeing and to the ropes course today!!! It was really fun! There was a high ropes course. We tied 2 canoes together and used a sail. It was sooooo fun! I had a great day!

Benmore Blog, day four (Whisky)

In the morning we had breakfast and then we did abseiling. We practised first in the building and then we went outside. It was really good fun and I enjoyed it lots. In the afternoon we went on a gorge walk. We climbed up the river and slid down a water slide. The best bit was going through a tunnel with water coming in your face! Scary! Tonight we’ve got a DISCO!

Benmore Blog, day four (Robin Red Breast)

It was really fun today because we went on the ropes course. We had a harness and I climbed up the really high ladder and I walked across the log. I got scared on the high log but I still did it! When we jumped off I floated in mid air. It was AWESOME! The canoeing was cool. I went in the front and got soaking! I’m looking forward to seeing my family again but I’m sad to leave.

Benmore Blog, day four (Rob Roy MacGregor)

We did the ropes course in the morning. It was absolutely brilliant. After lunch we went rafting. We had a race and were playing games. The dinner was good. I am so looking forward to seeing my mum, dad and my dog Scooby.

Benmore Blog, day four (Saltire)

It was amazing today! We did the abseiling and climbing! We went in the indoor one to practise and then the quarry! Then the gorge walk which was amazing and I got soaked! I liked the human dam. Disco the night!

Benmore Blog, day four (Fudge)

I had a really good day today! We did the gorge walk and abseiling. The gorge walk was really fun and challenging. We got to slide down the rock in the gorge!! It was really fun. The abseiling was challenging and fun too. We abseiled down a rock. It was 50ft. We are going home tomorrow. I am a bit sad.

Benmore Blog, day four (Tartan Terror)

Yet again it was great! My team won the raft contest with our craft “edible fish”. Our first activity was canoeing. We tied two canoes together so we had four people in a boat. We had two four-people vessels. When we were halfway across the loch the wind picked up so we put up a sail! It was exhausting! We all flopped into the van when we were done!
After lunch it was the ropes course. There was a trapeze that was above a tiny platform. Neap and I jumped off together. When I was climbing up I had another panic attack but when I got up it was awesome. We were on harnesses so it was fine! Tonight is the disco. Looking forward to seeing you. Love lots.

Benmore Blog, day four (Loch Ness)

Sorry - not allowed to start with ‘today’ so – Today we went canoeing. We attached two canoes together and then paddled in. It was great. Then after lunch we went to the ropes course. I climbed up a huge post then I jumped off it with Turnip (the platform on top was about the size of a pizza box!), then we jumped of it at the same time onto a trapeze and dangled. It was sooooooo……cool! Going home tomorrow – a bit sad.

Benmore Blog, day four (Chris Boyd)

This morning we went canoeing. We had to join the canoes together so we got divided into two groups. We sailed down the loch and back. Then we put a sail up and sailed further down the loch. Then the bus came to pick us up for our lunch.

Benmore Blog, day four (Haggis)

This morning I woke up at 7.10am then had breakfast. We went on the high ropes. It was amazing! Then we had lunch then went canoeing. It was tiring. We kept getting swept back. Then we had to clean our waterproofs and boots. After we had free time. Then tea of roast beef and Yorkshire pudding.

Benmore Blog, day four (The Human Nessie)

In the morning we were climbing and abseiling. To start of we practised both on an indoor climbing wall, then we went to a massive rock. We walked up a path the got all attached to the ropes and had to lean of the edge. After that it was just an easy walk down…….a cliff. Once we were down we then went to another bit of the cliff and climbed up. It was really fun.
After lunch we went to the gorge. After a while of climbing up a river, we stopped to slide down a rock slide. Once we were at the top we all sat down and dammed the gorge. The water all built up behind us until eventually we all went flying down the rock slide. It was soooooo fun! See you soon.

Benmore Blog, day four (Paul Burn)

Today I went climbing and abseiling. It was amazing, so cool! This afternoon I was gorge walking. I got soaked.

Benmore Blog, day four (Braken)

I had good fun today because we were climbing, abseiling and gorge walking. The abseiling was high and steep and the gorge was cold but I really enjoyed it. I was quite scared to abseil because it was quite high but it was fine once I started. I got soaking wet doing the gorge walk. See you soon.

Benmore Blog, day four (Mr Devereux)

Today I joined another group for the morning and returned to Loch Eck. However, instead of repeating kayaking I took part in some canoeing. Pairs of canoes were lashed together to make catamarans. The wind was amazingly strong and we paid an unplanned visit to the caravan park on the opposite side of the loch! It was very hard work for the team to paddle back into the wind and return to the correct side. We did it though. We all loved Neap’s birthday cake. Bramble and Thistle devoured the crumbs left on the plate as if they had never been fed before. Everyone got very excited about the disco and the girls spent a long time getting ready. It was rather loud but the class really enjoyed it. A nice teacher from Hawthornden Primary set up a games room for children who don’t like discos and that proved popular too. I showed some of the class how to play Monopoly.

Benmore Blog, day three (Saltire)

Today we did caves in the morning and kayaking in the afternoon. Caves were amazing. The best part was getting lowered down to the dark, damp and deep cave! It was really good anyway! We didn’t get time to do the second because we got more time for swimming and kayaking.
After lunch we got our stuff and headed straight out! It was cool. Some people capsized! Then we jumped in for a swim at the end!

Benmore Blog, day three (Bramble)

Today we did caving and kayaking. The caving was scary. We walked up a hill for a while then came to the cave. Pete set up the equipment and we got lowered down through pitch black on a harness to the cave. We turned our torches on at the bottom and started to walk through the cave. There were jagged rocks and big black openings. We saw lumps of quartz and layers of rust in the dark rock. It was like a narrow high tunnel. We got to a bit where we had to climb down a rope and then we walked through the caves for a while then came into sunlight and climbed up a rock with rope. We went for lunch then came back to kayak. We kayaked on Loch Eck which means white horse. It was really windy and at one point there was a whirlpool. We just paddled around for a while then played a game. Pete was the shark and when he tapped our kayak we had to go back to shore. We had a race to grab a pink buoy and Whisky and Bracken fell in while reaching for it. I dropped my paddle and had to paddle around with my hands. I was reaching for the paddle and fell in. Brrr! We went swimming in the loch and are about to built a raft.

Benmore Blog, day three (Chris Boyd)

Today we went with Morna to the gorge walk and I fell but I’m still living. We went down a chute. It was lots of fun. In the afternoon we went caving and I got stuck but eventually I got there. It was wet inside and dark but we got torches. Eventually we climbed out and went back to camp. Tonight we are doing raft building.

Benmore Blog, day three (Whisky)

Today we woke up and had breakfast. Today was going to be good. In the morning we went caving and in the afternoon we went kayaking. The caves were dark and damp and some parts were really narrow. We got lowered down by a rope and went off to explore! It was good fun.
In the afternoon (after we had lunch) we went kayaking. We had a boat each and it was really hard to balance because it was quite windy. Me and Bracken and Bramble fell into the freezing water. I t was really good fun and we had oars. Benmore is really good and the weather is brilliant!!
Whisky xxxx

Benmore Blog, day three (The Human Nessie)

Today, in the morning we had room inspection. We got 10 out of 10! For our fist activity we went caving. I had to be lowered down first into the dark, dark cave. Dun dun duuuun!! But it was okay because I had a torch on my helmet.
For our second activity we had kayaking. It was so fun. Once we knew how to turn and go straight etc. we got to play games. In one of them we all bunched our kayaks together and we stood up, one at a time, and walked along the kayaks. I, of course, fell in. Bramble, Whisky, Bracken and Paul Burn all capsized at one time or another, so we all got good and wet. At the end we all went for a swim. After we’ve finished this we are going rafting! We are all going to work in teams to make rafts! It’s going to be fun!
Bye,
The Human Nessie
xx

Benmore Blog, day three (Robin Red Breast)

Today we went abseiling! It was really cool. I was a bit scared at first but I did it and I had great fun! I wish I could do it again. After lunch we went for a forest walk and I planned to get soaking wet! I crawled through loads of wet tunnels and we found millions of tadpoles! I caught loads but I kept two in a cup and called them Fuji and Po (strange names!). We played hide and seek in the woods and we drank some water from a mini waterfall. The water was delicious! This evening I’m really happy because my family sent me some really nice cards and my little sister did some cool drawings! I miss my family loads but I’m having lots of fun!

Benmore Blog, day three (Rob Roy MacGregor)

Our first thing we had to do was our duties and chores for our bedroom. The first activity today day was climbing and abseiling which was really good. I wanted to do it again. After lunch we went for a forest walk. It was quite good. For our dinner we had spaghetti bolognaise. It was so delicious. Tomorrow we are doing canoeing. I am looking forward to it. We get cake after our first activities. It was delicious. My group got two bits of cake.

Benmore Blog, day three (Bracken)

Today we went in caves and went kayaking. The caves were really dark and damp and quite small. I liked the kayaking the best and I fell out twice. I am really enjoying myself and having lots of fun.
Love Bracken

Benmore Blog, day three (Berry)

Today we went caving. It was great fun. It was all wet but still good. After we went to the caves we went back to the house. We went kayaking but we were going to do canoeing but it was too windy. I went out at the very beginning of the activity but I was not too bothered because I don’t really like things like that. Tomorrow we are climbing and abseiling which is going to be great fun. Then we are going to do the gorge walk which is also going to be fun so we have a great day ahead of us.
Love Berry

Benmore Blog, day three (Fudge)

Today we went kayaking and caving. I really enjoyed the kayaking because I love water and like having fun. I didn’t really enjoy the caves because I don’t like enclosed spaces! I had lots of fun today and am looking forward to tomorrow.
Love Fudge

Benmore Blog, day three (Ally McCoist)

Today we went gorge walking and it was fun. We had to hug a tree that looked like an elephant and at the end we slid down a waterfall and got soaking wet. In the afternoon we went caving and got lowered down and we had lights on top of our helmets to see.

Benmore Blog, day three (Stardust)

Today we had breakfast then went and did caving. It was dark, scary and you had to be lowered down. Had lunch. Did kayaking. Had a swim and then had tea and cakes. Free time then tea and now we’re going to build rafts.

Benmore Blog, day three (Adder)

This morning we had climbing and abseiling. It was really fun. It was about 50 feet high. I had to climb up last with Miss Rome. The abseil was smaller than I remembered. But maybe I’m just taller. In the afternoon we went for a walk in the forest. We played hide and seek and caught tadpoles in cups. It was fun. Highlander found a tadpole and called it ‘Jimbo’. It was larger than the others and had little stumps of legs. I enjoyed today.

Benmore Blog, day three (Loch Ness)

Today we did gorge walking and caving. First we did gorge walking. We drove to a churchyard and walked into a burn. We walked up the burn and climbed up a really steep rock. It was cold! Then at the top we sat in front of a pool. We made a human dam and stopped the water coming out of the pool. It built up and then we slid down the rock into a pool then out into another pool. It was cold, wet and great fun. Then we went caving. It was soooo cool. We got lowered into a cave. It was 25 feet down. Then we climbed.

Benmore Blog, day three (William Wallace)

Today our activities were climbing (abseil in the morning) and forest walking (in the afternoon). In the morning the climbing was fun and so was the abseil. Whilst I was abseiling I slipped and slammed into a slab of rock. The forest walk was fun because we got to crawl through pipes with loads of water flowing through and I got soaked. At the end we got to taste water from the river then I had a shower under a waterfall. It was spaghetti bolognaise and garlic bread. Our evening activity is raft building.

Benmore Blog, day three (Nettle)

This morning we did climbing and abseiling but we had to practise first by going down a plastic thing and on the climbing wall. It was great fun! When we got outside I abseiled 50 feet off a huge cliff. It was so scary because my rope kept on getting tangled up with Highlander’s rope in the middle. I thought I was going to slip. Then after lunch we went on a forest walk. We played hide and seek and saw loads of tadpoles. I made a little house for my tadpole. I am looking forward to tonight because we get to build rafts. Hopefully we well get to sail them!
Better go!
xxx

Benmore Blog, day three (Paul Burn)

Today was the most amazing.

Benmore Blog, day three (Haggis)

Today I woke up at 7 am. Then we went gorge walking. I went up the keyhole! It was fun. But my boots filled with water. Then we had lunch. Then we went caving. We got lowered down into the cave. It was fun. At the end we climbed out and had to wash our waterproofs. Then tea and cake. Then free time! Me and Loch Ness stole Highlander’s shoe when she was up a tree! Then her ball. She got back her shoe and the ball. After Loch Ness fired me from her group (I had to join Highlander). The tea was spaghetti bolognaise. The weather is nice.

Benmore Blog, day three (Turnip)

It was really fun today because we went gorge walking and got really wet! We had to hold onto some ropes when we were climbing up the rocks, and it was great. We made our way up to a waterfall ad started to make a human dam. Once we had built up enough water we let go of each other and slid down the rocks. We got extremely wet. We then went caving in the afternoon and it was really scary. We got lifted 25 feet underground into the darkness and had to wait at the bottom. We had to climb through lots of holes and small cracks. It was really dark but great fun!

Benmore Blog, day three (Tinkerbell)

We went climbing and abseiling. The climbing was really fun and the abseiling was scary at first but it felt great. Later on we went on a forest walk in the afternoon! We collected tadpoles from the river and put them in cups! Highlander found a newt called Jimbo! My tadpoles were called Popo, Bobo, Topp, Sunny, Taddy and Bimbo! We drank water from the waterfall and crawled though tunnels!
Tinkerbell xox!

Benmore Blog, day three (Highland Cow)

I am having a great time!
We did climbing and abseiling today (we abseiled at 50 feet). We also did a forest trail thing. We swam in a FREEZING cold lake at NIGHT!! We went through a wood and burn on the forest trail. Benmore is GREAT!!

Benmore Blog, day three (Thistle)

The abseiling was amazing! It was scary. The rock was so steep and we kept slipping. It was about a 50 foot drop and I looked down halfway up and that made me a bit wary! But it was still cool! The forest walk was great too. We got to drink from this mini waterfall and it was really nice! We found loads of tadpoles and gave them names (except we couldn’t tell who was who!). Highlander found a kind of newt and named it Jimbo. And the others were just things so they were all “Jimbo and Co.” It’s really fun and we had spag bol for tea. It was yummy!
xox Thistle xox

Benmore Blog, day three (Highlander)

Hi! This morning we went climbing and abseiling. We did it on a 50 foot wall of rock which was very steep. I’ve got tons of photos! In the afternoon we went on a forest walk. There were lots of streams and waterfalls and some people got wet. In one stream we found tons of tadpoles and I found a newt. I named him Jimbo; but then he swam away. After that we played hide-and-seek and that was awesome! See you soon,
Love Highlander
xx

Benmore Blog, day three (Tartan Terror)

Another great day! First we went gorge walking. There was a rock called the keyhole which gushed out water from the river. We had to climb through it! I was soaked!
When we got to the top of the river there was a natural water slide. We lined up REALLY close together and water built up behind us. Then we let go and scooted down into a pool!
Then we went caving! It was cool because we got lowered in through a hole! People kept whacking into me when they came down. When we were halfway through Ally McCoist started singing a song from a Pot Noodle advert for some reason. Later tonight we’re doing raft building! Weeeee!!!

Benmore Blog, day three (Neap)

Today we had beans and sausages for breakfast and got ready for gorge walking. Gorge walking was great. We climbed up waterfalls and made human dams which we built up and then went sliding into a really deep pool. We came back soaking and had lunch. Then we went caving. It was very fun. We had to wear our wet walking boots but I had my own ones from home luckily! The caving was great. You get lowered down a huge hole and it was pitch black but we had torches. Ally McCoist kept singing about Tartan Terror flavoured noodles.

Benmore Blog, day three (Miss Kerr)

We had a fantastic day yesterday. I managed to gorge walk without getting wet feet – quite an achievement I feel!! Caving in the afternoon was a great but being lowered into the cave was a little scary. We all made it out in one piece though.

Benmore Blog, day three (Miss Rome)

Yesterday we had superb weather (again!). My group had wall climbing followed by abseiling in the morning. They all managed to make it up and down in one piece (including me) so well done everybody.

Benmore Blog, day three (Mr Devereux)

We had another great day yesterday and I managed to stay dry doing all my activities (unlike the children!). If you have been reading these posts, you’ll have seen that the keywords are ‘soaked’, ‘wet’, ‘soooo’ and ‘cool’. Yes everyone is very wet and very happy. I am very dry and very happy. However I’m doing the gorge walk tomorrow so the dry bit may have to change. I had a race through the grounds with the class today and came sixth. Not good. Hmm. I think I need to get into a bit more training…

Hello from Miss Small!

Hi everyone, it sounds like you are all having an AMAZING time at Benmore. I am very jealous! I will keep my fingers crossed for sunshine and lots more exciting activities for you all.

Look forward to hearing more about your fun week :)
Have fun, Miss Small xx

Benmore Blog, day two (Tartan Terror)

Today was cool too! We went rock climbing and abseiling but I got scared so I just walked down. Then we went on a really nice forest walk. There were loads of mini waterfalls and there was a big one to camouflage ourselves. Then we came back for tea! After that we went swimming in an ARCTIC cold pond! Brrr! Write again tomorrow. Bye!

Benmore Blag, day two (The Human Nessie)

Today, in the morning, we all woke up at 6.30!! We all got dressed, tidied our dorm and sent messages to the other dorms.
After breakfast we had to do our chores. I had to sweep a corridor and some steps. After that (deep breath) we had to have our dorms inspected. We got 9 out of 10!!
For our morning activity we did the ROPES!! It was amazing!! First we did a practice course where we had to work as a team, or fall down. Then we did the proper one. We got strapped to harnesses then all got jobs. Some people had to hold ropes, one person had to do the course and I had to do videoing. When it was my turn on the ropes course I was really nervous but I did it fine. We went up a ladder, then along a horizontal pole, then up a metal ladder, and then along another pole. In the middle we had to do a dance then JUMP OFF!! We then did another course but it was harder then…we climbed up a 50 FEET high pole…then jumped off to grab hold of a trapeze…then let go and float down. Although floating down sounds comfy, you get a MAJOR wedgie. In the afternoon we went for a walk through the forest and in the evening we went for a swim in the river. It was FREEZING and really deep. It was amazing.
See you,
The Human Nessie
xx

Benmore Blog, day two (Bramble)

In the morning we woke up at 6.30. Bracken was being really loud in the night. We hardly got any sleep. We went and played table tennis then had breakfast. Bacon and toast. Yum. Then we met with Pete and got harnesses and helmets. We then went to the ropes coarse. At the start we played games on the low down version where we didn’t need harnesses then we went onto the big course. It was awesome. It was quite hard to balance and we did little dances on the top. The other course we had to do we walked along wires and clung on to ropes. The funnest part was we had to climb to the top of the pole in partners and jump! We grabbed onto a trapeze and swung for ages. I was with Whisky. Then we went back and had lunch. It was bread and rolls. We went on a long forest walk and Pete showed different plants and what we could eat and couldn’t. We drank from a stream and ate wood sorrow. It tasted like cooking apples. I spotted a grass snake on the path and picked it up. It was so cute!!! We went back and had chicken curry for tea. We played hide and seek tig for ages. Then we went back out to a pool in a stream and jumped in. I couldn’t stand! It was FREEZING.

Benmore Blog, day two (Thistle)

Today we went gorge-walking, caving and swimming. We got soaked on the gorge-walk. We had to swim under a rock. It was freezing!! And the cave was teeny! It was v. narrow but really high. We got lowered down on a rope into this small space. At the end, we went through this crammed place where you could barely move! For our evening activity we went swimming in a pool called “Tarzan Pool”. It was freezing! But it was still v. fun!
Thistle xox

Benmore Blog, day two (Fudge)

Today I did for activities the rope course and forest walking. In the forest I saw a grass snake. It was really slimy but very cute. At the end of the day we went swimming in the river. It was AMAZING! I am looking forward to tomorrow!
Love Fudge

Benmore Blog, day two (Robin Red Breast )

Today we had our dorm inspection and we got 9/10! My group went on a gorge walk and it was hard but soooooooo fun! At the end of it we built a human damn and the pressure was so hard it pushed us down like a slide! I got soaked but it was REALLY cool! Then we went caving which was very scary but awesome. There was a tiny tunnel you could wriggle through but I didn’t do it. And we went swimming in a FREEZING pool! Another long, cool day at Benmore.

Benmore Blog, day two (Highland cow)

I am having a great time!!! We did climbing and abseiling today (we abseiled at 50ft). We also did a forest trail thing. We swam in a FREEZING cold lake at NIGHT! We went through a wood and burn on the forest trail. Benmore is GREAT!!

Benmore Blog, day two (Adder)

Today was our hardest and first whole day at Benmore. We went gorge walking in the morning and caving in the afternoon. I went under Africa, through the key hole and down the slides. In caving we went through 2 caves. The 2nd cave was called Diddy Pit. It was really FUN!!!!

Benmore Blog, day two (Paul Burn)

Today we did the ropes course. It was great. We walked and walked and walked and saw a grass snake and I held it!!!! Then we had a swim in the river.

Benmore Blog, day two (William Wallace)

Today for our morning activity we went gorge walking and I got sore feet because of the cold water but it was really fun. At the end of the gorge walk we got to slide down a rock into a deep pool of water. In the afternoon we went caving and it was amazing. We got to climb through tiny holes and get lowered into a big hole. Then we went into St Thomas’s passage which was really narrow and cold. Fortunately we didn’t get stuck. Later our night activity was swimming in a river and it was FREEZING but I had a shower after that. Tea was curry and rice. Tomorrow we will be dry because we are abseiling and climbing in the morning and going on a forest walk in the afternoon.

Benmore Blog, day two (Whisky)

Today we got up and had breakfast but we also had to do chores! We got dresses and went outside to play tig for 20 minutes. Then we put on our boots and went climbing up a really steep mountain. We drank water out of the stream and we found a grass snake. Eventually we went back to the house and had some lunch. Then we went to the ropes course. It was so fun and we had to climb right to the top and jump off! For dinner we had curry. After dinner we had a surprise! The teachers said we were going to a swimming pool. We were so excited but when we got there it was cold, but when we went in the water it was freezing. I couldn’t breath!!!!!! Me and Bracken were freezing. But luckily we had a warm shower.

Benmore Blog, day two (Haggis)

First we climbed up the climbing/abseiling. I climbed up the wall but didn’t abseil down. Then we had lunch of soup and rolls. Then we went on a forest walk. We ate wood sorrel leaves. They tasted like lemons. It was fun. We got to stand under a waterfall. It was like it was raining really heavily! Then we had tea and cake. After tea we went swimming in the river, It was perishing.

Benmore Blog, day two (Stardust)

Got up, did chores and had a great breakfast. Then we went to the ropes course. Had lunch then went on a forest walk. When we got back we had tea and cake. After tea we went swimming.

Benmore Blog, day two (Berry)

Today we were on the ropes course. I got right to the top. It was scary. Then we went on the forest trail walk but it was really long. Tomorrow we are doing caving and in the afternoon canoeing. Today I saw a grass snake, it is really small.

Benmore Blog, day two (Highlander)

We had an ok sleep last night……..it was fun! This morning we did the gorge walk. I got so soaked, but then we weren’t allowed a shower because we had to rush of to caving. Caving was dark. We went into a tunnel called St Thomas’s. It was tiny but I managed. The food is very nice and I just remembered – we went swimming in a loch (cold!).

Benmore Blog, day two (Tinkerbell)

Today we went gorge walking. We got really wet and were sliding around everywhere! Then we went caving! It was GREAT! We had to do a lot of climbing. After tea we went swimming. It was freezing!!!!

Benmore Blog, day two (Braken)

I am having a good time and we got up really early and I was quite tired but it was fun. We drank water out of a burn. It was nice. See you soon.

Benmore Blog, day two (Loch ness)

Today we had breakfast. It was rice krispies, bacon, scrambled egg, toast and juice. It was yum. Then we got a harness and helmet on and went round to the backyard and did a little abseiling and climbing. Then we went up to a huge place with 50ft cliffs. We climbed up it then abseiled down. Then we went on a forest walk it was fun too. I love it here!!!

Benmore Blog, day two (Ally McCoist)

Today it was very funny because everyone went swimming but I never because I never had a change of trainers. It was Kris Boyd did 12 belly flops and everyone was freezing.

Benmore Blog, day two (Nettle)

We got up at 8am this morning so it was not that bad. I got to write a postcard to my family. We get tuckshop tonight so that is great. We did the gorge walk today and that was great. I swam under a huge rock shaped as Africa and climbed loads of rocks and trees in the river. We then went caving. I went through a narrow bit called St Thomas’s path. It was so scary. When we first went in the cave we got lowered down 10m. It was scary. I woke up this morning by bumping my head on the wooden bar on my bed because I’m not used to the top bunk bed.

Benmore Blog, day two (Saltire)

It was really cool. We did the ropes course! The trapeze was the best. You had to climb up a pole and then jump to a trapeze. Then we went for a forest walk and drank out a mountain spring. Caving and canoeing the morn!

Benmore Blog, day two (Turnip)

This morning we went rock climbing and abseiling. It was amazing. We first had a few practices and then abseiled down a 50 foot cliff. It was really scary. After lunch we went on a forest walk. It was really fun and we got to stand under a waterfall. We walked through lots of burns and camouflaged ourselves in mud. After tea we got on the mini bus and headed for the loch. It was really hard to get in because it was really freezing. Everyone started to swim and it was really exciting. Once we got home everyone had a very hot shower.

Benmore Blog, day two (Neap)

Today we started with climbing and abseiling. It was great. We went up and down 50ft! After lunch we went for a walk in Puck’s Glen and stood under a waterfall. We ate wood sorrel. We had a swim in an outside pool (river!). It was freezing and I mean freezing!

Benmore Blog, day two (Rob Roy MacGregor)

In the morning we did the gorge walk. It was brilliant because we walked up the gorge and slid back down. At lunch we had soup. I did not like it. After lunch we went caving. We climbed through small holes and crawled through a tunnel. It was excellent. For dinner we had curry. Each day the tuck shop is opened. It looks nice.

Benmore Blog, day two (Chris Boyd)

Today we went climbing and abseiling, I abseiled 50 feet down. In the afternoon we went on a 5 mile walk. Tonight we went swimming. It was a bit cold.

Message to parents from Mr Devereux

Hello out there in Parentland. Thanks for the comments you’ve posted – keep them coming! I notice some of you don’t know what your child’s nickname (handle? moniker? pseudonym?) is. It’s very easy to find out: just look back to the early pages of the blog and you’ll see your child’s photo along with their nickname and an introduction to themselves. Then you can reply to your own child’s post.
As you will see we are all having a whale of a time. Everyone’s getting very wet and muddy. And loving it! And so am I. Today the class invited me to play tig with them in free time and be ‘it’. Some of these children can run very fast and Neap ran into the woods and escaped me! Grr… Tinkerbell tricked me into thinking I was about to stand on a hedgehog on a forest walk (“Watch out Mr Devereux! Watch you don’t stand on that hedgehog!”) and The Human Nessie spun me round so fast when I was dangling on a rope that I fell over as soon as I reached the ground. I reckon there might some candidates for getting wet again before the end of camp, don’t you?
Mr Devereux

Benmore Blog, day one (Loch Ness)

Today we had great fun. First we got a tour of the place. It was cool! It’s really big and I love my dorm. It’s really nice, bright and airy. I share a dorm with: Turnip, Highland Cow, Haggis, Tartan Terror, Neap and Me!! Then we went on a walk through the garden. It was lovely. Then we went on a mini gorge walk through a little burn. It was really cool! Then we had afternoon tea. It was cake, juice and I had coffee. Afterwards we watched a PowerPoint about Benmore and then we had free time. At 6:15 we had tea. I had fish, chips, tomato sauce and salad for tea. It was yum! Bedtime is 10.00 pm!!!!
From Loch Ness

Benmore Blog, day one (The Human Nessie)

Today was really fun. Although the bus journey was THREE hours long. We did get to stop in Luss for a picnic on the beach of Loch Lomond. When we FINALLY arrived at Benmore we were all literally jumping for joy. Once we had found our dorms, we got unpacked, then we went to get waterproof clothing and boots. Once we were all ready we went for a walk in the gardens. They were so pretty. We found our way to a stream with a tiny tunnel going through it. We all took turns in army crawling through it. It was FREEZING!! (and we got soaked!) It was really fun. After that we did a mini gorge walk. It was all uphill and rocky (in case you didn’t know, a gorge walk is like walking up a river or stream). We all had to clamber up a muddy bank to get back to the path. We all ran down the path back to the house, taking turns in leading the way. We had snack, then we went to the common room to be told about Benmore and the rules. Then we had free time. We played ping-pong, climbed trees and took photos. Then we had dinner. Fish and chips! Yum! Then we came in to the research room and wrote this! After this we are going for a night walk, then it’s time for bed. See you soon,The Human Nessie x x x

Benmore Blog, day one (Chris Boyd)

We arrived slowly at Benmore. We had high tea, tea and cake. We had fish and chips for our tea. Then we just played ping-pong. I injured someone but I’m not telling who.
We stopped at Luss for our lunch. It was fun. Me and Ally McCoist played football. It was great!
I’ve made new friends at Benmore. Missing you in Haddington and you, granny, and PSP and TV. Loads of Love,
Chris Boyd

Benmore Blog, day one (Rob Roy MacGregor)

Day 1: The bus was a wee bit boring. For our lunch we stopped at Luss. It was good. After an hour or so we got to Benmore. First we made our beds then we brought our luggage up. My bag was really heavy. Our dormitory was called Tiree. We went for a forest walk. It was cool because we had to crawl under the bridge. We had fish and chips for our dinner. It was excellent. The people in my group are Adder, William Wallace, Tinkerbell, Thistle, Highlander, Robin Red Breast and me, Rob Roy MacGregor.

Benmore Blog, day one (Paul Burn)

We arrived: before we actually got there we had our lunch at Luss. It was fun at the lake.

Benmore Blog, day one (Bracken)

When we got to Benmore it was sunny and we got shown around the building. It is quite big. We have got our dorm and we are in Muck. I am really enjoying myself and we went for a walk when we got here. I miss Monty and you but it is really fun!

Benmore Blog, day one (Robin Red Breast)

Today we arrived at Benmore! It looks like Hogwarts and there’s a HUGE tower! My group leader, Debbie, told us what to do. Our first job was to make our beds… which was HARD! We brought up our suitcases and we got shown around Benmore. It’s really big but it’s beautiful. My group went on a walk around the grounds and we raced, splashed and jumped in puddles and got SOAKED! We got mud and put army stripes on our faces!!! We had to crawl through these tunnels and it was sooooo fun! I was VERY dirty and the end! We had snacks then had free time. I looked at the avenue of trees which was AMAZING. I climbed a really weird (but cool) tree. We had fish and chips for dinner which was yummy! We haven’t done the night walk yet, but it’s soon! I do miss my family, but I’m having loads of fun.

Benmore Blog, day one (Bramble)

Today we got on the bus. It was quite annoying though because it was really sunny and we all got very hot. Halfway through we stopped at Luss. We went onto the loch side and ate our lunch We fed the ducks. I threw a bit of a cucumber and it landed on the duck’s back. A seagull attacked it and ate the bit of cucumber. We got back on the bus. It was really hot. Everyone threw my cuddly toy duck around. We arrived and got into our groups. Our leader is Pete. We got a tour around the house, unpacked and made our beds. We got on our waterproofs and went for a walk. We crawled through a tiny tunnel filled with water then up a stream. We got soaked. We are going on a night walk after this.

Benmore Blog, day one (Stardust)

We got on the bus and dove to Luss to have lunch. We sat on a jetty thingy and had lunch. Some people fed ducks with their lunch. We arrived at Benmore and got shown around and then went on a one hour walk. We had high tea and then had free time. The food didn’t live up to its reputation at tea and we’re going on a night walk tonight.

Benmore Blog, day one (Thistle)

We went on a walk this afternoon. It was amazing. The first bit was kind of crazy though. We went through this teeny tunnel that was mucky and wet. We were just like: “Eww!” I went through and then Adder threw mud at me! L Terrible! But it was kind of funny. The people in our activity group are: Tinkerbell, Rob Roy MacGregor, Nettle, Adder, Me (Thistle), Highlander and Robin Red Breast.
There were loads of puddles and we just walked through them casually until Adder (who had been here before) rolled in one! We were all like, “Okay…come on, let’s go.” We were completely soaked at the end of it. Highlander’s shoes were like a swimming pool! It felt like we were walking on jelly! It was sooo fun though! We were like, “Yay, we got a bit wet.” The food’s good too!

Benmore Blog, day one (Turnip)

The bus ride today was quite tiring so I think everyone was quite pleased when we got to Luss. It was beautiful weather and we sat on the beach eating our lunch. We then got back on the bus and had another hour drive until we got to Benmore. I was amazed at the size of the building when we arrived. First of all we had some juice and then got split into our groups to have a tour of the building. It is amazing inside and has so many different rooms. We then got fitted with boots and waterproofs so we could have a look around the grounds. We did a mini gorge walk up the burn and it was great fun! For tea we had fish and chips, for pudding we had yoghurts. It was delicious.

Benmore Blog, day one (Highlander)

We’ve arrived! We have had a tour of Benmore House which is very big. After that we got our equipment and we did our first activity: a long walk. The trail had tons of puddles along it and I got SOAKED! I don’t think my joggers will ever be the same again… It was really fun! For tea we had fish and chips. It was yummy! After this we are going on the night walk and we MIGHT get blindfolded.

Benmore Blog, day one (Haggis)

The bus trip here was very long and boring. When we got here we got split into our activity groups and went to make our beds. After that we brought up our suitcases, we started to unpack. We were given waterproofs in a rucksack and boots. We put on our boots and rucksack then went for a walk. We came to a little burn. We walked beside it. It was fun. We went back and had afternoon tea. We finished unpacking, then had some free time. After that, we had fish and chips for tea. The fish was nice, and the chips were ok. The weather was excellent!!

Benmore Blog, day one (Berry)

Today when we got to Benmore we had a run around the building. We all unpacked our clothes and put them underneath our beds in a basket. Before we got to Benmore we went to Luss and had a picnic on the Loch Lomond beach. We all have chores and it’s to clean the floors and stuff. I am in a bedroom with lots of my friends. We went through a tunnel and the group got wet. We are doing lots of fun activities. You have to get up at 8am and have lights out by 10.00. Bye, love Berry

Benmore Blog, day one (Neap)

The bus ride was an excitement. Everyone was wound up to 90 degrees. I sat next to Tartan Terror. We tried the ipod but it failed because it was so loud. We stopped at Luss and fed the ducks. When we arrived it was fun. We got showed out dorm, made our bed and unpacked. Then we got our boots rucksacks and waterproofs and did a test gorge walk. We were all glad when tea came. The food was good.

Benmore Blog, day one (Tartan Terror)

Hi! Even though it’s only been the first day it’s been really good. On the bus especially. I was sitting next to Neap and when she fell asleep I took a photo of her. The she woke up and looked a bit drunk so I took a picture of that as well. When we stopped at Luss it was lovely. We sat on the beach and there were lots of ducks. We gave them some bread but seagulls kept stealing it. I took some nice pictures of the ducks.
When we got to the centre we were all REALLY excited. We got into our dorms. They’re cool! We had to make our beds though. I’m with Neap, Loch Ness, Haggis, Turnip and Highland Cow. We went outside for a bit and did a mini gorge walk up a brook. There was a scary where it got really dark, muddy and small. Tea was great. We had fish and chips with fruit and yoghurt for afters.
Later we’re doing a night walk and tomorrow my team and I are going rock climbing, abseiling and a nature walk.
Bye, Tartan Terror

Benmore Blog, day one (Highland Cow)

We have arrived safely! My dorm is called Coll and we have already had a tour of the building. We all have our own boots, jacket, trousers and rucksacks. It is soooo fun! We explored the grounds and went on a mini gorge walk. The bus journey was very long and hot. We stopped of at Loch Lomond to have lunch.
Love Highland Cow!!

Benmore Blog, day one (Nettle)

As soon as I got off the bus I saw the whole place form where I was standing. It was huge! I helped unload the bus and take all the suitcases into a room and then we went to make our beds (we only had seven minutes to do that). And then we went back down the stairs to get our suitcases in our dormitory. My group is Adder, William Wallace, Tinkerbell, Thistle, Rob Roy McGregor, Highlander and Robin Red Breast. We got lots of kits and went out for a walk. We got dirty by crawling through long tunnels filled with water and mud. My mum won’t be happy because I got my new Canterbury trackies ruined. I kept on getting lost and still can’t get used to Benmore because it’s huge. I better go because I am running out of time and I still have to decorate the front cover.

Benmore Blog, day one (Adder)

Today we spent most of our time on the bus. It was fun sitting with William Wallace, Thistle and Nettle. When we arrived we unpacked. My group (group 6) went on a journey down puddle lane. It was great! I got soaked. When we came back we had afternoon tea. Yum! We had fish for dinner. We are about to go out on the night walk.

Benmore Blog, day one (Tinkerbell)

The journey was weird! We saw all kinds of crazy stuff! We stopped at a place called Luss. We had a picnic on the beach. This afternoon we went on a walk through the botanical gardens. There were huge puddles! We all dived in to them! We were in our activity groups. Adder, Thistle, Nettle, Robin Red Breast, Highlander, William Wallace, Rob Roy MacGregor and Me! Adder was rolling around in the muddy puddles and he was so WET! He was so wet he sparkled because it was strange kind of water. We’ve been climbing trees in our spare time. Luckily no one has been injured. We’re all looking forward to the night walk tonight but we’ll be a bit tired because we’re getting back at ten o’clock! The food is great we had fish and chips!

Benmore Blog, day one (Fudge)

Today we got on the bus and made our way down to Benmore. We stopped off at Luss to have our lunch. We had our lunch on the beach. It was really sunny. It was a long journey, but in the end we got there. It was exciting.

Benmore Blog, day one (Ally McCoist)

Today we went on the bus and it was quite annoying because we went on the bus for 3 hours when we arrived at Benmore. Some of the girls and some of the boys played ping-pong and went walking including me.

Benmore Blog, day one (Whisky)

Today we got on the bus and travelled to Benmore. It was a long journey, but in the end we got there. We stopped for lunch and we fed the ducks on the beach. Then we went into the bus and I threw Bramble’s duck about. Eventually we got to Benmore and we got shown around. A man called Pete took us for a walk and we got all our walking boots and waterproofs on. We climbed and walked until we got to a narrow tunnel with water in. Me and Bramble army crawled in through. We were soaked! After everyone went through a stream which was freezing but it was great fun!

Benmore Blog, day one (William Wallace)

Today we went on a walk and got soaked and muddy. We went army crawling through these pipes and one was wet and the other was muddy. Then we walked up a road with lots of deep puddles and I started jumping into them and then Adder started rolling through them. The food is good and the bunks are comfy. The food is good because the chips are nice and the fish is ok. The dorms have comfy beds but there is a lot of graffiti on the wood. Tonight we are going on a night walk.

Benmore Blog, day one (Saltire)

Saltire
The bus ride was long and uncomfortable but really nice scenery! The stop at Luss was lovely too. We had our lunch there. The mountains were amazing! When we arrived we got into our groups. We also got a leader. Ours is Pete. In our group are me (Saltire), Bracken, Bramble, Berry, Human Nessie, Whisky, Fudge, Paul Burn and Stardust. We unpacked and did our chores. Then we went for a walk. It was really fun. The plants were nice. We all went through a water tunnel army crawling. Tonight we are doing the night walk in the dark. It is going to be ace!

Hello from Mr Devereux

We've only been back at school for two weeks and already we have achieved so many exiting things: performing an opera, directing animated films, football training with the Scottish Football Association...the list goes on.

With so much happening it has been hard to keep up to date with our blog. The class worked hard last week to bring everyone up to speed on what we've been doing and there are lots of new posts to read. If you've looked at them already, it would now be worth checking them out again as I've added lots of lovely photos to give you a clearer 'picture' (what a bad pun) of what we've been up to.

Mr Devereux

Knox

After the summer holidays we are going to Knox Academy. Stardust, Rob Roy McGregor and Chris Boyd have visited Knox already. Everyone is looking forward to Knox and we have had events to get to know our new classmates at Knox.

By Stardust and Rob Roy McGregor.