Menai 2022

27th-29th April 2022

Conway Centre

Menai

Anglesey, North Wales

Shakespeare class were extremely excited this year to be able to go on the annual residential trip to the Conway center after a few years of cancelled trips. Our big question has been 'What makes someone brave?' so of course, the trip was full of challenges! The trip formed part of our 'Outdoors and Adventurous' curriculum.

Our first challenge was leaving our parents, making our own beds and getting acquainted with the Conway staff. Some of us managed to not get stuck in our duvet covers and advanced on to raft building. Our rafts were a great success and we raced to be the quickest team to collect hoops. Only one team managed to dunk their teacher in the cold water! Some of us even went for a voluntary swim in the Menai Strait afterwards!

On the first evening, we tested our trust and teamwork skills as we took part in Nightline, trusting a partner to guide us around an obstacle course whilst being blindfolded. We also enjoyed our very own class disco and film.

The next day bought a huge range of challenges, starting off with learning how to paddle a canoe. We visited a small cave before paddling down the Menai Strait in record time. We spend time encouraging each other to abseil and also undertook some geography fieldwork, considering how land use along the Menai strait has changed over time. After paddling back and some well-earnt dinner, we enjoyed campfire songs and smores around the fire.

With a good night's sleep, we spent our last day exploring different low rope challenges. Lots of them required us to work together as a team and to overcome fears if we were less confident.

What a wonderful trip we all had! All of the staff were extremely proud of all the children and the different ways in which they showed bravery.

With thanks to the Manor House and Conway Centre staff.

"I would 100% do it again." - MK

"I liked the abseiling because it was really fun. I was nervous at the top but I did it and after it I felt so happy and accomplished." - AB

"The food was yummy" - RO

"It was very fun and exciting and I was so confident that I went down the zip line backwards." - RP

"In the Nightline you really have to trust. Canoeing was also the best because it was more challenging." - RB

"My favourite thing was the raft building because you use teamwork." - DM-P

"I loved the abseiling because I was scared, but then I felt calm and safe. I liked the raft building because we all got soaked and got to have a swim afterwards." - KF

"My second favourite bit was the disco because it was fun and the games made me laugh." - LB

"The campfire was super funny but my marshmallow always went on fire!" - ED