The first bus arrived at 3.30pm and soon there were excited children (and trepidatious parents) climbing the front steps to start the second annual Nord Anglia Expeditions China Y3 Camp.
The football pitch was soon a hive of activity, with tents being pitched, sleeping bags unfurled and then a scavenger hunt taking place in the valley.
After a welcome in the auditorium it was time for our evening BBQ. Friendships were quickly made and it was clear that the children were already having a blast! Parents chatted and got to know each other whilst torches made an appearance and the novelty of running around in the dark did not look like wearing off any time soon.
Friday night was movie night and buoyed up by popcorn the campers were soon enjoying the latest live action 'Dumbo' movie. It was a late night for some and by 9.30pm all campers were in bed asleep.
After a (cold!) night breakfast was eaten and we had our group photo in the valley. Then activities kicked off at 9.30. The campers were in six groups and throughout the day they all had the opportunity to swim, hike the beautiful Cui Ping Shan Mountain behind the school, try their hand at climbing, drama, puppet making and art. Lunch kept everyone fuelled up for the days activities and then free time and showers before the presentation in the auditorium. It was amazing to see how everyone threw themselves into the week end, trying their hand at all activities and getting stuck in to the camping.
All too soon the day was over and after an amazing dinner it was disco time for the children and relaxation for the parents. Some did manage to sneak into the gym and pitch their tents there for a warmer nights sleep but after the exertions of the day everyone slept soundly.
The morning came and with it the end of a fantastic week end. Tents were taken down, bags packed and breakfast eaten. Despite the best efforts of some children to stay longer by 9 oclock everyone was on the buses back to Beijing, Foshan and Shanghai.
We can't wait to do it all again next year!