If you are thinking about trying out one of our activity weekends, keep reading to see what this family had to say about one.
The activity weekend was a great success for us as a family. As it was our second year running, we knew the format and arrived on time at ‘Dukes Barn’ – a well-equipped activity centre nestling in the lovely Peak District, on the edge of the Chatsworth Estate. The friendly faces already felt familiar. We instantly felt relaxed – just taking in the peaceful setting and stunning surrounding countryside.
Dinner was homemade and really tasty and a chance to renew and make new friends. Some of the children /teenagers got to know each other and played outside – not a device in sight! After dinner people sat chatting, or went and played pool and table tennis in the games room, or chilled out at the cosy village pub five minutes’ walk down the road.
For Saturday we were offered a number of choices of activities, included:
- canoeing
- bouldering
- weaselling
- abseiling
- rock climbing
- stream walking
- and caving.
If you wanted to, you could just relax and go for a gentle walk. Breakfast was relaxed and you chose what you wanted – from full English to just a croissant. We then had a 15 minute ‘briefing’ about the activities with the fully qualified instructors before being kitted out with waterproofs and hard hats before being whisked off in minibuses. The instructors inspired confidence and were very patient if you were uncertain of your skills and, as in my case, if you were pretty unfit! They were prepared to ‘go the extra mile’. The packed lunches were very welcome and included a home-made cake!
We felt a real sense of achievement and enjoyment being outside doing activities in the Derbyshire Dales. But more than this, it was the opportunity to be with, and talk to, people in similar situations – Mums, Dads, teenagers, children and men (in the KSA) – asking questions, swopping information and hearing some fascinating life stories; realising above all, what is possible, with KS and not just what’s not possible!
Above all, it was heartening to see our son flourish within a group of understanding and supportive people, trotting off as part of his group, joining in with a new air of confidence.
We have been members of the KSA for many years but had overlooked going on an activity weekend. If you read this and haven’t been on one – please try it!