During this week of momentous news (Obama was elected President of America - in case you missed it) I too did some momentous things, admittedly not enough to make headline news but I did things I'd never done before. See photographic proof.
I spent the week on an island just off Sai Kung called Wong Yi Chau. Actually I had no idea it was an island until the sampan dropped me, and 38 Y7 students, on it early last Monday morning. I was on a weeks camping outdoor adventure trip with my school. When I saw that that camp was in Sai Kung I foolishly imagined that it would be close by and there would be opportunity to occasionally nip home and take advantage of the home comforts. No chance! There was one boat a day for the maintenance staff so I had to stay there and attempt to master the squat toilets. Yes we all know what I mean when I say 'home comforts' I mean the toilet. Between you and me I have never mastered the squatting technique. My heart sank when I saw IT - one hole and two foot rests. Lord help me? Frankly I never know which way round to face or what to do with clothing and shoes which are always perilously close to getting 'wet'. My thighs and Achilles tendons are no where near supple enough to squat for any length of time making the process an ordeal although I am told that, anatomically, it is better for ones health. I have never understand this claim.
Squatty potties aside I did actually have a brilliant time. The experience was made brilliant by the facilitators of Asia Pacific Adventure. http://www.asiapacificadventure.com/index.php
Not only are they highly skilled in all things outdoors, they are full of enthusiasm, appreciative of the environment, fit as butcher's dogs, have a vast range of jokes, riddles, games and activities to keep all the students occupied every minute of their waking day. From 6am to 10pm the APA gang gave every student, from those screaming and squawking at the sight of an ant to those who thought they knew everything already and didn't need to listen, a very valuable experience. Every one was stretched and challenged throughout the week. I actually suspect all the facilitators are superhuman. Their energy levels never slumped and their ability to remain positive was inspiring to me. I will go back to my routine of classroom teaching refreshed and be able to rip off their techniques to boost interest in my lesson - ask me on Friday if I managed to keep it up!
If your school is thinking about running an outdoor adventure camp do not hesitate to engage Asia Pacific Adventure. You will not be disappointed. Here are some photos of the superhumans in question just in case you ever spot them on the street. Keep an eye on them just to see if they head for the nearest phone box and change into their superhuman outfit.
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