Post from one of our associate members of staff – Ed
A great day with some really fantastic young people from Macmerry Primary School and Elphinstone Primary School.
We even saw the sun while we did silly things in kayaks.
The P5s from Macmerry began the day with Canoeing and Kayaking sessions where the hope was they would achieve their Paddlepower Start Award. This involved them entering and exiting the craft, paddling forwards and backwards, and playing some really fun games. The Canoeists were spurred on to do their best to some wonderful singing from Bob (or maybe the motivation was to get away from it). Meawhile the Kayakers were inspired to adopt the practices of the Eskimo and greet their craft by rubbing noses with it.
You want me to do what?
An Eskimo greeting their Kayak
At the end of the session and once they had dried off, it was clear they had all done more than enough to achieve their Paddlepower Start Award. On top of this they had also managed to obtain their East Lothian Adventure Award Certificate.
Fancy a Tow?
That looks like some great paddling.
I think you’re supposed to be inside the boat.
Are those sails big enough?
In the afternoon we were really pleased to be joined by the P3/P4s from Elphinstone Primary School. This was a great introduction to Canoeing and Watersports which the young people were so enthusiastic about. The laughter and screams of excitment resounded across the water leaving passers by to wonder what was going on.
Excitement and nerves at the start of the session.
Confidence soon began to grow.
The Pond Weed Spash Monster did his best to get the group wet but they just screamed for more. Eventually he realised that they were too good at splashing and ran away.
THE POND WEED SPLASH MONSTER!
I think someone likes to Splash 😀
This was a great session where the young people were given a brilliant chance to become familiar with an unknown environment, and to get used to the canoes. This type of water confidence is best gained at a young age and it will be really exciting to see how they approach the activities when they get the chance again in a couple of years time. On top of this they obtained their East Lothian Adventure Award in Canoeing.
Hitching a ride
I think that confidence has grown alot judging by the standing up 😛
Brilliant day had by all. From THE POND WEED SPLASH MONSTER!!!!!
Great day had by all