Meeting under the lamp light, in the rain, on Sainsbury’s car park at midnight might sound slightly bizarre to most people; however, this is exactly what we did on 26th August 2016. It was to be the start of a very big, exciting and tiring adventure for 160 leaders and children from all across Newcastle Scout District.
We were off to Paris to stay in a grand chateau on the outskirts of the city. Leaving at midnight meant we reached the ferry at 6am for a foggy crossing to Calais. Whilst on board the ferry, the children enjoyed eating their breakfast and looking out for the first signs of France.
Several hours later, we made it to the PGL Centre – Chateau Grande Romaine. Once settled in, the children were able to relax by the pool and play a game of rounders.
Our first full day took us to the Eiffel Tower. Hundreds of steps later, we made it to the second floor to admire the views of the city and the river. Following on from our climb in the heat, we boarded a river cruise tour that took us down the Seine pointing out many key buildings; our children were more excited by trying to get other people on the bridges and paths to ‘dab’ – it was hilarious. The last visit of the day involved yet more steps. We climbed up to visit the Sacre Couer – a beautiful Basillica. The children were able to buy souvenirs from the many shops surrounding the church, and they all enjoyed an ice cream to cool down.
After a disco the night before, the children were still up early and full of beans as the day they had all been waiting for had finally arrived – a day in Disneyland Paris! All of the children were mesmerised and taken aback by their first sight of the Disney castle at the end of the street. We had a day full of thrilling rides, spotting characters and buying yet more gifts for loved ones at home. At the end of the day, we found a spot to watch the magical Disney parade. One of our children even got a hug from Tigger.
Back at the centre, the children had the choice of snails for their evening meal followed by every Scout’s favourite thing to do – a campfire.
Sadly, in the morning it was time to pack up and return home. It was a long journey, but the children had made so many wonderful memories on their adventure, so they had plenty to talk about whilst we travelled.
Throughout the whole trip, the children from Porthill were exceptionally well behaved and a real credit to the group. I know from their faces and conversations at every point of the journey that they not only enjoyed themselves, but they also were able to develop themselves as young individuals – some of them are real characters.
A huge thanks to all of the leaders who made this magical trip happen – it has certainly made the Cubs 100th Anniversary something to remember for many of the young people from our group, and this is something they will have in their hearts forever.
Rachael Hickton
Beaver Scout Leader
Photos are in the Gallery –
2016-08-27 The Eiffel Tower & Sacre Couer
