South Durham Summer Camp 2008We had kindly been invited to attend this Elite Camp at South Durham. I had hoped more would be able to go but we ended up with just 7, Elite RGC Gymnasts. The going is hard and the children are expected to try new moves, so no good for the faint hearted! Gymnasts from the Academy, Scotland, Essex and of course South Durham were all there, South Durham girls making us so very welcome , thank you to them. We have had great fun listening to all the childrens' stories (usually about their parents! he he) on the mini bus travelling each day.
The Camp opened with the girls getting their T-Shirts and welcome packs. A record of stamps of achievement would be kept for the week; from 3 stamps for a new move down to 1 for trying hard, The camp was expertly run with precision timing on equipment to get the maximum benefit, for every child. It worked so well with every child achieveing new skills. The children were treated to a visit to Thorpe Farm on the A66 where they ran on hay bales, had a BBQ and watched a bird of prey display. It was great and they thoroughly enjoyed it even though it rained all the time. Who cared, we had great fun annd the meal in the restaurant was lovely. I'm going to take Milly there when she starts to walk, she will love it. The children also got to stay over on Thursday night; gosh 50 children all sleeping in the gym. Thanks to Katie for staying over and helping, they were so excited, The gymnasts took part in an organised dance to Mama MIa that Leonni Choreographed! It was truly amazing and I had a tear in my eye; every child danced and danced, the overall effect was like something from a musical so well done to Leonni, fantastic!! The last day saw awards galore. Well done to Shannon from Essex as most improved gymnast of the Week and to our LAUREN HEARFIELD as Camper of the week, Well done Lauren, and Macy Cheetham for winning the Word Games. Congratulations to all the winners, you all were all so great. I can safely say I had the time of my life as a coach and will miss the team at Durham, who are all friendly and happy. Many thanks to Nic and Rach for inviting us. It was a great week and I cant believe it is over, but hopefully we will get to go again next year XXX Diane. |