connecting classrooms: cumbria to taiwan

The application form was submitted a few weeks ago. This was followed fairly swiftly by an invitation to make a presentation in front of ten senior teachers explaining why she should be selected for a very rare chance to visit Taiwan on behalf of her schoool. Said interview took place on Tuesday afternoon and Polly reported that it went well and she came out feeling sure of herself and very smiley. Yesterday she was told that she has been picked to go next year for a fortnight to Taiwan.

Exciting news indeed. And there will be plenty more updates as the eight pupils who have been picked are expected to fundraise the majority of the costs themselves. Eight pupils are going from Polly's schools as well as pupils from schools in Cockermouth, Penrith, Brampton and Appleby.

Cliffs near Hualien where the group will spend the majority of their time

cub camp 2012



Flag-raising ceremony on Saturday morning

Pitching tents. Running around in the birch woods. Firelighting and toasting marshmallows. Go-Kart racing. Riding the zipwire. Following a blindfold trail. Laying tracks for other cubs to follow. Frying bacon for breakfast. Owls hooting in the frosty, starry night. Games of rounders and hide and seek. Campfire songs with the scouts. Crate stacking. Sunny Saturday. Woodpeckers drilling and squirrels squirreling. Dawn chorus. Laughing, cheering cubs. Tired, tearful, homesick cubs. Cuddles, hot chocolate and comforting hotties. Tent inspection. Lost wellies and wet socks. Sausages, fish fingers, pasta, beans, peas, ice cream and jelly. Noisy games, quiet chats. Can't wait till the next one!