PGL 2014 | dorsetdcs

PGL OSMINGTON BAY 2014

Dorset DCS and HISS held its fourth residential adventure activity weekend from 2nd May to the 4th May and what a glorious weekend it was! Twenty eight young people aged between 11 and 18 years old and eleven volunteer helpers headed to Osmington Bay near Weymouth for an action packed weekend. It had been two years since the last activity weekend in 2012 and some of the young people had returned to enjoy the fun again but there was also some new attendees spending a weekend away from family for the first time. So it was with some nerves that everyone arrived on the Friday.

First thing was for everyone to meet our PGL ‘buddy’ Oscar and to have dinner! After dinner we played ‘The Cube’ or a simplified version with no money! Everyone was put into teams to complete challenges. Some of the team names were interesting but it was the ‘Deaf and Powerful’ team that won with 241 points.

Time then to unpack and settle into our accommodation and it was the usual excitement for the first night but they eventually all settled down to get some sleep. The next morning we were up bright and early to a clear blue sky and the most fantastic views over Weymouth Bay and Portland. Then it was breakfast and off to the first activity.

The group was split into three activity groups and on the first day the groups tackled the Giant Swing, Rifles, Quad Biking and a new activity Jacobs Ladder. Jacobs Ladder was actually quite difficult and it was great to see the youngsters overcoming fears and working together to help each other up the next rung of the giant ladder.

After dinner with pudding of Belgian waffles, which went down well, it was time for a game of Man Hunt. Then there was some rest time, some guitar playing and doughnuts and it wasn’t long before they all fell asleep that night.

After a full day before it was not so bright and breezy on Sunday morning but once they were all up and had a full breakfast it was time for Abseiling, Aeroball and the Zip Wire.

The weekend was rounded off with a presentation to which all the parents and families were invited. There was a slide show of all the pictures taken over the weekend and all the youngsters were presented with personalised certificates, goody bags and a group photograph. And then it was home time for some very weary young people and some very tired volunteer helpers! It was great to see the achievements of the young people overcoming their fears and growing in confidence, making friends and also having fun.

Thanks to all the volunteers for giving up their time to help with the weekend, it could not take place without them.

Feedback questionnaires were given out to the families and of the 24 forms returned 24 rated the organisation of the weekend excellent, 24 rated the care of the children excellent and 24 rated the over-all management of the weekend excellent. These are some of the comments from the children and families:

“I had a great time! It was so good to see all my friends from before but it was also great to make many new friends and to meet other people. I hope that everyone enjoyed it as much as I did.”

“You are all an amazing set of people offering great opportunities to all the children in Dorset who are deaf or hearing impaired. Our daughter has enjoyed PGL three times now and we are so pleased she has been able to take part in this life changing experience. She grows in confidence each time she comes. Three words she uses to describe the weekend:
“Fun, Best Friends, Awesome” Thank you”

“It was really good – the abseiling and the giant swing were fun. The food was good and all the staff are friendly.”

“Fantastic weekend. Well looked after. Would like to stay longer.”

“It was absolutely excellent!!! She has already asked when she can come back!”

“It was amazing. I loved it, and the fun activities.”

“This weekend certainly wasn’t boring, I really enjoyed the Shooting and Quad Biking. I shared my room with really nice people. I do not want to go home. I want to do the whole weekend all over again. Thank you for having me.”

“I did enjoy the weekend, there were so many enjoyable and fun activities, and I made some more friends.”

“Thank you for another well organised, memorable, exciting weekend. My daughter has thoroughly enjoyed it and is nicely worn out!!”

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