Year 9 Trip to Kembu

Year 9 in the the Outdoors

The Y9 residential trip to Kembu was one of resilience and teamwork. It might not have been the 5* hotel that they wanted but each of them left with a 5* rating from myself and the team. We stayed on Kembu Farm, surrounded by acres of greenery and forest, which looked particularly beautiful after the arrival of the much-needed rain.

Our first afternoon consisted of an obstacle course and a farm tour. The obstacle course was a great way to start the trip because not only did they have to complete it, but they had to do so as a team. It was wonderful to see so many students support each other and offer workable solutions to each element of the course. The farm tour was described as a sensory experience, as they each became accustomed to all the smells you find on a farm! After seeing the cows being milked, they were treated to a walk out to see the wild horses that they rear there.

Day 2 was slightly harder, we had managed to avoid the rains so far and we were hoping for more of the same. They were up early for breakfast and a shower before taking part in a shelter-building workshop. Then it was down to the forest and the students had to put these skills into practice! They split into groups and worked together to build the shelters they would be sleeping under that night. Once more we were impressed at how they worked together and problem solved to try and make the most comfortable shelters that they could. After a return to the camp for lunch and packing up their bags, we all returned to the forest ready to set up for the night. It was then that the rains we had been avoiding joined us! All the students quickly made for their shelters and we waited out the storm. Even though it seemed like an inconvenience it actually proved to them that their shelters worked, many of the students told me this was one of their favourite parts of the trip as they had a real feeling of accomplishment. With this reassurance in mind, they got started on setting up their stoves, made a hot chocolate, and started to prepare cooking their own dinner. After some campfire reflections and toasted marshmallows, we all went to bed and we were treated to a beautiful sunrise the next morning.

Day 3 was our biggest challenge but first, the students had to take down their shelters, clear away their stoves and make their packed lunches for the hike. It was then that we travelled to Mt. Kiplombe and we were given our safety brief by the team. The students hiked for 11km, however 6 of those were climbing up a riverbed and up the gorge into the crater which took a lot of leg and arm strength. Once again they proved themselves, supporting each other, sharing water, and carrying each other's bags. We had lunch in the crater surrounded by 360 views of stunning nature. After a quick lunch, we carried on the trail, some of us with slightly stiff legs but still in good spirits! The impending bottomless pizza night became the final motivation for making it back to the bus waiting for us on the other side of the mountain. The bus was much quieter on the way back that afternoon but there was definitely a feeling of achievement before the snores kicked in.

Our last morning was slightly more relaxing, with a slightly later breakfast time. The last activities were spent in a wool workshop and a knitters tour before we were packing up and on our way back home. I would like to thank Infinity Outdoors, the Y9 team (Mr. Adongo, Mrs. Muthama, Mr. Oyier, and Mr. Wright), and ultimately Y9 for making it such a great trip.