News | EFSC - Epping Forest Sportability Club

EFSC Activity Weekend at Essex Outdoors Centre in Danbury - August 2014

3/10/2014

The quad bikes were very popular with our older members

We were lucky enough to be offered a weekend at the Essex Outdoors Centre in Danbury from 1 to 3 August. A number of EFSC members were able to attend, with Alan and Candee leading the trip. Some parents also came along to support their children.

We participated in a number of activities over the weekend and were treated wonderfully by the centre staff with lovely accommodation, tasty food and expert tuition.

For the activities the group were split into two to make it more manageable and because there was an age restriction for the Quad Bikes (the younger group did BMX bikes instead). Everyone had a great time as you will see from the testimonials and photo gallery below.

Group Activities

Low Ropes
Obstacle Course
Archery
Orienteering
High Ropes
Quad Bikes/ BMX Bikes
Climbing
Problem Solving

Diary of the Weekend

Friday: Arrived, settled in, had dinner then one activity per group

Saturday: Breakfast, 2 activities, lunch, 2 more activities, dinner then one last activity

Sunday: Breakfast, 2 activities followed by lunch before departing

Our younger members loved the BMX track

Comments from the Kids

Zach and Matt set off...

I really enjoyed going on the 2014 Sportability Residential because I liked all the activities that I took part in, some of which I had not done before.

Also this was the first time I had been away with the club on my own and although I was nervous everyone was very helpful and supportive and I soon forgot my nerves. I think going away on my own promotes good independence and is a confidence boost for me.

My favourite activity was the quad bikes because it was something I could do on my own and I loved the feeling of speed and being in control. Although this was the first time I had ever ridden one before I found the more I did it the easier it got.

The staff, accommodation and food were all excellent and we were made to feel really welcome. I like learning new skills and techniques and all of the activities we did helped me to do this.

All of the Sportability staff were superb and really made the weekend the success that it was and I would definitely go again and would recommend it to all.

Matt, aged 18

I thought the weekend was fantastic. I really enjoyed the BMX bike ride. That was my favourite bit. This was the best weekend I have been on.

Ryan, aged 12

EFSC Coach, Candee Hasell, takes on the BMX course

A Coach's View

Two words that sum up the weekend away for me are ‘inspirational’ and ‘admiration’.

I was overwhelmed with the persistence of individual members with different activities - from conquering fears of height and speed to trying out new activities. I had pure admiration for one member who would not give up on climbing the high pole, even though he has a fear of heights, he was dedicated to completing this challenge that he had set himself. And in front of his peers and the instructors he achieved this with great pride. A proud moment for all!

Every activity that we experienced over the weekend was so much fun, from BMX biking to archery, quad biking to climbing walls. Having fun and a little competitiveness along the way always brings an extra buzz! It was enjoyed by all which makes every second so worthwhile!

The food was great and all the staff were highly professional and very friendly. All members were extremely well behaved and a pleasure to be around. Other special moments were in the evenings where we sat outside our cabins with hot chocolates and treats - playing games, doing quizzes and having a good giggle chatting as a group!

Once again another great weekend with all. Cannot wait until the next one!!!!!!