News / August 6th, 2022
Southend East Olive Walker Day Out to Stubbers Activity Centre
On a beautiful hot July day 74 Guides, Rangers and leaders from Southend East set off bright & early for a day out at Stubbers Activity Centre in Upminster. Despite the 7.45am start for the first pick up point, the girls were full of energy and anticipation of what the day would bring. Our trip leader had booked sessions for the girls (and some leaders) to enjoy the caving experience, climbing and kayaking.
Upon arrival our division was given a base in lovely shady shelters where the activity sessions were allocated to unit leaders – we had girls from every Guide unit in the division which was fabulous and Rangers from several units too.
In a very short time the Guides and Rangers changed into appropriate clothing for their first activity, the Stubbers activity instructors came to collect each sub group of girls and their leaders who went off in a whirlwind of action.
Some of the Guides had never experienced kayaking but just embraced the experience and gained so much confidence by challenging themselves – it was great to see.
Whilst some just climbed like mountain goats, others did not fancy the climbing tower but faced their fears with great encouragement from their peers who cheered them on to climb not only once but twice.
The cave experience was not everyone’s favourite but most attempted the course and came out smiling in the end.
All the action was fitted around lunch, snacks, plenty of drinks and opportunities to play on the adventure playground.
At the end of the day everyone ordered an ice cream and we journeyed home on the bus – accompanied by chatter from the girls saying ‘when can we do this again’!
Thanks to the trip organisers, leaders & helpers who gave up their day for the girls to enjoy an Olive Walker Day out.
Olive Walker was a leader in Southend East Division who left us a legacy to be used for ‘the girls to enjoy the outdoors’ – how lucky we are!
Sally, Division Commissioner for Southend East