The weekend of the 10th and 11th July welcomed the first (we hope of many) Shipmates' camping weekends at the edge of Newtown Creek on the IOW.
Despite the rain and lack of boutique hotel facilities Members arrived by power, sail, car and mini bus to a basic field in a beautiful location for what was a fun weekend. After a quick warning to the children about keeping away from the waters edge, not using the portaloos as hide and seek venues (it was actually considered by them) and keeping their eye out for adders (one of which had already been spotted relaxing near the creek) we began putting up the tents in the rain. Meanwhile the children enjoyed running around and making most of all the space they had to play; it was decided to embrace being wet by all heading on to the water.
The excitement even enticed a couple of seals to pop their heads up and watch what was going on. As any good sailor (or parent) will know any time on the water will increase the appetite so it was then back to shore for all to welcome IOW BBQ to the site to feed us all.
Being a field on the edge of a river we were then set with the next challenge after dinner of helping to get the BBQ truck off the site. On driving in it had got wedged in the mud. Then mostly Dads with a few older children soon showed us their muscles by pushing the van out of the mud and clear of the field.
A mix of tug of war, children using their imagination with games and toasting marshmallows over a barrel fire to make smores filled the evening. When dusk started to fall some families chose to return to their boats to sleep while others enjoyed the remaining warmth from the fire. There was no doubt that despite some deflating mattresses, wiggly children and I’m sure snoring partners that everyone managed to get enough sleep as they woke the next morning in tired but good moods.
Sunday morning once the essential coffees, bacon sandwiches and marshmallows (its camping so normal rules don’t count) were consumed the children had more fun burning off the sugar running around in the field while parents deconstructed tents, went for a final paddle and ensured the field/site were left as we found it.
To find out more about getting your under 8s involved in our Shipmates group please email membership@rlymyc.org.uk