Page 66 - royal-times-12-13

Killary Adventure Trip

Day 1: On February 5ththe transition years left for our when we reached the mountain top we were astonished by
adventure trip in Killary. We left behind heavy snow in Cavan the scenery. The view was amazing, the sky seemed like it
and made the trip westward. We were all very excited and stretched forever. The view and the feeling of standing at the
could not wait to arrive at our destination and get stuck into top of a mountain were de nitely worth the di cult trek. We
all the activities. The bus journey seemed to take forever but then walked back to the centre where a hot dinner as waiting
it was worth it when we arrived at the beautiful countryside for us. We passed the night away playing games, exhausted
lodge in Killary Harbour, Ireland’s only ord. The centre was and proud of what we had achieved that day.
surrounded by water on side and mountains peaks the other This was the most enjoyable part of our overall Gaisce
side, the views from the bus were incredible. experience. We also had to do a physical activity for 13
We went straight to our rooms and unpacked our bags. Then weeks, develop a skill, such as helping in a Mini Company,
we went straight to the laser tag course where we had a lot learning a musical instrument etc. We also had a community
of fun and also very wet! Exhausted and lthy dirty, we went section to complete, which could have been taking part in a
back to the centre to shower before dinner. After we ate, we club or society. Some people in our year were involved in the
passed the evening by playing cards and fun social games; Green school committee, student council or in youth clubs Trip to Dublin Zoo
it was relaxing and just what we needed after our long day. outside school.
Day 2: The following day we woke early, excited about the Day 4 : On day four we also woke early and although we were On March 6th, the 3rd year c.s.p.e class left the school for Dublin zoo as part of their action project.
activities planned .We did the climbing wall rst which was looking forward to getting home, we also knew that we had The action project was on raising awarness of the threat to endangered species worldwide.
quite di cult and a little scary. Then we got on the bungee shared an amazing experience that we would never forget. We contacted the chief zookeeper at the zoo and we also contacted a spokesperson from ‘World Wildlife Fund’
swing which was truly exhilarating. After dinner we went Before we got the bus we had to nish the last 5km of our based in London. She told us about the work she does with her organisation on behalf of endangered animals.
Gorge walking through an icy water river which was di erent hike. This was not as tough as the 20km we had walked the
to anything we had ever experienced. It was quite a lot of previous day, it was quite relaxing and a great way to spend When we travelled to Dublin zoo we had a pre-arranged question and answer session with Orla, the education
fun though and we were all ready for a nice hot shower and our last hour in the countryside, soaking up the beautiful o cer. We learned more about what the zoo does to protect endangered animals and what dangers these
dinner afterwards! scenery. Then we returned to our rooms, packed the last of animals face in the wild. We also learned lots about the animals we were adopting as part of the action project.
our belongings, said goodbye to the sta at the centre and We adopted the Amur Tiger, the Gira e and the Rhinoceros.
Day 3 : Day three was the big one. We went on a 20km hike boarded the bus home. It was a trip that we will never forget. The funding for the trip and adoption was raised by a ra e where the prize was a family trip to the zoo. A cake
along the mountains. This is what we needed for our Gaisce sale was also held to raise money.
award. It was crisp dry day and although it was tough, By Fionan Lavin
This project was very enjoyable and has made us aware of endangered animals and what we can do to help.
We would like to thank Mr. Ames and Mr. Noctor for all their help in organising our C.S.P.E project.
By Emma Graham

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