Below is an account from KDCS member - Chris Chappell who took his daughter Katie to a recent NDCS Activity Day.

On Saturday 3^rd May Katie Chappell, aged 9, got a nice birthday surprise when I took her up to the NDCS Activity Day at Shadwell Basin, on the Thames in London. On the day there were about 30 deaf children being supervised by approx. 15 NDCS volunteers. After registration and introductions the children were split up into three groups to take part in the three different activities. First up for Katie was kayaking.

After being kitted out with life jackets and oars the children were given a quick lesson in paddling and getting into a kayak. Pretty soon the children were all afloat, and having fun on the water.

The kids paddled about in the basin for about ½ an hour and then it was time for lunch.

After the break Katie's group went over to the High Ropes. Here the children took turns in either climbing or taking up the slack on the safety rope. First they walked up a log, then up the ladder rungs, before traversing the course on a wire and rope about 5m up

Then it was up some more ladder rungs to cross the wire and hanging ropes. Not all of the children were confident enough to make it all of the way - Katie was the first girl to get to the top. I'm not sure that I could have done it! Then the children were lowered down on the rope. Next up the children climbed up another rope course with tyres and netting and more hanging ropes.

Finally, the children assailed the climbing walls, taking turns between climbing, anchoring and taking up the slack on the rope. Pretty soon it was time to go home, the children tired but happy.

It was a great, action packed day for Katie and the other children, and a great opportunity for us to meet other deaf children. I would like to say thank you to the NDCS volunteers and the staff at the Activity Centre for ensuring that all the children had a fun-filled and safe day out.

 Chris Chappell