20th - 21st June 2009, Leicester Junior Sea Cadets were lucky enough to be invited to join the juniors from TS Laforey (Northampton) and TS Diamond (Wellingborough) for the Giant Sleepover 2009.

During the weekend, we made a model boat which we raced down the river later in the day. Unfortunately none of the Leicester boats won but we had great fun anyway as we all had a turn in each of the (real) boats.  Later on we made a door hanger and a book mark.

We took part in team games in the parade ground and played rounders on the park next door. Some of us painted a ceramic fish plate, which is to be glazed and then sent on to us to keep, others created a wooden model of a dinosaur or praying mantis. 

We made ‘porthole window views’ out of a paper plate and our team leaders went shopping to buy the food for our tea. We all helped to make our pizzas and then had a turn at clearing up after meals (so that was why we needed a t-towel).

In the evening we lit a camp fire and baked chocolate bananas in the embers – the healthier amongst us made fruit kebabs. 

We then watched a DVD and munched out way through popcorn and marshmallows.  As the weather was kind to us we were able to sleep in tents (yes including CI Howard!) and we did all get some sleep – eventually. 

On Sunday morning we visited Stoke Bruen Canal museum and completed the quiz and treasure trail.  After a light lunch we cleaned the ship and set off home – some junior cadets even fell asleep on the journey back.

Our grateful thanks to Northampton for their hospitality and to CI Telford and other staff for an excellent programme which kept us busy!

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