Thank you, all the students who attended the meeting on Saturday. I hope you all enjoyed the knarl (as mentioned, they do not live solely in Cornwall, but they have a vibrant population there)! I also appreciate your attention and questions. As promised, here are the important notes to help ensure all of you are prepared for our trip.
Travel plans:
The Ministry is graciously arranging for portkeys from central locations and will assist in providing supervision to and at the transfer points. Parents and guardians will be contacted with the location within the week, to allow plenty of time to resolve any concerns. Students will arrive at our first campsite in staggered groupings on Monday, August 3rd, and will return to the same locations on Monday, August 10th.
Where will we be?
We will be at two sites within Cornwall. We will set up camp on the 4th toward the southwest of Bodmin Moor, and spend 3 days there, before moving to a site on the northern coast near Tintagel. My thanks to the Ministry, who have arranged to move the packed equipment during our outing that day.
As all first years have now passed their flying tests, we will be travelling between the two sites by broom, pausing regularly for natural history and folklore conversations. We do have the generous loan of two flying carpets that will seat multiple riders for those who prefer not to fly a broom. The sites are approximately 40 miles apart, and we will be providing close supervision: students who go off unescorted will face immediate and serious penalties.
Housing
Students will be housed in wizarding tents - these all include facilities, simple cooking resources, and sleeping space for five or six students. Each tent will include an older student of the same gender.
Students may indicate their preferences for who will share their sleeping tent (and should tell me this immediately if they have not already done so.) However, we want to use the minimal number of tents possible, so you may end up sharing with students you know less well in some circumstances.
Food
We will be cooking our own food - with help and supplies brought along. Campfire cooking is always great fun, and we'll be learning a number of cooking and cleaning charms that can be used for other purposes, or that build skills with charms that will stand you in good stead next year.
What to bring
Please bring six changes of clothing that will hold up to a range of different weather conditions, temperatures, and that will stand up to climbing, flying, and exploring. Ladies, this is not the trip for delicate sandals or short skirts on your robes! Your clothing and other supplies should fit within a small trunk or large traveling bag you can load and unload yourself from the Ministry's carts.
Sensible shoes, at least one layer of wool robes, and plenty of clean socks are all essential. Please also bring whatever toiletries and minor personal items you require. (Please note: if it is forbidden at Hogwarts, it is also forbidden here.) Remember that Cornwall can get quite chilly, even in August.
Pets
As mentioned, if you are able to be responsible for your own pet's food, water, waste, and well-being, you may bring it. However, be aware that there will be no house-elves or mudbloods on this trip, so you must attend to all tasks yourself.
Activities
We are planning a series of lectures, hikes, and events that will teach you about Cornwall's folklore, magical creatures, mythology and stories. We'll also be looking at the stars (of course!), telling stories, and singing a few songs. My thanks in advance to several distinguished witches and wizards who have offered to help with these events - they'll be coming for the day, and apparating home at the end in almost every case.
Students will be divided into pre-determined groups for different activities. However, you will have plenty of time to spend with your friends during breakfast, and after we return to our campsite in the late afternoon.
Behaviour
All students are expected to stay within sight of the older student or adult responsible for them at all times, or request specific permission each time they are out of sight (such as climbing on a hike.) No space in any wild place is entirely safe. Students will also have charms provided that will allow us to quickly track and locate anyone who does not obey this requirement.
You are expected to behave as well or better as you would at Hogwarts. The prefects coming with us have all been given permission to use a stunning charm or, if necessary, Crucio, if they feel a student's behaviour may lead to imminent harm .
The older students attending will include:
Lana Sandoval (Ravenclaw prefect : rising 7th)
Olive Coote (Hufflepuff prefect : rising 7th year)
Percy Weasley (Gryffindor prefect: rising 6th year))
Moebius Ollivander (Slytherin prefect: rising 6th year)
Penelope Clearwater (rising 5th year, Ravenclaw)
and Julius Avery (Slytherin, rising 5th year)
As mentioned, these older students should arrive a day early in order to prepare for the trip. Details are in the letters being sent home by Owl this week.
Questions?
I am available by Owl throughout the summer, either at Hogwarts or visiting family. I expect to be able to address any questions quickly.
Again, thank you for your enthusiasm and attention - I am looking forward to this summer's trip with all of you!
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