NCS

I was complaining about this on twitter but even after 3 tweets I wasn't finished so I thought I may as well continue here. Plus, I've only written one post today as opposed to my 3 a day for the last 2 days (since I began).

Let's start with the 3 tweets:

I can't believe I have to pack everything into a big rucksack for @NCS in the summer, my stuff will not all fit!

and I don't own waterproof tops or bottoms for D of E I brought a coat that I thought was waterproof but wasn't luckily it didn't rain

and I only have a few long sleeved shirts which are all new, everything else is short sleeved + I've recently thrown out all my old clothes

Lets go back to the beginning. I signed up for the NCS programme a while back and after a phone call, application forms, a check and another few phone calls I got a confirmation email this morning with a PDF welcome pack. I was reading it through and getting really excited until I saw the kit list page. That's where those tweets came from. It seems like a mix between the PGL activity camp from year 6 and D of E bronze from year 9.

The kit list:

Please ensure all items are placed ideally in one rucksack. You may bring a small bag to keep with  you on the coach whilst travelling to and from the residential centre.

- Toiletries and towel (please note deodorants must be roll on and no aerosols)
- Old clothes for activity sessions (long-sleeved shirts, trousers and closed toe shoes are required for most sessions so bring plenty)
- Indoor shoes
- Cutlery, mug, plate and bowl (plastic if possible)
- Waterproof top and bottoms (imperative)
- Large plastic bag for dirty clothes
- Sunglasses, sun cream and a sun hat
- Water bottle
- Maximum of £20 that can be spent during the week
- A packed lunch for the first day of both the first and second residential.
- Torch
- Personal medication
- Sleep wear
- Insect repellent
- Swim wear (clothes suitable for watersports)
- Casual clothes for evenings
- Sleeping bag and a pillow
- Tent (for week 2 only) we have some that you can borrow if you don’t have your own

First, I honestly do not think, even if I keep everything to a minimum, that it will all fit into one big rucksack that I can carry and a small bag, unless small bag means large overnight bag. I mean, 5 old shirts, 3 pairs of trousers (which I do not possess) and 2 pairs of trainers just for the activities. Or does indoor shoes mean slippers? because I assume it is court trainers. This with 5 days of underwear, waterproofs, 2 sets of pajamas, swimwear, a few evening outfits, and everything else on the list will most definitely NOT FIT into the allotted luggage space. And a pillow, really? Unless it is an air pillow my pillow will have to be carried along with the sleeping bag and extra bag filled to capacity.

On the bright side, I get to go out and buy some stuff. A nice swimming tshirt type thing like they wear when surfing and some cute waterproof shorts for the watersports. A reusable waterbottle, waterproof trousers (although I'm not sure nice ones exist and I might skip that since I probably wouldn't bother wearing them), oh and some long sleeved shirts for the activities. I may even be able to get some nice gym clothes at the same time.

Please note this is just lighthearted teenage whining and moaning and I am actually very excited about doing this activity. I reckon I'll find some way to cram everything into my bag or just wear a lot of clothes on the drop-off day.