Sponsored Run 2026

The journey to the Eureka Camp, Zambia took around 24 hours in total! Although it was a lengthy process, we still kept our heads up and had many laughs throughout. As we pulled away from the school, being waved off by many emotional parents, the coach was filled with a buzz of excitement right up until our first destination, Heathrow airport. We made our way to baggage check-in, a hive of 31 animated teens, ready to depart their homeland and experience a region unknown to them. We safely passed through security, and apprehensively waited to board the plane. The next 7 hours were filled with a combination of sleep, food, chatter and films. Many ears pricked up as we heard the rattle of the food trolley. The food was fairly good, as predicted for a long-haul flight. 

We reached Adis Ababa, Ethiopia and left the aircraft tired but still with enthusiasm. We had a slight delay for the next flight, which felt longer due to lack of sleep. Eventually, we entered our next plane, which luckily was much shorter and we were definitely quieter at this point. The next 4 hours flew by, as we soon had arrived in Lusaka Airport. We had made it to Zambia! Spirits lifted temporarily, but we were met with a tedious wait at immigration, which felt never-ending! At first it seemed the cards were against us, but being the resourceful children we are, we used the time to strengthen bonds with the group. As soon as we gained our visas, we rushed to collect luggage, which unfortunately was missing for some. Although, it was another setback, those who were unlucky were reassured and our sparks were not dimmed. 

A much shorter coach ride transported us to our final destination for the next 8 days. Upon arrival we were assigned to our cozy accommodation and settled in. We finished our long day with a delicious meal of soup and beef stew, thankful we had arrived in one piece and looking forward to a good nights sleep. 

Written by Ella Kate. 

First day at Eureka camp! When we arrived late at night we did not get the real picture of where we were, so waking up we realised what it was really like! We had breakfast and left to visit lots of churches around where we were staying. When we arrived at the first church we were greeted by waves, music and lots of amazing dancing. Girls were given a special skirt called a chitenge, which we wrapped around our waists over a shorts and the boys had to wear long trousers to be respectful. As we entered the church we sat and joined the session, which I was taken aback by due to the talent and passion within the service. As a group we were brought to the front of the church to dance with the singers and it was very fun. Before we left we shook hands with all the children who were very excited to meet us, then we hopped back on the mini buses to move onto the next church. 

We arrived to the next church with even more singing and dancing, but it was different in many aspects. The focus was more on dance as lots of people were dancing in open space within the church. We stayed for a couple of songs and left to go to the last church. This church felt much more formal but still special. We were once again invited up to the front where we joined in with a song where we even had to lay on the floor for one of the dances! Afterwards, we witnessed a blessing for some babies who were joining the church. Whilst leaving the church we met all of the congregation who welcomed us, lots of handshakes were given and photos taken. Everyone we met throughout the day met us with kindness and compassion. When we returned back to camp we saw giraffes crossing the road, which was an amazing sight. We successfully ate lunch without the monkeys getting to our food, even if one did try to steal the bag of apples, but they were stopped by Miss Perks screams! We then sorted out donations, had some dinner and some even braved the cold campsite pool. Finally, to end the day everyone retired to the bar where we played pool and darts, overall it was a great start to the trip and we are sure there will be many more to come!

Written by Ruth.