Read along with the diary of Finn - Ghent

For weeks in a row, Finn (14) was counting the days to the camp. He is a real adventurer who likes meeting new people, sports activities and – let us be honest – a good party. Speaking Dutch may stir some anxious feelings with other participants, but Finn leapt at the occasion. In this diary, you can read everything about how he experienced his best summer so far in Ghent.

DAY 1: Day 1-2: Launching boats & Ghent Festivities

We arrived in Ghent and right from the beginning the stage was set for pirates. No mercy. Our teams got dropped off with and we had to dive straight in. The highlight? Steering our kayak through the inner city of Ghent. We went through locks like it were slides, right underneath the podia of Ghent Festivities. The sun was bright, the mood was the best, and we found our sea legs quicker than expected.

Day 3-4: Spaghetti & Battleship

After that workout on the water, we were in dire need of some fuel. Chef Karl provided a chocolate cake shaped like a pirate boat (RIP for that boat, it was delicious). Teams “Champagne Boat" and “The Inimitable Rocking Ship” were officially christened by the strictest pirate inspector ever. Then, the war was on: a giant game of ‘Battleship’, and Team Red mercilessly sent the other team to the bottom of the river.

Day 5: Catching eggs & Mocktails

Today we had design cannon balls for our captains Laura and Marie. The catch? They had raw eggs in the centre. We tossed our creations from a height and behold the miracle: not a single egg broke… until we smashed them on the heads of the teachers. Karma. In the evening, the bar transformed into a big Summer Bar, serving the best mocktails in town.

Day 6-7: Painting the town red in Ghent & Casino Nights

Finally, some time off in Ghent! Some of us went straight to Ghent Festivities, others went shopping or grabbed a drink on a terrace. But the evening turned out to be truly legend: we had to dress up for Speed Dating. After some uncomfortable (and hilarious) dates, the Casino opened its doors. At stake: honour, fame and apparently some shady deals with the teachers. Leander bought the overall winners a drink, the rest had to be satisfied with the memories.

Day 8: Belgian pride & Wordle stress

The 21st of July, so we went full-on Belgian. Stewed meat and French fries (the one and only meal for this day) and the teachers dressed up in black, yellow and red. We entered a decisive battle between the boats, and “The Absolute Pirates” won. Then, a quiz that hurt our heads (Wordle is really something else when you are in a hurry), and then we had to tidy up. Apparently, something we are good at when there’s a party waiting ahead.

Day 9-10: The Grand Finale in Blankenberge

We had to catch an early train to the coast. Blankenberge was the perfect ending: a photo game in the city, and for the toughest ones a dive in the North Sea. We received certificates upon return (officially pirates now, arrr!) and we topped it off with a big BBQ. Finally, we went through the roof at the closing party. We danced until the wee hours.

Today, we officially sail off. We abandon Ghent harbour, but we return home with a backpack full of stories, new friends and a significant dose of the Dutch language.

Thank you, Ghent. Pirates, it has been an honour. Arrrr!