In week seven (12th-16th March) the Year 7 and 8 Katua Team went to Wainui for their annual 5 day camp.

We travelled to the campsite on coaches and cars and had our stomachs lurch through the winding Banks Peninsula roads. We all felt a rush to get out of the vehicles and see our accommodation the YMCA Camp Park.

Our first task was to refuel our bodies with our packed lunches. Then to set up our accommodation which for some was a challenge as we were tenting and having to assemble our temporary homes. Next it was time to rush of to our first activities. We experienced 9 activities over the week. Some days we had 3 to energize our way through.

Our highlights were Coasteering, High ropes and Orienteering but every activity was just as good as the others. While we were out having fun at our activities our parents were busily working away in the kitchens preparing delicious meals.

The first night was scrumptious burgers that everyone loved. During the week we got to have lasagne, chicken drumsticks, and pizza for dinner. The dessert was the meal of the day for everyone. Desserts ranged from make your own ice cream sundae, ambrosia and chocolate mousse.

We all had such fun and we would have stayed on for another week if we had the energy or the choice. But none of this would've happened if it wasn't for our wonderful parent helpers who gave their time over the week (and our Kātua Teachers). Thank you all so much to everyone who came along.

Over the past five days we overcame obstacles, completed challenges, acquired new skills and became part of a great team. We all really enjoyed camp and will cherish it for the rest of our lives. Again a big thank you very, very much to the wonderful teachers, and parents for making Wainui Camp possible.

Scarlett Blake-Manson, Ben Ellis and Grace Cooper