On Monday 63 excited students, 11 organised parents and three brave teachers set off to Hanmer Springs Forest camp in the warm spring sunshine.

Groups took part in orienteering, walks up Conical Hill, tree climbing and some ‘Mission Impossible’ tasks in the warmth. Little did we know how cold and wet Tuesday would be - with tasks such as mountain biking and tree climbing testing even the capabilities of some of the adults! We were all rewarded in the afternoon testing out the new hydroslides at the pools - to warm up! We were welcomed on Wednesday with sunshine and snow on the hills behind camp, along with more orienteering, mountain biking and Conical Hill walks, before returning home.

We were all so impressed with the resilience and courage all the students demonstrated in all areas of the camp, from activities to making sure they were warm and dry.

Also a huge thank you to all the parents who stayed (especially with the cooking and cleaning) and those who helped with transporting. Camps would not be possible without your help.

“The best part of camp for me was mountain biking because it was adventurous. It was hot and cold, dark and light and we went through lots of the forest.” Quinn

“I enjoyed tree climbing because it was something I had never done before. I also liked going to the pools because I had my friends to play with and there were lots of my friends there. I liked playing tag in the lazy river.” Ruby

“I liked the pools when we got to ride on the slides and relax on the lazy river. I also liked mountain biking because everyone got muddy and we got to do parkour on the bikes. It was funny when people fell off.” Harrison

“Getting muddy when I was mountain biking was lots of fun. I liked reaching the top of the tree climbing and the food.” Natalie

“I liked the new hydroslides at the pools because you can go really fast. I also like the hot food on Tuesday when it was cold and wet and I had been mountain biking.” Nate

“I loved the Conical Hill walk because when I got to the top there was a beautiful view and I didn’t want to go back down. I liked the orienteering, it was challenging but also lots of fun.” Alice X

In this issue

Travelling Tuatara