On the first day of our school camp, we started off by taking a river walk with our class.

“All I know was I was on the left side, and the left side was much deeper, as in up to my hips”- SD

The water felt like you were wearing iceberg pants, but only for the first crossing. After we arrived at camp, we quickly situated ourselves in the cabins, and began to unpack. The cabins were really cosy, and some groups were lucky enough to have a clothesline outside their room, where they hung many items of sodden clothes.

The first activities went by smoothly, with enough extra time to play some Gaga Dodgeball.

“Gaga Dodgeball was really fun, but it sometimes could be hogged by really competitive people” AW.

After the first dinner (nachos), we played some chaotic games of spotlight, then went back to our bunks to gossip and ding-dong-ditch other bunks, much to the annoyance of all occupants. We had quite a lot of energy, and were able to stay awake easily.

On the second day we were way more tired at the end, and quite a few people were showing for the first, and in most cases, last time of school camp. Dinner that night was chicken, with rice and steamed vegetables, and lunch was mince pies, with various snacks in between.

Throughout the entire camp everyone got a taster of the activities on offer at Waipara Campground. Some groups braved an icy waterhole on the very first day, either on kayaks or their own rafts (both activities requiring life jackets of course). Others started speeding down a flying fox or water slide as soon as they got off the bus. Yet even more people got to know the camp well, by participating in orienteering. Abseiling, and faulty towers were crowd favourites to everyone that doesn’t have a fear of heights. Finally shelter building, and archery, you would either really like or really dislike, depending on your skills at each.

But the best part was the activity after dinner. We split into teams of eight, each choosing a challenge that they could complete the best. One of the most impressive talents was when Josh peeled a banana with his feet!

“It was fun and a creative way to keep us entertained” AK

The last day was the most chaotic by far, everyone grabbing all their stuff from their bunk rooms and packing it into bags, haphazardly at best. For lunch we had delicious hotdogs, or veggie-dogs for people that were vegetarian, which was almost unanimously the best meal.

We ended our awesome stay at Waipara Camp, with a long bus-ride home, including naps and random bouts of singing from the back of the bus.

This camp was truly unforgettable for all of Tūrutu House! 

Audrey, Room 10