Term 3 was a busy and adventurous term for all three option classes. There were heaps of highlights and personal achievements to celebrate as we continue to explore new territory and look to promote a lifelong love of the outdoors at Horomaka.

Year 10 Camp

There was a huge buzz in the class as they eagerly watched their trip come to life, strengthening their knowledge and competence in risk management and how each activity can be implemented safely.

Highlights were definitely;

• Kayaking across Lake Pearson and understanding the level of patience required as we explore the lake and hone our fishing skills.

• Seeing the excitement at Cody Foster catching, filleting and smoking a beautiful Rainbow Trout at Lake Lyndon.

• The moonlight walk and archery activities - the stars were simply stunning!

• Witnessing the excellent teamwork as they collaboratively prepared and cooked their fine meals on the gas cookers.

Check out their video on the HHS OUTDOORS YOU TUBE here…

Year 11 Mt Somers Tramping Experience

This year we ran two Year 11 Outdoor Education class tramps to Mt Somers starting at Pinnacles Hut and finishing at Woolshed Car Park to wrap up their tramping and camping assessments. This epic walk was a great opportunity for all students to strengthen their leadership, communication and bush skills in a safe yet beautiful environment.

Some of the student highlights were:

• Eilish - the scenic views

• Abbey -hanging out at the hut and knowing that we had walked there

• Millie - the lollies and sugar free mints

• Libby - making it to the top of the hill on the first day

• Jaylen - genuinely bonding with the class and creating new memories

• AJ - seeing and walking in the snow

• Ryota on sea kayaking - going in the tunnels at Ripapa Island

Check out their TRAMPING video on the HHS OUTDOORS YOU TUBE here…

Year 12 Combined Cycle Tour and Day Tramp Challenge

All Level 2 Outdoor Education students genuinely enjoyed the satisfaction and sense of pride in their achievements as they reflected back on their recent Cycle Tour and Day Tramp. This year, students mountain biked up the chilly Lees Valley in Oxford to the Wharfedale Hut where they based themselves for the next two days. On day two, they exchanged their mountain bikes for tramping boots as they tramped up to Black Hill Hut before returning to base. On the last day we biked back out of Lees Valley with temperatures not getting above -1 all morning.

Check out their video on the HHS OUTDOORS YOU TUBE here…

Look out for these upcoming opportunities and if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to reach out to the team.

• Year 9 & 10 Get to Go Challenge

• Girls on Ice Aotearoa opportunity - Girls* on Ice Aotearoa is an initiative offering a tuition-free, 10-day expedition to Mt. Ruapehu for girls aged 15 to 16 in January 2024.

• Canterbury Adventure Race - 3 Hour team challenge mountain biking, running and rogaining

• Year 11 Outdoor Education “Camping on a Budget Challenge”

• Year 12 Odyssey - Accumulation of all the skills students have gained over the year to safely plan and lead their own adventure.

• Year 11 Mt Hutt Snow Sports Day

• Year 10 Optional Camp in Term 4 at Living Springs

Ngā Mihi,

Paul Ferguson and Lisa Owen