The thing about Survival Camp is that you have to survive. No matter the weather, no matter the location. This year's L2 OdEd students survived in the Lower Hawdon Valley before our first true Winter storm.

Our KHS Level 2 Outdoor Education students undoubtedly faced one of the latest, and potentially toughest, survival camps we have ever run. With the winter solstice looming, darkness prevailing and the alert level restrictions at the time, we set out on the first possible dates from 2nd-4th June.

As weather forecasts predicted, we were set to either dodge, or directly encounter, the first serious Winter storm - the storm that first whitens the mountains for Winter, makes them look magnificent once more, and sets our ski fields for business. To be out in this storm, in the Alps, would be both a privilege and a challenge.

Early on Monday morning, a few concerned parents began emailing, questioning the weather, and whether the trip would go ahead or be cancelled. The answer was - "we are prepared, we go". Concerns were valid. I can confirm sub-zero temperatures in the early morning from -4 to -6c over the Queen's Birthday weekend (I was there, and the perpetual frost in Sudden Valley at 4pm was somewhat beautiful to behold). 

However, L2 OdEd were prepared for sub-zero temperatures, prepared for rain, robust winds, and prepared for the possibility of snow.  Disappointingly (if you like your accurate weather forecasts), the hard weather stalled, and that is just the way it is in NZ. Prepare for the worst and be thankful for the blessing!

So, what did the students achieve?
Have you ever built your own survival shelter AND slept in it when the overnight temperature is hovering around 0c? The L2 OdEd students have.

Do you really know how to take care of, and evacuate, a casualty in the wilderness? The L2 OdEd students do.

Have you got the knowledge, and skills, to light a fire in the rain-sodden bush to survive? The L2 OdEd students have.

In the great outdoors, you are never too young to learn and never too old to experience new learning. In our great NZ outdoors, every day is a new day, a different day, and a learning day. What will you learn today?