Students in year 7 have just completed their 3-day camp at Glentui. Find out all the activities completed + some highlights/eventful moments.

Glentui 2022 - Initially, the weather seemed it was going to be the downfall of what was planned to be a great camp full of many outdoor activities. Students, parents, and teachers were packed and prepared for a downpour... Luckily, the weather held out, only raining overnight and on our last day as we were leaving. Before we go any further we (Taiheke teachers) would like to say a massive thank you to the parent helpers, Simon, Roseanne, Melissa, Lizzy, and Brendon. Without your support, the running of these types of camps would be far from smooth sailing. 

Day 1

Nature walk - Mr. Brown took the group down the steps, down some more steps (first keyword from camp: STEPS), and finally to the river. Unknown to many children, parents, and teachers (Miss Booth), when Mr. Brown says we're doing a "river walk" he doesn't actually mean we're walking to or along a river, he means through the river. A few surprised faces and some extremely wet shoes later we made our way winding up the river towards a waterfall. This provided students with a perfect opportunity to observe the interaction of the hydrosphere and the geosphere. We discussed the change in the landscape due to recent flooding and the power of the hydrosphere. 

Campfire - We are very lucky at Glentui that we were allowed to light a campfire. Miss P organised a collection of different biscuits and giant marshmallows for everyone to toast. I believe 90% of the marshmallows ended up on their faces instead of in their mouths. 

Spotlight - Yes, the teachers did win. Students were required to stand on the lower terrace while the staff stood on top. This was a mixture of sneak-up granny and spotlight. When the torch comes on, if the teachers can name who it is, you're back to the start. This was the first activity that made me think "hmmm our year 8 leaders (Isis, Lily, Max, and Zach) have really thought this camp through" as some of them showed up with a full face covering, including all black outfits to ensure it was 10x harder to recognise them. Special mention to Grace O for wearing a bright pink jacket... instant regret from her. 

Day 2 - Activities 

Rogaining - There's nothing like orienteering to bring in some competitive spirit. Groups were split into teams and the competition was on. There was one particular marker extremely far out, although the highest points. Due to time constraints, it was a risk to attempt this marker, a risk Miss Booth's group was willing to take. We sacrificed all other markers near the campsite to gather the highest point markers on the road - only to quickly discover our yr 8 head students remember the answers from last year. Again, they've thought this through.

Archery tag - There's nothing quite as satisfying as seeking revenge by shooting at each other with arrows. As Leah M said; "I think ive found a new hobby". Archery tag was an absolute highlight for many students, parents, and teachers. Extra points for a headshot. Do not stress, no students were physically injured, maybe just slightly winded temporarily.

Bivvy building - Let's pretend: you're stranded in the wilderness and there's a storm approaching, how will you protect yourselves? Students were given a base selection of items to create their bivvy. Using the giant playing cards, students had to auction for more items to ensure safety. Students had a real talent for pitching their often extremely creative bivvy coming up with some very quirky ideas. 

Camp Concert: As always, we are so impressed with the student's confidence and abilities to put themselves out of their comfort zone. Our Yr 8 leaders took the cake on this one, creating a "whose line is it anyways" skit using mannerisms/quotes from the teachers (second keyword from camp: Parkour)

Minute to win it: Miss P and Mr Brown created a night full of challenges for students. Each team had to select 1 team member to complete each challenge. Special mention to the parents for their efforts, especially Melissa for the potato roll. 

Teacher highlights 

Miss P - All of the night activities.

Mr. Brown - Agreed, the night activities. 

Miss Booth - Camp concert, our head students smashed that out of the park. I must also say the final wake-up call song was very funny also.

Mr. Reed - Spotlight. 

Here is a link to the folder to access all photos.