Peel Forest camp was a challenge and an adventure for us all.

The first day was full of driving through multiple towns and while the vans were full of laughter and singing others were peacefully sleeping. When we arrived in Peel Forest we went straight to the Peel Forest Outdoor Centre where we got given multiple items of clothing to keep us cozy while we were in the water. From there, we drove to the Orari River where we walked down to the riverside and split into two groups which then resulted in us splitting up and doing two different activities with experienced instructors. 

One group crossed through rapids and learnt how to safely do so, while the other learnt how to drift downstream and safely get out of rapids . We then went back to camp and set up our tents and had a fun filled night with activities to please all. The next day we drove to Carew Peel Forest School, which is the local primary school. There we played some games which we had prepared earlier in camp meetings. We all had a big variety of games and the children seemed to enjoy themselves. Later that same day we walked to Emily Falls, where we had the opportunity to have a dip in the waterfall. Despite it being very cold it was actually very enjoyable and fun. We then got back to camp and walked down to the campfire and played some games and roasted marshmallows on the campfire and made some scrumptious s’mores.

Wednesday was the big walk day and we spent the majority of the day doing a walk which was actually enjoyable. That night it was pouring down, so we played games inside the camping ground kitchen. On Thursday we started our day off with a greeting from some beautiful horses up at Peel Forest Horse Trekking. We once again were split into two groups, and as one group rode the horses, the others went on another short walk and then returned to the camp to make cheesecakes for the cheesecake competition later on. After two hours the groups swapped over and each group did the same thing. Later that night the cheesecake competition had begun, we had to bring our own toppings to make our cheesecakes stand out. We had campers from around the camping ground come and judge our cheesecakes. In first place was Maria, Ella, Fuzheng and Emma. In second place was Kayla, Lilly and Sarah.

After the cheesecake competition we walked down to the campfire where we once again roasted marshmallows and made s’mores. Friday was full of cleaning in the morning and packing up ready for the drive home. On the way home we stopped for a surprise in Oamaru and more singing, sleeping and laughter. Peel Forest was a personal favourite!