During the first week of Term Four, 11 Outdoor Education students participated in a three-day camp to conclude their final assessments for tramping, camping and mountain biking. This involved a day tramp from Bethunes Gully to Buttars Peak and the Organ Pipes. Students experienced a mix of weather conditions from sunshine to snow flurries which highlighted the importance of the necessary gear needed in the outdoors. After setting up camp at Waikouaiti for the night we headed inland the next day to Naseby. The next two days adventure involved biking around single tracks within the Naseby Forest.

There were challenging moments at different times for everyone however all the students made lovely progress developing their technical biking skills. We were fortunate to have two fabulous days, with slightly chilly overnight tenting experience, however by mid-morning the sun was shining, and we were all warmed up from riding the steep hills.

Highlights from the three days included: beautiful nature and the views, sleeping in a tent for the first time, hailing on the tramp, climbing over Buttars peak and feeling like an explorer, good banter, seeing our native silver fern on the tramp, exploring new bike tracks, playing cards with friends, bouncy pillow at the Ranfurly campground, and planning and cooking our own food for camp.

Comments from students on their success and achievements:

“Keeping positive and doing my best.”

“Staying on my bike without crashing the majority of the time.”

“Challenge of riding around the lake on the narrow track.”

“Riding up all the steep hills.”

“Challenging myself to do my best.”

We would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank all our parent helpers throughout the year. The course could not operate without their continuous support:

• Richard Lee who joined the day tramps with Miss Ward's class throughout the year. Everyone enjoyed his positive enthusiasm, sense of humour and constant banter.

• Sylvia Watt, aka Sylvie, who is an absolute legend and amazing role model to students and staff. Sylvie knows all the nooks and crannies in the Naseby Forest. She guided us through the forest and made sure that we all had a wonderful time.

• Karl White who helped out on all the local bike rides with Miss Ward's class earlier in the year, as well as the Naseby camp. His knowledge and expertise in mountain biking provided students with guidance, tips and positive encouragement that was much appreciated.

• Bevan Potter who kindly gave up his time to help out on our Naseby bike rides. Your knowledge of the area, tips and encouragement was helpful to the students' progress.