As we trekked out of the Matukituki on Friday morning through intense rain with the backdrop of waterfall lined mountains, it was hard to believe that until 24 hours earlier we had experienced almost a full week of ‘paradise-like’ perfect conditions.

Yet, this was the case for this most enjoyable and fulfilling week at camp for the combined group of 10O and 10G.

Thanks to the wonderful leadership of Miss Moore, Dr Fisher and Mr Matehaere, and the fantastic assistance of our Year 13 Leaders (Angus Henderson, Max Gray, Cameron Moffitt and Cameron Heighway), our lads were challenged physically, mentally and socially to survive and thrive as a group of young OB’s men. 

This involved running and maintaining the lodge, setting trap lines, kayaking, swimming in waterfalls, hiking... and hiking… camping outside in the elements for three days and much more. Throughout all of this, I was proud of the way the lads worked together to help each other out and bond as a group. It is in a context like this that the ‘brotherhood’ so often spoken about at OB's can be experienced in practice.

This camp has once again highlighted the importance of the Mt Aspiring Programme for our young men. It is a program that is truly driven by and reinforces our school values. Thank you to Mr Roe for all of his organisation and to the teachers for their commitment and professionalism to make it happen.