The Kōtuku team spent the last three days of the term over at Wainui partaking in many amazing outdoor activities.

Search and Rescue: The students got creative and decided to use the chapel for some role play ceremonies! In between creating a storyline for the mannequin Bob, the students planned ways to help rescue someone and check for any injuries. 

Orienteering: The students were given a map with coordinates and had to navigate their way around the campsite to check off as many markers as they could, whilst being weary of the terrain. 

High Ropes: This was probably the favourite activity. There were many students who conquered their fear of heights by navigating their way up shaky beams, the rock climbing wall, the tight rope and high ladders. The other students learned how to use a harness and belay their team mates. 

Shelter building: Sourcing only materials they could find in the forest, groups rummaged through sticks, leaves, and bushes to create some pretty amazing variations of a shelter. If ever stuck in the wilderness, I think many would find they would be quite ok in their luxury outdoor 'apartments'. Some even made rope swings and fireplaces!

Archery: This was an instructor led activity. The students learned all the proper terminology of the bow and arrow, how to set it up and use it. There were many prizes given out for Bullseyes. 

Beach Explore: We walked 20 minutes down to the beach. The students walked along the rocks finding shells, crabs and mussels. This group was game enough to pick up the crab for a photo. 

Dance party: On the final night our wonderful parent helper Chanelle brought her car into the middle of the paddock. We started a dance circle, which turned into a dance party with torches and under the large spotlight in the middle of the campsite. Some pretty hilarious song requests left some students stating this as the favourite camp activity.  

I think it's fair to say we all (including teachers and parents) crashed and slept all weekend. The quiet wilderness, birds chirping, bunk beds creaking and snoring kept many of us tossing and turning. There were some very tired people on the buses back that's for sure!

 It was a very fun and successful camp. We are very proud of how amazing our tamariki were and we were super lucky to have our eight AMAZING parent helpers. This was a great digital detox and first experience away for many, which is a memory they will all take away from Parkview. 

A huge shoutout and thank you to; Chanelle, Lou, Kirsty, Shaun, Adam, Lindsay, Mike and Bianca! We couldn't have done this without you!