The beginning of March saw the first week of Year 10 Camps at Purau Bay for 2018. 

 The Year 10 Sports Development class attended camp from Monday – Wednesday 5–7 March, and 10T and 10H ferried over to Purau to camp from Lyttelton on Wednesday 7 March. 

 On the first day of both camps, the boys met the challenge of climbing to the top of Mount Herbert (Te Ahu Patiki), our highest peak in Canterbury (919m). They all reached the top showing determination and perseverance. Over the next couple of days, the boys tried out a number of activities including Rock Climbing, Coasteering, Mountain Biking, Kayaking and some even managed to make their own rafts (that didn’t fall apart when they paddled them). All credit to the boys, who were always positive, especially on the days with challenging weather.

The students participated in the camp activities in small teams, in which they displayed tolerance, encouragement and support, and managed themselves safely. It was fantastic to be part of a camp that had boys swimming for the first time (and loving it), achieving things they originally thought they couldn’t, still smiling when they faced challenges and working together to create a culture of inclusiveness and gratitude. 

 We are fortunate at Shirley Boys’ High School that teaching and support staff volunteer to be part of Outdoor Education for the Year 10 Camps. It is awesome for the teachers and students to spend time together outside the classroom.

I am extremely grateful to all the staff for assisting yet again, to make camp successful and fun.