The year 5 & 6 camp was the highlight of the term! Exploring historical gold mining sites, learning about modern gold mining processes, team building activities, challenges, tramping along tracks and through tunnels were some of the awesome activities undertaken at Waitewheta Camp and Waihi area.

The year 5 & 6 team embarked on a 2 night camp at Waitewheta near Waihi. Our learning focus was on earth processes and the formation of rocks. We investigated the mining processes from the past in the Karangahake Gorge and the more modern mining systems of Martha Mine in Waihi. We visited the Oceania Education centre and Gold Discovery centre in Waihi township. We explored the tracks and tunnel of Karangahake Gorge and also walked around the open mine pit of Martha Mine. Our camp based activities included a burma trail, camp bonfire, technology challenges, obstacle course and team building activities. On our final day we tramped to a 600 year old Kauri tree and had fun in Sapphire Springs Pools.

The teachers were very proud of our children's behaviour while out and about and they represented themselves and Tauriko School beautifully - rising to the challenges camp brings while embracing new leanring and experiences.

A HUGE THANK-YOU to our fabulous team of parent helpers who assisted our team. From transporting children, cooking kai, cleaning facilities , supporting students and staff to create an amazing camp. You are all truely appreciated. We also would like to acknowledge Jolene Nelson who supported us with menu planning, portions and numbers - completing all of the shopping for all 3 school camps. This is a huge amount of work and we appreciate your efforts!

Student Voice:

Jenna: The highlights of camp for me was the obstacle course, especially doing it blindfolded.

Ayla: My highlight of camp was the Oceania Education centre because it was fun and interactive. We got to do 3 different activities: puzzle work, collecting gold and an environmental challenge.

Matthew: I really liked the flying fox at camp. This was my first school camp and I loved it. 

Roman: The burger dinner was great!

Asher: I really liked the long walk around the Martha Mine Pit. I love being in the outdoors so the walks were great.

Bobbie: I really liked the walks through eh tunnel and looking at all the old broken down buildings from the olden days.

Jaxon: My favourite day was Sapphire Springs and having a swim. I loved walking to see the massive old Kauri tree.