Week seven dawned bright, as teachers and students began to assemble in the Stewart St carpark, many with equal parts of nervousness and excitement, to embark on Year 10 Camp 2020.

Tents, sleeping bags, food and miscellaneous equipment for fun was loaded onto buses and into vans. Then, we were off! Up and over Hilltop and down, down, down into the lush wilderness of Wainui.

Next, tents were put up and whānau groups organised. Then it was on to the first round of the much anticipated camp activities. Two groups suited up into wetsuits, helmets and buoyancy aids and headed out for kayaking and coasteering. Others stayed dry while they played yard games and hunted for controls using the orienteering map – many groups thoroughly frustrated by the elusive No.18! However, it was perhaps the infamous Giant Swing that was the most talked about activity. The 17 meter drop was equal parts exhilarating and terrifying, allowing individuals to push their personal levels of comfort. ‘Did you go to the top?’ became a regular camp catch phrase.

In between activities, the days were punctuated with fabulous, filling, food breaks. Baked potatoes, filled rolls, hamburgers and ongoing fresh fruit and veg platters; hungry mouths hoovered it all up. And as a special treat, we even had the option of trying some freshly harvested kai moana – mussels on the BBQ! Mike Fowler, who was in charge of the weather, let us down around mid-week but this was well compensated for by a surprise delivery of fresh donuts – much appreciated by every camper!

The final night of camp featured a fire pit and reflections on challenges and triumphs. It was wonderful to hear every student comment on something they were really proud of. As tents were struck and bags packed, conversations turned to looking forward to a hot shower and a soft bed but you couldn’t help but notice a sense of wistfulness in the air as the prospect of leaving loomed.

We must offer a massive thanks to the camp organisers Tony, Jo, Robyn, Illa, Allan, Dave and driver Clint. Plus all the Hagley staff that came out to camp. The camping experience, activities and the chance for students and teachers to connect outside of school was invaluable. Long live Year 10 Camp!