Near the end of the year, Wharenui School organised a camp for years 7 and 8. It started last week from the 3rd of December to 6th of December (Tuesday to Friday). We had a big camp at Glentui, to the west of Christchurch. 

Glentui is a pretty great campsite with a games room, dining hall, and swimming pool. Most importantly, the staff there are all very nice and friendly when talking to the students. Although there were quite a few bugs and mosquitoes at night, the service was great. Some students were a bit upset about it, but most people accepted camping in the mountains. We also got some taskmasters to bring our home room some points but no one knows who has won yet.

Before heading to camp we stopped by Styx Mill where we learned about natural traps, the stream that runs through Styx Mill and Māori traditions. All the staff were so friendly and funny. Then we went straight to camp. Maybe because it was a hot day when we got to the camp, three quarters of the students all went to the swimming pool.

The first full day at camp, we experienced being one with nature as we walked on the tree-lined hills with a cold stream running through other big mountains. The second activity was an activity that required us to unite to overcome the challenges given by the teachers. The most special part was climbing up and down over one hundred and eighty-six steps from the campsite to the big field. At the end of a long tiring day, without hesitation, they all ran into the room, put on their swimsuits and jumped straight into the cool water of the pool. 

The second full day at camp is the day that we collected more points for our team/group. At the start of the day, we started with an adventure walking around up and down on the mountain, out on the big road, looking at the big field with sheep, goats and more. 

Next, the activities like yesterday asking us to unite to overcome all the challenges that the teacher gave to us. The most favourite part for all of us was the bivvy building, it is just like you build a  temporary tent to survive in the forest if you get lost. James, the teacher, separated us into two types of teams. The first team is an experienced team, that team knows how to build a temporary tent really well. The other team is the team just started with no experience, they got more freedom and no limit about stuff the first team does. The first team only gets 2 ropes and a tarpaulin but the experienced team always gets more points than the other. 

The last day at camp, we started our morning with a big breakfast. Then taskmasters outside the big field. We packed up our stuff, made our lunch and headed straight to Spencer Park. We had lunch there and had a quick activity, then went back to school at 1:45 p.m. Waiting for our parents. We all have memories of this camp forever. 

By Cherry and Boyd