Camp Waitawheta 2013

We came, we saw, we conquered!!  What a great 4 days.  So great, in fact, that I'm at home, still nursing my laringitis. 
I am so proud of my class for the respect they showed, their courage they developed and their inquisitive minds.  I hope that you all went home having learnt something and feeling proud of your achievements.

Day one saw us partake in the biggest hike most of these kids had ever done.  We crossed rivers, hiked up and down mountians, watched waterfalls, swam in ice cold water and saw old as Kauri trees.  Once back at camp we settled in to our evening routine of showers, dinner, writing and singing.  To end our night, we had to find the parents in a game of spotlight.  Mr Hamley and Robbo were really good at hiding.

Day two was a lot less strenuous.  We bused into Waihi Town and visited Martha Open Cast Mine, the Education Centre and the Information Centre.  It was really interesting to see and hear about the current gold mining process.  After lunch, Ian took us through the Museum - the chopped off thumbs being a highlight, then it was straight down to Bowentown Beach estuary for swimming, kayaking and playing in the sand.  Once our evening routine was completed, the parents organised a truely terrifying Burma Trail that had all the kids screaming for the hills. 



Day three started off with two walks through the Karangahake Gorge.  Mrs Mclean took us up to the Windows walk and we got to experience the dark, dusty, cramped tunnels where the old miners used to work.  Then down to the Tunnel Walk where we walked through a very long, dark tunnel without torches.  Where was halfway??!!  How did you know??!!  Then it was lunch time and once again, off to Bowentown Beach for another afternoon of fun in the sun, at the beach.   To end our afternoon, we took the plunge and stepped off the bridge.  Also, well done to those of you who put a skit together for our camp concert.

Day Four - time for the big clean up of dorms and lost property.  A quick bus trip to the ruins of the Victoria Battery for some exploring and photos.  Finally, we stopped in at Matamata pools for a sausage sizzle and dip in the pool.  Then it was home, into the arms of waiting parents.