Room 14 and Mr Brown at Gleniti School: CAMP 2012...

Wow what a week on Monday Friday seemed forever away, but the time Friday came round we wondered where the week had gone.

Monday started at 9.30 when we got on the bus and headed south into cold rainy weather. A wet stop at the Moraeki Boulders saw the first photo opportunity. More rain on the way down saw me coming up with alternatives for the week. Luckly for us by the time we hit Karitane for lunch the rain had gone and the sun poked through. Onto Dunedin where we made a stop at Signal Hill. We got a great view of the cloud that was between us and Dunedin (but we could see the Hockey turf, some say a highlight.) Back in the bus and off to the campsite.

We arrived there to dry but overcast conditions. A quick unpack and we went for a walk round the campsite. A few games of Ambush and we ended up at the confidence course where a few time trials were had and the first accident was had (Jack and his knee). Some had their first challenge of sliding down the pole. So back to camp and the choice given to what theywant to do. pleasantly suprising the choice was to go swimming in the swimming hole. Most went in (IT WAS FREEZING!!) and splashed and swum about. Some even got on the rope swing to ensure they got the most out of it. After that we went back to camp where hot showers were the order of the day. Tea time then into camp games. we had an intergroup quiz session, jenga competition and finally a hockey balloon game between the four groups. it was great with lots of hits to everyone. I think Team Yellow came out on top ater a sudden death match.

Tuesday saw us up bright and early and off to Larnach Castle. The parents took their groups and went off in search of the secrets and mysteries of the castle. Many photos later and a few suprises (Cole and the tower) we decided to leave the castle and head for the beach before Olverston House. St Kilda was cloudy but the class got into the water with some truely drenched (Rhys). Mr Z caught up with us and then after lunch and another playground we were off to Olverston House. Two groups went round. I was in Jean's group and we seemed to break most rules including playing on the roped off piano. It is true a great guide can make all the difference. The last afternoon event was racing up anmd down Baldwin Street. Not sure if the hill or the free wi fi found on the hill was a highlight...(Blake and others).Home for tea then out to Moana Pool. The kids loved this. Up and down the Hydro slide with the only injuries being head one in the entry to the Hydro slide (Mr Cameron-split head, Thomas - a 'nice' egg of the forehead.). Then onto the diving board wher all sorts of techniques and positions were demonstrated.

Wednesday saw us off to the Museum and the Butterflies. The butterfilies were in a super hot house- 27.3 degrees. They were reall amazing with at least 500 in the house. Many landed on lots of kids with only a few screaming (isn't that right....). The museum than saw the parents again taking their groups away around the rest of the building. Lots of photos of animals were taken and plenty of getting lost was had. From here we went to the Aquarium. This ws very good we had a great guide who spoke so very very fast and was super passionate about her job. We held lots of sea creatures , saw sharks. The highlight being a squid dissection. Wow they smell and they have three hearts. Many got the backbone (shell) of the squid to take home. Another thing is their ink is called sepia, which was used in the orginal photographs. Back onto the bus and off on the windy road back to the camp. Tea and then off to 10 pin bowling. Plenty of action ensued with bowling balls going generally in the right direction. The class looked brillant in their pretty bowling shoes. Hamish was the overall champion with Mr Cameron piping Mr Brown at the last through a technical point.

Thursday had us heading off to the Hall of Fame where everybody had a quiz to answer. Bridey came out on top of the best cyclist (130rpm) with Jack working hard to try and beat her. From there we went back to St Kilda beach for a run round. Here the parents and teachers really showed their class and kept the ball away from the class. Very slick moves and passing was had with all adults showing a wonderful mix of skills. If the parents ever wanted to challenge the students to a game they would easily win!!! Great tackiling from Jacob who put Mr Cameron, Mr Sisson and Mr Brown down in the sand during the game. From here we rushed off to the Art gallery for a wander round and a go at cubism. The artists were very good and really liked some of our classes work. (The pastel cubism drawings are hanging up outside the room). We have some very good artists!! Racing from here to the Forsyth Barr Stadium for a tour of the 'arena'. A really good tour into the coaches box, changing rooms, corporate boxes ($50000 for 14 games), members area ($1500 14 games) and the stands, We were asked to not stand on the turf and even after what might be called 'begging' this was not allowed. At this point some of the adults should have lead by example (no names!!). Finally back to camp for tea and then a couple of games.Up the hill for solo. Many took the opportunity to sit quietly and face their fares. The really positive thing is all did it and I could have left them out there for an hour quite happily. Back to the hall for "the chocolate game" and then the final sleep.

Friday saw us back up and hit the road for home. A steady, settled trip had us arriving in Oamaru for lunch, photos and thank yous then back to school.

A really good week with the students being no trouble and making the camp what it should have been. A camp for them.

Any other questions please ask you child or ask to see some of the 1000's of photos (I kid you not) that were taken.

Last stop on the way home

A big thank you to Mr Cameron who was the other teacher on camp. He did a huge amount of work behind the scenes and was always willing to help with anything. Cheers Matt.

Finally a HUGE THANK YOU to Jan Gibbs, Paula Atwill, Gillian Rodgers and Danny Sisson. These parents were FANTASTIC!! They worked tirelessly cooking, group work and being everywhere. They helped to make the camp what it was.

Cheers

Hamish