Room22StAlbans2011: November 2011

Last week the Year 4's had the most amazing time at Living Springs Camp. Even though it was raining when we arrived at our drop off point in Governors Bay, we set off on our two hour walk along the coast and then up the hill to Camp. Most of us enjoyed the walk, we were just so excited to be away from school! But some of us found the walk a little tough. Luckily the weather cleared and we enjoyed a picnic lunch at the Living Springs Farm Park. There were fantastic views out to the sea as we walked which made it even better.

Here we are checking out the volcanic rock formations along the coast line.

Lena taught us a really safe way to cross the road when in such a large group. We linked arms and did a countdown, then all walked safely to the other side .

Once we made it to camp we had a short time to settle in and get our bunk rooms organised. Then we set off in our two groups, one to the Indoor Bouldering Wall and the other had Recreation time. After a break for afternoon tea we swapped over.

Here is Neo at the Indoor Bouldering Wall. We loved climbing it and we learnt how to be 'spotters' to keep each other safe. We played 'Shark Attack' which was a bit like musical chairs. We all walked around on the floor and when James yelled 'Shark!' we had to race to the wall and have all hands and feet off the floor. The last person was out each time until there was a winner.

Recreation time was AWESOME! We got to choose from swimming in the indoor heated pool, the monorail, a huge long flying fox, 3 super bouncing tramps, a rope swing, the balance bikes and mini golf. Here is Lavender and Jasmyn enjoying the pool.

Nearly everyone was brave enough to try the mono rail and most of us just loved it and lined up for another go. Unfortunately for the poor parent helpers it was big job trudging up and down the hill with the seat for the next rider. Thanks so much Parents! Even Miss Tippen and Miss Lythgoe had a turn and thought it was great fun!

The Balance bikes were something new to nearly all of us and proved to be very popular. Phoebe got the hang of it quickly and was soon zooming around the court.

After dinner and a swim we had sing along with Matua Te Haere. We didn't have an outside camp fire but found sitting around the inside log burner did the trick nicely! Check out our awesome singing........

On Thursday we split into our two groups again and had a go at the Low Ropes Course and went on Bush Walk. We thought the bush walk was great because it was downhill! We learnt lots about the native birds and plants. We tasted the leaf of a pepper tree and heard how the lemon tree was used to help give you fresh breath and another plant was used to help with toothache.

The Low ropes course had some really challenging parts and some fairly easy ones. To make it harder we had to do it all a second time blind folded! We worked in groups of three and used our skills from our time at the Bouldering wall being spotters, to make sure we were always safe.

After lunch that day the two groups came together for Initiatives. We were split into groups again and had to work together to overcome/achieve a number of tasks. Some were very hard and we struggled to come up with ideas of how to work it out and yet with others we whizzed through and solved the challenge in no time. This was a real test of our communication and team work! Here is a group trying to figure out how to get the whole team through the spider web without touching it and each person has to go through a different hole.

We had plenty of yummy food at camp. The favourite appeared to be burgers and chips!

After dinner on Thursday night we headed into the auditorium for 'Carnival Games' The parents had a stall each and we were given $80 to go and play the games trying to win money. Most games cost $5 t play and you could win anywhere from $5 - $100 depending on your skill and luck levels. We all had a lot of fun. A few went bankrupt, most made a little money, but the winners were Sky and Isabel who made $235 and $240!! Great job Bell. Hope you shared your chocolate prize with your Dad!

Here is Corban trying to bowl the pins down at Carnival Games

Friday Morning - last day........ and that means clean up day! Isabel was not the only one who had a fair amount of cleaning up, sorting out and packing to do before we could head away to the Farm Park!

We had many experiences at the Farm Park including milking Zeta the Fresian Cow, riding the horses, tractor rides, quad bike rides, feeding all the various animals etc. It was a fantastic day topped off with a yummy BBQ lunch and ice creams.

Thanks for being such amazing kids at camp. We had many words of praise from the staff there for your awesome attitudes and great behaviour. Well Done. I hope you enjoyed your first camp and have shared lots of info with your families about it.