Woohoo we managed to make the camp happen despite the best efforts of Covid-19. It is a big deal for children to find their brave and leave for a 4 night camp, away from mum and dad. Often it is for the very first time that they have left mum and dad behind.
There is always a lot of excitement mixed with trepidation and uncertainty. I heard a funny story about some parents ring the teachers of a school that shall remain anonymous, to thank the teachers for carefully refolding the children's clothes back in the suitcase at the end of camp. No such luck. The children hadn't changed their undies, socks or clothes during the 5 days so nothing had been disturbed.
We did organise the children to get into the shower each day, but exactly what happens once the shower door closes is anyone's guess.
Every year I come away truly amazed by the children who shine at camp. Sometimes they are the ones who hide amongst the scenery at school and we don't see their real talents and strengths. At camp they take on challenges, laugh, talk their heads off and take the lead. I certainly saw that again this year with the most unlikely children. Some aced the rock climbing wall after refusing to even try; tackled the waterslide; gunned the go-karts and took off in the dark to play Spotlight and Mr Grogg despite their fears of the dark.
Matua Jared sets a manic pace and he is in his element on school camp. He lost a challenge so his beard had to come off. The fluff on the ground looked like the remains of a cat fight. Matua Matt spent a lot of time truing to master the new school drone and the first hour saw the drone crash in the tree line. Matua Matt was a whiter shade of pale until he realised that there was no permanent damage.. It's hard to pretend that nothing happened when the principal is right there.
Last night they all cooked marshmallows around the campfire and sang some songs.
Our staff is second to none. They were away from their own families for 5 days and on duty 24/7 with no complaints because they do it for the children. Just as well the school vacation starts tonight because the tamariki and kaiako are exhausted. Beddy byes time can't come soon enough I think.
