Luke with some ancient treasure!

One of the real highlights of this year’s camp was a happy afternoon spent at Kiritehere beach fossicking for fossils. The long drive to the coast was broken up with interesting side trips to Marakopa Falls and the Maungapohue Natural Bridge before we started fossiling at the rocks to the south of Kiritehere. It is hard to believe that the fossils found were of creatures that lived 200 000 000 years ago!

Camp Waitomo at Tokikapu Marae

Yes, it is still February but Karapiro School students can already look back on a fantastic 2010 school camp. This year the annual whole school camp took place at Waitomo with around 90 students, parents and staff staying at the Tokikapu Marae while exploring the many natural wonders of the Waitomo region. The many highlights included wild caving and abseiling on Stubb’s Farm, fossil hunting at Kiritehere Beach and magical trips through the Aranui and Glow worm Caves. Our students also learned a great deal about the history of Waitomo and the protocols when staying on a Marae. Visits to the Marakopa Falls, the Mangapohue Natural Bridge, Ruakuri bush walk and Otorohanga bird house were supplemented by camp favourites such a swimming, quizzes, discos and a talent quest to provide an action packed week. At times the junior and senior students followed different programmes with activities being  carefully planned to provide a safe yet appropriate level of challenge for everyone. Our camps are quite a tradition and are eagerly anticipated by students, staff and parents alike, the week is a great opportunity for building self confidence and teamwork and for welcoming new families into our community.

Action from Camp Waitawheta in 2009

Preparations for next week’s camp at Waitomo are nearing completion. Once again we have recieved OUTSTANDING parent support. Tomorrow (Thursday 4 February). There will be a camp meeting for all parents going to camp, this meeting will be in Room 1 from 6 – 7 pm. We hope to see you there!