Overnight

We survived! An awesome day yesterday - hiking up the Waipakahi Valley, crossing the river (manytimes), swimming in the water hole, cooking stew, telling stories and jokes around the camp fire, singing ( I said a BOOM CHIKKA BOOM), and sleeping in our tents - followed by a great day so far today - hot milo, weetbix, bacon sammies, hiking out with many river crossings. Time for lunch then off on our next activity. We live in an amazing country!

Tongariro Crossing

Glad to say we have 'knocked the b_______ off' as one famous New Zealander once said. What an amazing day. Perfect weather, no injuries, all kids (and adults) finishing in one piece. Couldn't have asked for a better day or performance from the students of 8GMc. We will definitely enjoy our hot swim tonight before packing for another great adventure, overnight.

Day One

Great first day of camp. Made our way down to Turangi all in one piece then unpacked the buses. We quickly got to our cabins, dropped our gear off, packed our bags for our walk around Lake Rotopounamu and set off again. A blustery and chilly wind greeted us at Lake Rotopounamu but most of 8GMc (apart from the teacher) took a refreshing dip. After that we made our way back to camp, had burgers and sausages for dinner, and packed our bags for the crossing tomorrow. Lights went out at 9pm and all is now quiet across the camp.

Survival Swim

8GMc completing their survival swim before heading out on camp next week.

Giardia

Technology - Week 2

For our second session in technology we looked at using gas stoves. We made a basic damper recipe and using sticks and our gas stoves cooked out side in 'camp like' settings. Although some of the dampers looked great, I am not sure if New Zealands next Master Chef will come from 8GMc.

Gratitude Journal

Today we looked at what it means to be thankful. We discussed what it means and how it makes us feel. We then started our 'Gratitude Journal' which we will write in every night.

Need to see . . .

Before we head off on our amazing camp I need to see the following from students:
- wet weather gear (pants and jacket)
- hiking boots/shoes
- thermals
- back pack

I understand it might be difficult for some borders to get this to me but I really need to see this before we go. If you can't get it to me take a photo, or get mum and dad to take a photo, and email it to me. I would rather sort out any issues before we set off as I want ALL students to have an awesome adventure!

Start of 2014

What an awesome and action packed start we have had to 2014. 8GMc are a bunch of fantastic students and we are going to have an amazing year. We have got to know each other, started specialist subjects and are getting organised for camp which is in week 4!!! Below are a few pics from the start of the year. Once we return from camp students will take over and share what we have been doing weekly, sometimes even daily, so watch this space!!!

Gratitude is . . .

This year in class we will be keeping a 'Gratitude Journal'. But what is gratitude? Hopefully this short video will help.