A week at camp with 10Y
By Kelvin McCrone | Posted: Wednesday March 19, 2025
On a beautiful Sunday morning, the boys from 10Y mucked in and got the bus loaded for a smooth departure from the archway.
Everyone did their bit, no moaning or complaining, setting the tone for the week.
On arrival, the boys worked well and made sure the lodge was in working order in good time. Sunday afternoon was spent exploring around the lodge, some frisbee golf, playing in McPherson's Creek or swimming under the bridge. As usual, spaghetti bolognaise, custard and home baking completed the 1st day.
On Monday we headed up the magnificent track to Rob Roy Glacier.
Breathtaking views on the way up overtook the boys' thoughts of tired legs and they were amazed by the scenery, as well as Mr Alderton’s very informative lectures on the mechanics of glaciation. Ham, silverside and cheese sandwiches are always such a treat too, especially under such a wonderful view.
Rain on Tuesday meant a day round the lodge. The boys had a dam building competition in the creek and some engineering wonders were created. Bunkroom 4 took out the prize as their dam was still intact after the rain had come through that evening. The afternoon was spent in rain jackets orienteering, and again bunkroom 4 came out the winners. After a magnificent mediterranean stew created by Miss Hope, and some more home baking, we headed off into the darkness to see the glow worms.
On Wednesday, we ventured off into the East Branch (with a quick stop at the old homestead for a history lesson) to camp at Triangle Rock. The boys really enjoyed the freedom of pitching their own tents (and washing lines!), cooking their own tea and entertaining themselves by swimming and fishing in the river. They couldn’t quite get a fire going but they kept the wildlife in the valley entertained with numerous renditions of the school song and the school haka. After a very chilly night the boys awoke to frost covered tent flys and a white landscape. This didn’t deter a couple of brave souls from a morning dip and the fishermen once again got their rods out. The rest of us sat tight until the sun came up and dried out the tents and flys. Showers, making friends with the cows, bangers and mash with gravy and more home baking back at the lodge set us up for the final clean up the next day.
We made great time cleaning down the lodge on Friday morning and were at Aspinall's gate when the bus arrived. A satisfied but tired group arrived back in Dunedin at 6pm to relax over the weekend with their families.
Overall, it was a magnificent trip. The boys from 10Y were awesome. They never shirked their chores, supported their classmates and everyone helped each other out. It was the true OBHS spirit on show.
Finally, a big thanks to Mr Alderton, Miss Hope and Mr Wright who worked tirelessly to make sure the camp ran smoothly and the boys made the most of every opportunity, A great group to go away with. Furthermore, an extra huge thanks to Miss Hope who captured the visual memories of the week.
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