At Camp with 10S
By Richard Roe | Posted: Wednesday April 9, 2025
The final group to attend camp this term at our Mt Aspiring Lodge was 10S.
It was our smallest group this season with just 14 students attending, but what they may have lacked in numbers they more than made up for in enthusiasm.
We were very lucky with the weather. Normally in April we would expect frosts in the morning and snow on the hills keeping daytime temperatures down. Instead, we were treated to mild conditions which until the second last day meant we could get out and enjoy all that the Matukituki Valley had to offer.
Our overnight expedition to a campsite in the East Branch was one of the early highlights. The boys coped well with fire-lighting and meal preparation with little staff intervention required. They learned safe river-crossing techniques and proved to themselves that they could walk 9km carrying the necessary gear for a couple of days.
The next morning was spent on the water, learning kayaking skills and enjoying a 2km cruise down the river putting those skills into practice. In the afternoon a very competitive rogaine event was held on our orienteering course, with Group 3 coming out on top.
The forecast rain finally arrived on our second last day, leading to some impressive waterfalls and showing the boys how quickly river levels can rise in that area. Our little creek became an uncrossable torrent, and some were concerned they wouldn’t make it home for rugby trials at the weekend. Fortunately, the level drops as quickly as it rises and we had no trouble making it out to the waiting vans next morning.
Overall it was a very successful camp. The boys have picked up some new skills, learned more about their classmates and created some lasting memories. A big thanks to the staff team of Ms Chisnall, Ms Hope and Mr Dadley who helped ensure the lads were well fed and made it home safely.
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