Boys’ School Year 8 Tongariro Adventure

With thanks to Dean of Senior School, Mr Richard Kirk 

After the success of the inaugural trip last year, the Year 8 boys from the Boys’ School headed to Tongariro National Park for their annual camp, with an emphasis on offering the boys experiences in the outdoors that provide challenge, and opportunities for leadership and growth; both individually and as a group.  

Spread across three locations, e ach group had a day on the lake in kayaks or canoes, a local activity day and an overnight expedition that encompassed many fantastic activities.  They also undertook a mountain walk which included a rock climb, a bush scramble and required the boys to take turns navigating the group safely.  Being in the National Park, the weather plays an important role and it was great that the weather did not intervene allowing all the groups to experience all activities. 

The heart of the camp was the expedition that each team undertook.  This involved packing a pack, hiking to various locations, making shelter and undertaking different activities along the way.  Caving, abseiling, rock climbing, flying fox, canoeing as well as making camp, cooking their own food and ensuring that all members of the group were looked after were necessary for each student.  The boys spent two days and one night out in the bush relying on their own resilience and each other’s before returning to the lodges.  

A camp like this is designed to challenge the boys to achieve things beyond what they thought was within their capability.  Each boy (and staff member!) was challenged in a variety of ways and it was pleasing to see each boy respond well.  Working out how to get through difficult moments is a skill for life and one these boys learned without exception.  The boys learned a lot about themselves, the other boys around them and how to work together for the good of the collective whole.  

The staff at Hillary Outdoors did a great job at challenging our boys, but also made sure they were supported where necessary.  The Boys’ School staff who attended the camp were challenged also, but did a great job at motivating the boys to achieve all they could. 

While the camp was designed to challenge, it was very important that this included activities that were fun and engaging.  The feedback from the boys has been that the camp was just that!  Interestingly, not many of our boys had experienced the outdoors in this way before and when asked if they would do it again, the answer was a resounding yes!  

Thank you to all the staff that attended in making this camp a unique experience for our boys.

Click here to see more photos.