Growth and Connection at Girls’ School Year 8 Camp
The 2025 cohort of Year 8 students paved a new path for camp this year, heading to Moirs Point Christian Camp in Mangawhai Heads – the first time the Girls’ School has stayed at this stunning location. From 17 to 21 February, the girls took on a range of land and water-based activities that challenged their courage, teamwork, and resilience.
The week was packed with action, from surfing and paddleboarding to air rifling and archery. Many students embraced new challenges, stepping well beyond their comfort zones. “I had never tried surfing before and was super nervous at first,” shared Crisanalei Fabricius. “But my friends and teachers encouraged me, and guess what? I actually caught four waves! Camp taught me so much about stepping out of my comfort zone and supporting others, and now I’m ready to take on anything.”
Adding depth and meaning to the camp experience, the girls had the opportunity to learn from Barefoot New Zealand, an organisation specialising in outdoor education and indigenous culture. They built bivouacs, explored the origins of native trees, and participated in traditional Māori games. The balmy summer evenings brought the full camp together – once for a highly entertaining talent quest and always for a spot of baking or those classic late-night camp chats.
For Tamia Tavita-Falesiu, the essence of camp was all about bravery, confidence, and connection. “All the girls were always giving everything a go and stepping out of their comfort zone. It was so heartwarming to see our Year 8s rising up and being strong wāhine mā.”
A special thank you goes to the dedicated staff and parent helpers who made this experience possible. The lessons learned, friendships strengthened, and memories made will stay with the girls as they soak in their final year at the Girls’ School.
