The young buzzy bees of BDSC left their hive to take on a three-day adventure to Kokako Lodge. The students were put into bus groups and were sent off on their journey, eager and pumped. From the moment we arrived, we were involved in various activities, which challenged us and tested our bodies and minds. These activities included high beams, low ropes, rock climbing, orienteering, raft building, and archery. The high beam tested our balance and nerves. This challenge of climbing the ladder to wooden beams high above the ground was the most exhilarating of the activities. The rock wall, similar to a high beam, helped test our limits of how high we could all go. Teammates supported their groups as they climbed to their limit and conquered their fears. The feeling of reaching the top of the wall after a hard climb was indescribable.
Orienteering was another of our adventures. It required teamwork and the eyes of each member of the group kept us going when it got tough. Walking along the low ropes, knowing our teammates were present and spotting them, sent waves of relief through each of us going across those thin wired obstacles. The low ropes were not only physically tricky, but mentally challenging. Archery was a test of precision, focus, and fun. Whether a peer was skilled or a beginner picking up a bow for the first time, each point mattered. We all showed our willingness to give it a go, no matter the outcome. Lastly, raft building was the favourite activity of many students. We were eager and never-ending ideas spilt out of every teammate’s mouth. Though only given limited resources, students ended up proud and sometimes even surprised at the outcome of their raft floating along the water. But camp wasn’t ONLY about the activities. It had many other benefits! Each and every one of us came back with at least one new friend and we knew the names of all of our teammates. Early in the morning we all had a smile on our faces when the student leads sang sweet pop carols outside the cabin doors. The night activities entertained most students, whether this was taking in the gorgeous glowworms, walking along the Berma Trail, learning BDSC’s kapa haka actions, or maybe just chatting with friends in the cafeteria! Overall, these buzzy bees had a pleasant time at Kokako Lodge. From the activities to the food, these young Year 9 students always had a smile on their face.
~ Jorja McKay 9E2 and Khloe Booth-Brett 9E2
On Wednesday 19 February, the Year 9 Endeavour students set off for camp. Before leaving BDSC, we were placed into six different groups and were assigned one or two lead students who spent the next three days with us. Once we arrived at Kokako Lodge by the Hunua Falls, we were introduced to our camp instructors and then sorted into our cabins. A little while later we started day one’s activities, which included low ropes, the high beam, and archery. The following day we were woken up by loud music played by our lead students. They then had us play some activities to warm-up, like Jump-Jam and playing tag. We enjoyed a delicious breakfast and got ready for the new activities such as raft building, orienteering and rock climbing. Before we knew it, we had dinner time. After eating dinner, we had an amazing opportunity to go and see some glow worms, as well as getting to practice our school haka. Day three was all about cleaning up the campsite and thanking the instructors, teachers, lead students and parent helpers for coming along and making this camp a memorable experience. This camp was a great opportunity to get to know each other and grow a connection with our classmates, teachers and lead students. It also helped us gain more trust within the Year 9 classes and helped build relationships that will hopefully be forever-lasting friendships. We would like to thank the school for giving us this great opportunity.
~ Jasmine Foo 9E8, Angelica Kerr 9E8 and Nayla Khan 9E8