Class tramp

A new teacher, Matua Vaughan, at Owhiro Bay School decided to up the outdoor exploration and take all the year 4, 5, and 6s on an overnight tramping trip. Most teachers would never attempt something like this but he is young and enthusiastic and blind to the perils. He did a good job ignoring the parents that were against the idea--fearing their kids wouldn't be able to do the hike, or sleep the night in a tent. 

In order to get the kids in shape for the overnight hike, he, and parent helpers, took the kids each week on a local hike. We are lucky there are so many good hikes that leave from the school. Matua Vaughan split the kids up into two groups for the hikes and overnight, boys and girls. So I got to hike each week, and do an overnight tramp, with 28 girls ages 8-11.

First hike up to the water tank at the Tawatawa Reserve.

Hike up, and down, the steep sided Te Kopahau.

Wren and her twin friends, Mia and Kaira

Wren looking over the hill to our house down below!

Second hike up Tawatawa, this time to the top and the Pou (Maori monument).

Such a great group of girls! A lot of fun to get to know them.

Wren and the pou

There was much excitement for the overnight trip. It was the longest hike, the first camping trip, and the first bonfire most of these kids had ever had.

I bused with the kids an hour to Kaitoke Regional Park where the hike began. Some of the other parents dropped off the bags and tents at the end location, our campground and then joined us. 

Halfway through the hike...

Despite the long distance (4 hours of hiking!) the kids all made it. Wren twisted her ankle near the end but it cleared up when I'd doctored it a little once back at camp. 

Wren and her friends gearing up for swimming , after we had set up tents.

"Swimming" in the cold river water that only a kid could endure

It was a clear night, and the stars were beautiful. We split the girls into two groups and they swapped between a bonfire with s'mores and dark sky stargazing. Campfires are not allowed at most camp spots in New Zealand, so this was a treat. 

It was a cold night and the girls took a while to settle. The calling of the only owl species here, the Morepork, could be heard in the distance. About 5 am the rain came in...

A hot breakfast of pancakes and bacon was just what the girls needed to get started. Bindi and I helped with the cooking and likened it to working in a prison kitchen, kids banging their cups on the tables...

We went on another small hike that morning to the swingbridge and then made a lunch of spaghetti sandwiches (a kiwi favorite), before heading back on the bus.

Don't touch the poisonous mushroom Kaira!

A good tramp was had by all!