Week 7 and 8 of Term 4, saw 6 classes of Year 10s attend their Outdoor Education camp at Purau.

The first day of each camp, the boys trekked up Te Ahu Pātiki (Mount Herbert). At 919m this is the highest point in Canterbury, and the students started from sea level. 

A huge effort by all and great attitudes for some of the boys to push themselves in something that was both physically and mentally challenging. 

We were blessed with beautiful weather for the first week and the typical and strong Ōtautahi Easterly wind for a couple of days in the second week. This meant a change of plans around kayaking in Purau Bay, which the boys took in their strides.

While on camp each group participated in Hapori (community based activities), where they shovelled, wheelbarrowed and spread gravel over the walking tracks around the Diamond Harbour/Purau area. 

Our hikoi up Te Ahu Pātiki involves walking on some of these tracks. The locals were very appreciative and those passing through, stopped to thank the students personally. 

 Additionally, some groups made pest traps for local farmers and land owners to help in the eradication of stoats and rats.

Although traditionally Outdoor Education camps involve pursuits such as rock climbing, mountain biking and kayaking, which these camps also do, another real benefit is the way the boys relate to and support each other and their teachers, try new things (food and/or activities), live in community and spend some time away from technology. As well as the outdoor pursuits, many of the students shone in their participation, attitude and leadership. 

 It is a pleasure to be involved.

By SBHS