Every year, it is essential that the new kids on the block go on a three-day camp to learn and capture the Whānau spirit. In February it was the real Pride of Pak, Kauri Whānau’s, turn to teach the new hires about showing Whānau pride and heart at Peer Support Camp 2024.
Even I could say that it was definitely a full-time blast! And that comes from a person who witnessed a giant campfire where everybody got involved with singing into the night (led by the Peer Support Leaders, who graciously sang with all their hearts). We didn’t only gather around the campfire to sing though – we then performed our murder mystery skits that we made about 30 minutes before. Shoutout to the people who performed I Want It That Way, you completely stole the show and you deserve your win!
We had also roasted marshmallows, after which the Peer Support Leaders kindly crowned Mr Potter by pouring a bucket of water on his head to show their love and support for him.
On the topic of that, I was able to get a statement out of Mr Potter himself, and ask him what he thought of Year 9 Kauri Camp 2024.
“The best camp ever, exclamation mark.”
Not a very detailed statement, but then I asked him about whether or not he enjoyed having water poured on his head, to which he said
“In the moment, no, but looking back at it now I appreciate being welcomed with such pride and integrity into Kauri.”
While on the topic of integrity, the Peer Supporter Leaders definitely did not show us any on the Burma Trail!
Indeed probably the most memorable event, from not very fortunate memories! We were harassed with leaves being thrown in our faces, people screaming, random scary music, and people banging bamboo sticks on the sides of trees.
Another thing that I know all the Year 9s will remember, are the waterslides. With three of them, the lines were limited and people wanted to try them all! More memorable activities at camp were the go-karts, teamwork activities, senior abseiling and tubing.
After all that on Friday afternoon, we packed all our luggage, thanked the camp staff and headed on back to Pakuranga College. Then, we took the weekend to recover our voices and come back to school against our will. But my thoughts are mixed on all this, so I’ve decided to ask some kids who went to Kauri Camp what they thought about our three day getaway.
“I really liked the Burma Trail and campfire. I absolutely loved modeling for the newspaper fashion show. 10/10.” – Joey
“I would rate it 10/10. I loved all the night-time activities and playing volleyball with other Year 9s and the Peer Support Leaders.” – Annabelle
“I LOVED senior abseiling and the Canadian slide, definitely a 11/10. I would absolutely go again. I liked how the Peer Supporter Leaders actually had fun with us and didn’t just stand around.” – Ariana
“I guess I would rate it 9.5 out of 10. My favorite activity was the senior abseiling, and all the night activities were fun as well!” – Sofia
“I enjoyed the bus ride here and back, and the water activities were really fun as well.” – Helios
I thought it would be a bit unfair to only ask the Year 9s, so I gathered some statements from the Peer Support Leaders!
“I would say it’s a 7 out of 10, the Burma Trail and all of the water activities were amazing! I think a lot of the Year 9s are nice and chill.” – Brianna
“Go-karts and the water slides were really fun – I remember tickling some of the Year 9s, trying to scare them! It was actually pretty funny to watch them scream.” – Dhara
From the statements, I would say that this camp was a 10/10, for students, Peer Supporter Leaders and teachers alike! I can tell the students are now proud to be in Kauri Whānau, because I know I am. I’m really looking forward to the rest of my years at Pakuranga and in Kauri!
Cossar Selesar-Lee, Year 9
