With thanks to Year 7 teacher, Mr David McDonald

The Year 7 boys were put through their paces by the weather on camp at McLaren Falls in Tauranga last week. A large group of 130 students were accompanied by nine teachers and fifteen parents as they set off for a week – but returned after two days when confronted by a deluge from the heavens!

The McLaren Falls camp is planned each year as several nights away under canvas and all began well as the boys set up camp and activities got underway. Kayaking, surfing, catapult making, frisbee golf and windsurfing were enjoyed by all over the first two days but by Tuesday night, the worsening weather became an extreme challenge. The weather bomb that hit New Zealand late in the afternoon was particularly fierce along this stretch of coast with torrential rain and strong winds.  After a sleepless night for many and a worrying forecast, and with the camp located near rising water levels, the safe decision was made to decamp and return to Auckland for the remaining two days. However, this was not before a surprise stop to either the Mount Maunganui ‘Clip N Climb’ or the Salt Water Hot Pools for the afternoon.

The final two days of camp at school consisted of drying out tents ready to pack the gear away, team building, indoor sport and spending time in tutor classes – not quite the camp we had in mind but still an opportunity for our new intake of Year 7s to spend quality time with established Saint Kentigern students to cement new bonds.

Despite the adversity, the boys showed immense resilience and took everything in their stride. Friendships have been strengthened and excitement for the rest of the year is keen. 

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