Boys’ School Year 8s at Three Sites for Camp
For their final camp at the Boys’ School, our Year 8s headed to three picturesque spots in the North Island. The cohort was split by tutor groups, with some going to Port Charles in the Coromandel and two separate Hillary Outdoors sites in Tongariro. While each location offered its own environment and challenges, all shared outdoor beauty and plenty of challenge.
Port Charles
The first group travelled to the Hillary Outdoors Centre at Port Charles, set among native bush, rugged coastline, and remote beaches. From the outset, the boys embraced camp life and quickly adapted to their surroundings.
The programme made full use of the coastal environment, with activities including coasteering along the Coromandel shoreline, kayaking, surfing, and boogie boarding at local bays. Many boys showed real courage, jumping from rocks into the sea and pushing themselves physically in unfamiliar conditions. Back at camp, rogaines, creek and river walks, and team-building challenges added variety, often finishing with an enthusiastic manu into the swimming hole.
The true highlight of the week was the overnight expedition, where students slept in hammocks under the stars. The vast night sky gave our campers a new appreciation for the outdoors, and for the comforts of home upon return.
Tongariro YDC
Students at the Tongariro YDC site were immersed in a dynamic camp programme set against the backdrop of mountains, lakes, and native bush. Each day presented a new challenge, with activities including tramping past Taranaki Falls, kayaking across alpine lakes, navigating caves, tackling high ropes, abseiling, and working through obstacle courses.
The pace of the week required boys to adapt quickly and rely on one another. Teamwork became a defining feature, as students supported their peers through both physical challenges and problem-solving tasks. Moments of discomfort were balanced by a strong sense of achievement, as boys discovered what they were capable of when they pushed beyond perceived limits.
The overnight expedition brought the week together, with students applying the skills they had developed while camping in the alpine environment. Alongside the physical challenges, camp life grew friendships, new routines, and a full memory bank that extends well beyond the week together.
Tongariro–Taurewa
At the Taurewa site, the focus was on building independence, resilience, and confidence through a structured programme of adventure-based learning. After settling into camp, students engaged in a wide range of activities including climbing, caving, kayaking, bush navigation, ziplining, and high ropes courses.
Throughout the week, instructors consistently noted the boys’ positive attitudes and willingness to encourage one another. Guided by the whakataukī He aroha whakatō, he aroha puta mai – if kindness is sown, kindness will be received – the boys demonstrated strong support for their peers as challenges increased in difficulty.
The two-day overnight expedition was the pinnacle of camp. Groups navigated challenging terrain, camped, cooked, and worked together in outdoor conditions, often pushing through fatigue and cooler weather. Every group completed the journey successfully, finishing the week with a sense of accomplishment and growth.
The camp concluded with reflection and celebration, recognising the effort of both students and staff in delivering a safe, rewarding, and memorable experience.
Across all three camps, the outcomes were consistent. Boys returned with stronger friendships, greater confidence, and a clearer understanding of what it means to lead, support others, and persevere through challenge.
