Well this camp was like no other! To start with, we were fully booked out about 6 weeks before camp started & were having to turn people away & start a waiting list! A lot of these children were new to camp & we are now attracting them from all over the Far North. A local business also sponsored 3 of their employee’s children to come. Another positive difference was a full team of helpers that we met with a couple of times before camp to plan & discuss together. It was really nice to spread the load & have other people’s gifts, ideas & input into the running of camp.
We also introduced some new activities this time as well such as archery & quad bike rides and we also introduced “badges” with the children. This was where we had 7 adults running different activities or crafts with a small group of about 7 children and at the end of the week they received a badge for their efforts. These included things like, camp cooking, photography, pokerwork, cross-stitch, rope work, Maori craft, Maoritanga & woodwork. We think this was a good addition to our camp program & gave the children different skills they may not have an opportunity to learn elsewhere. The camp site has also had an ampitheatre/firepit finished being built, so we were able to use this one night which was enjoyable.
We ran all the other normal games & activities and we were blessed with good weather and only a little bit of rain, but nothing that stopped what we had planned.
Using the “Survivor” theme the morning chapel times consisted of exploring the words – Outgive, Outlove, Outserve & Outlive. And in the evening chapel times Jono used his recent trip to Mt Everest to talk about the plans God has for our lives using the words -- way, guide, equipment, perseverance & companions.We want to thank our supporters once again who helped make this camp happen. Pak n Sav & Bells Kaitaia donated food, the triboard mill (JNL) donated 20 sheets of triboard for us to sell & ACC donated bags which we used for the children to stick their badges onto. Aside from the leaders & helpers who gave a week of their holidays to be at camp, we also had other individuals help in specific ways. Rob Stanyon made our flash new archery targets, Jacey Horan painted all of our beautiful decorations, Wes Braddock came & tutored our camp cooking badge during our Bush Walk, James Young came & expertly showed how a hangi is prepared & cooked, Marie Driver came and gave patient instruction in flax weaving, Ang Beazley who tirelessly drove a van both to & from camp for our bus children, and Lara Mayall who came and cooked amazing food for our leaders weekend. There were also other people who gave time, lent things & sponsored children; we are thankful for all who helped make this happen.
With a great team of adult helpers & youth leaders the children had a memorable week & from all reports a very successful camp. We are in the process of trying to decide if we will have a camp in summer; otherwise April is our next planned camp.
Click here to see the rest of the camp photos.
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| Team -- Fire |
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| Team -- Water |
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| Team -- Wind |
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| Team -- Earth |
