The wettest camp!

Jaimee was very excited to be going on her first ever school camp this year. As one of only four Y4 kids in the class, it was a huge treat to get to do this camp a year earlier then most.  They were to be staying at a local Marae, just 40 mins from home, on the road to Wairoa.  The weeks activities were to be tramping, beach combing, more tramping, caving, star gazing, spotlight and a trip to the planetarium. 

Of course, God didn't tell us HIS plans.  They included nationwide terrible wet and cold weather, local flooding that shut off the roads and left parts of the Marae shin deep in water, a teacher who would fall and injure her leg, and a funeral onsite meaning we all had to pack up a day early.  

The kids did manage to have one clear day to comb the beach and do a walk. And they managed a short walk in the drizzle another day. But the rest of camp was spent indoors, making do with games and activities and lots of eating.  With the organising teacher sent home with an injury, the parents and principal took charge! It was fun and we were so impressed with the great attitude of the kids despite the rain. 

Jaimee was amazing, giggling and joking despite the fact her best friend had to miss camp due to a burst appendix (seriously?! Add that to the list!). She only got teary when I showed up of course. Sometimes it's better without mum! I was happy to be helping Though, I love the kids at St Matts...and I showed up on wet day 3 armed with a new DVD, a fun game to play and a few other just in case ideas.  And The kids will no doubt find that next camp is absolutely increadibly amazing with this experience to compare it too! 

Jaimee at the start of the white pine walk......what's a little drizzle? 

...and at the end! Wet and cold now!