At the beginning of each year, Year 5 & 6 students are offered the opportunity to go on an outdoor education camp for 4/5 days with the Ara Tuakana syndicate. These camps have been running for many years and have been very successful confidence and relationship building adventures. Camps alternate between Motutapu Camp and Finlay Park camp and  we have outlined some of the key aspects of each camp below.

We believe children at this age will benefit greatly from attending camp and have the ability to achieve these intended learning outcomes.

• To provide students with a range of opportunities to learn outside the classroom in a variety of curriculum areas:  e.g. science, speaking/listening, values, mathematics, science, social studies, physical education/health.

• To promote a  greater sense of independence and responsibility for self – management within the student group.

• To increase students understanding of the importance of preserving natural resources in a marine environment.

• To provide students with opportunities for enjoyment, adventure and challenge in a safe, structured, challenging outdoor education environment.

• To provide students with a range of opportunities to enhance their spiritual, physical and mental well-being through up-lifting experiences in a natural environment.

Camp enables students to develop skills such as problem-solving, decision-making, responsibility, evaluating their own learning, developing independence and interdependence, team work and applying learning to new situations.

Developing attitudes in this type of situation include:

• Enjoying the challenge/excitement of new experiences.
• Developing increased self-esteem and confidence.
• Being sensitive about specific marine environmental issues.
• Sensitivity to/respect for strengths/weaknesses of self and others.

Motutapu Outdoor Education Camp is located in a bay in its own private valley on the coast of Motutapu Island. Visitors to the camp not only have access to the facilities within the 4 hectares of the camp property, but also have the luxury of being able to explore more than 3800 hectares of DoC managed scenic reserve over both Rangitoto and Motutapu Islands; both of which are covered in native flora and fauna and dotted with archaeological, geographical and environmental marvels.

“A peaceful, tranquil setting on the banks of Lake Karapiro, Waikato River.  Be at one with nature in spacious park-like grounds with magnificent views of the lake, and the famous Waikato farmlands.”