TOPEC

TOPEC

Monday 19th June

41 girls were very organised at school and waiting for the bus to arrive. After locking and loading them onto the bus we headed to our home for a week (Monday-Friday), TOPEC. A mist of rain greeted us and bags were soon taken off the bus and stored out of the rain. Seton welcomed our group and explained how TOPEC worked and encouraged the girls to make the most of this week. After activity groups and huts were called out, our girls were given instructions for their first activity. Wahine Toa and Manaakitanga got changed for Water Safety and Ako and Manawa Tapu got ready for the infamous Mud Run.

After lunch the groups swapped activities except the call was made for Ako to do Rogaining instead. It was a hive of activity here at base when the mud runners returned with people running in all directions (organised chaos for sure!!!)

The arrival of Mrs Seddon then later Mrs T indicated to the girls dinner prep was happening. The kitchen duties were in full swing as Wahine Toa got to work. Yummy roast chicken, delicious stir fried vegies and rice wafted through camp. Chocolate self-saucing pudding was eagerly eaten with no leftovers in sight!

A few bruised limbs were iced in the evening and after 9.30pm girls were ready for their huts and some needed sleep.

Tuesday 20th June

6.55am Breakfast prep with Manaakitanga.

Nearly all girls had great night’s sleep except one hut had a snorer that kept up a few girls. Thank you to the non-sleeper who refrained from ‘getting physical’ with our anonymous snorer! After breakfast and lunch-making, we had a staff briefing regarding conditions, temperatures, river flows etc. This determines which activities can be run and the factors involved. This is also the opportunity for me to let the staff know of any injuries or sickness amongst our girls.

9.00am Groups gather for the morning’s activities and we find out what gear girls will need to change into. Wahine Toa and Manaakitanga are water rafting with Ako and Manawa Tapu doing water safety and BUGs. After lunch a call will be made for the afternoon activities.

Joan Hodson

Year 11 Dean