Snow makes news!!!

Above are some more snow photos!(what else!!!!!).

And then there was more SNOW!!!!!

Compare this photo to the last one of the same view!

The Big Snow in August

This week we have had a huge amount of snow. Around 80cm in three days, and still snowing! At APOEC our programme is adaptable, so when the (un)expected occurs we can change things to suit the needs and interests of the children.

For snowcraft children can learn a number of important lessons, like how important layering of clothing is, as well as keeping gloves and socks dry. Also how important shelter can be in protecting us from hypothermia. Or simply how to walk downhill in the snow!

Above are some of the photos from this week.

Snow Camps!!!

With a busy August coming up I'm really looking forward to some snow camps! These are as per our normal camp programme, but schools booking in August often have that added element - Snow, and this year - LOTS. Due to an unavoidable cancellation, I have a spot 22-26September. Why not spend the last week of the third term experiencing a bit of spring snow??? If you are interested please give me a ring.Mention this blog when you book and I'll give you the special rate of $27pppn.

Can we afford to not have Outdoor Education???

With price rises there is increased pressure on teachers to be cost conscious when planning trips, however can we afford to not do school camps? The cost versus benefits is an interesting question. There is no question that APOEC is already the cheapest camp around in the first instance - I challenge anyone to come up with cheaper accommodation, food and instruction!!!

What are the benefits? It's not just learning life skills in a fun and interesting way in a unique and rich environment steeped in history and beauty. No, you also learn 'values', morals and how to get along under new and rewarding challenges.Plus of course survival and bush skills that can save lives in the future. In a place like New Zealand how can we not show our children how to enjoy the environment safely?

So how do we meet increasing costs?? As the manager of the lodge for the last two years I have seen many different solutions to these questions. Some teachers might be surprised to find out that some resourceful groups actually meet the cost of their camps 100% without any cost to the children's families at all! How do they do it?? The answer is Planning!!Fund raising, raffles and donations from charitable organisations - these can make a big difference.

In 2001, I was the principal of a small rural school in the Chatham Islands. The community( who already paid $2/L for diesel) raised $21,000, so that the children and I could travel the North Island and experience life on the mainland. In 2002 the same community raised enough to send all the senior children to France!

School camp is an opportunity to bring together your school community to give the children an experience they will remember for the rest of their lives.

Well, that's my view as camp manager! Step one, ring me and make a booking. Step two, get some parents involved in raising some funds to make it all happen!

I look forward to hearing from you.

Vacancies for the remainder of 2008

I still have the following vacancies for camps in 2008:

October 20-24
November 17-21
December 15-19
However these are likely to fill, so please ring me first to confirm that they are still open: 03 3189249.
We have many vacancies for 2009, 2010, As usual it is best to plan ahead to get your prefered spot. I look forward to hearing from you soon!

Regards,

Noel

Kiwi Listening

Last week I went Kiwi listening up the Avalanche creek track. Here is a picture of my position complete with sleeping bag and assorted kit such as a GPS, compass, eperb,pen and paper and warm clothes. I was listening into the Rough creek catchment. At about 8pm I packed up and was heading down the track when I came face to beak with a Great Spotted Kiwi, only a few hundred metres away from where I'd been listening all night! It was an amazing experience seeing one in the wild. It was an adult bird and seemed in very good health. After we had our moment it slowly meandered into the bush.