What an incredible start to the year! We’ve just returned from an unforgettable 12 days at Finlay Park on the shores of Lake Karapiro, running three camps back-to-back. The energy across the camp was truly electric.
We were treated to a rare streak of 12 days of absolute sunshine, providing the perfect backdrop for our students to push their limits and build new friendships. From the serene morning waters to the high-octane afternoon activities, it was a trip for the books.
Highlights from the Lake
The water was the place to be this year! Our students dove headfirst into a variety of challenges:
- Kayaking & SUP: Students mastered the art of balance on our Stand-Up Paddleboards and explored Lake Karapiro in kayaks.
- The Magic Carpet: Always a crowd favourite, providing endless laughs (and a few spectacular splashes!) as students tried to sprint across the water.
- The River and Bush outcamps meant a stay overnight in the bush with students challenged to try new things like rafting, inner tubing and mud pits.
A Heartfelt Thank You
An expedition of this scale simply doesn’t happen without a massive village behind it.
To our wonderful parents and dedicated staff: We cannot thank you enough for giving up your time, sleep, and comfort to support our tamariki. Your hard work behind the scenes—from supervising activities to ensuring everyone was fed and safe—is what made this magic possible.
The growth we saw in the students’ confidence and independence over these 12 days was remarkable. We’ve come back to Northcross a little bit tanner, a little bit more tired, but with memories that will last a lifetime.
Christina England
Deputy Principal/Camp Leader
