As the school year draws to a close, all Year 10 students at Carmel College embark on an eagerly anticipated four-day camp that combines adventure, personal growth, and the great outdoors. This year, the destination was Waiheke Island, just a 45-minute ferry ride from Auckland city, offering a unique escape from the familiar classroom environment.

The camp is designed to strip life back to the basics – there is no electricity, hot water, or phone network. Students sleep under canvas, cook their own meals on camping stoves, and fully immerse themselves in outdoor living. These conditions encourage independence, resilience, and a strong sense of community.

Activity groups and tent groups were deliberately organised differently to strengthen the sisterhood and foster connections across the year level. Despite the challenges and moments spent outside their comfort zones, the students embraced every experience with energy and enthusiasm. The camp offered opportunities to develop new skills, strategies, and lasting friendships.

Days were filled with an array of outdoor activities. Students swam at the beach, took part in ziplining, raft building, kayaking, orienteering, and bush whacking. Team-building challenges encouraged collaboration, while students crafted their own chants and rehearsed for the camp concert, adding a creative and spirited dimension to the adventure.

The Year 10 camp at Carmel College is more than just an end-of-year event. It is a chance for students to grow in confidence, nurture friendships, and create memories that will last a lifetime. For more information about Carmel College, visit Carmel College New Zealand.