Super Peer Support Camps

Over the past few weeks, Year 9 students have been out on Peer Support Camps learning valuable team-building skills, connecting with their classmates, and overall having an absolute blast! From scaling climbing walls, kayaking through lakes, and even learning how to shoot a bow and arrow, it’s clear our students have created meaningful memories that will last a lifetime.

Read below for a recap of Tōtara’s Peer Support Camp from Assistant Dean Nicole Hampton:

After two consecutive Covid disrupted years of one-day camps, we are finally back to our three-day Year 9 Peer Support Camp. The activities at Tōtara Springs provided Year 9 students with lots of fun opportunities and challenges to overcome. The Burma trail, senior abseiling, and flying kiwi created lots of laughs, while getting students out of their comfort zones and extending them to the fullest!

While the entire trip was exciting, nothing came close to our memorable campfire on the first night. Tōtara House sat around a bonfire as we roasted marshmallows, learned (and screamed) our House chant led by the Peer Support Leaders, before finishing the night off with a story told by Mr Waters. It was an incredible bonding experience for students and staff alike.

The Year 9 students and their Peer Support Leaders both had so much fun establishing friendships and connecting with their new House whānau and teachers. It was awesome seeing our students develop their social skills and team-building ethic, all while making memories to last a lifetime.