Wellington Camp #4 Part 1 - We are going to the zoo, zoo, zoo

We were all ready to go this morning, bags packed and on our backs because we were off to the zoo! A few of us did have to wait for the shuttle as it was a little late but we just took selfies instead.

We had a little bit of waiting time but it gave us a chance to listen to the Gibbons and look at all the soft toys in the window. Also, we got a group shot. Don't they look great?!

Our main aim this morning was to learn about careers at the zoo. Six students volunteered to become workers at the zoo. Can you work out what their jobs are?

It was fascinating getting to hear about the jobs and a few of the students were interested in what they did. Lots of great questions about the jobs and Tim, our guide, was able to show us a couple of behind the scenes things and we got to pick some grass to feed some Kuni Kuni pigs.

The nutrition area where they prep all the food. Red buckets for meat and white buckets for other stuff. They spend $15,000 a week on kai for the 600 odd animals. Amazing.

Picking grass.

We then got to go wander the zoo. Check out some of the things we saw.

It was pretty cool to see lots of animals. The sun came out too and so that was nice. The otters are smailing about it. We finished our time at the zoo by heading to the gift shop were some new pets (and a hat) were purchased. 

Check out Abby's new friend.

Wellington Camp #3 Cont - We made a TV Show and raced some cars

Mrs Taylor is here!!! We are all so happy to have her. It made the adults hearts sing to see the children fly across the square to give her a big hug. Nawwwwwww.

It was now time for Capital E. No one was quite sure what was going to happen but they trusted in Mrs Spragg's words that it would all be fine. Unfortunately, Mrs Spragg didn't take a photo of the class outside of Capital E, but it probably doesn't matter too much.

Our safety briefing was held and then we headed up the stairs to the OnTV space. Kirsten explained what was going to happen and despite the nerves and anxious looks, everyone was ready to get into it. Some of us were in front of the camera, some of us behind the camera and some were doing both. The mums took charge of the wardrobe room and soon everyone was learning about their roles and working out what systems they needed to do. We did have to make a slight adjustment as Mika had lost her voice and couldn't talk. No speaking roles for her. Bridget was a star and stepped up.

Everyone loved the process. It was so good to see everyone taking ownership of their roles and then doing them like a boss. Kirsten was impressed too because Taku Tohu is the hardest one to make.

We finished a bit early and then headed to McDonald's. It wasn't that far away so it was a short walk. This was a good thing because it turned out we didn't start at 7 pm, we started at 6:30 pm so we had to RUN back to Capital E.

We made it and we were only 20 minutes late. Sorry guys!!!

The media lab was open and ready for us to do some Multi-Player Gaming. Racing cars and then fighting each other. Sounds violent but it wasn't. The racing was harder than it looked but everyone, including the adults, gave it a go. Such fun!!!

We then made our way back to the YHA with a short play at the playground. Wrote in our diaries and had a snack. Then it was bedtime.

Another great day.

Wellington Camp #3 - A slower day but still busy

We had a good nights sleep which meant we were raring to go today. We started with a Scavenger Hunt which was a bit backwards but it didn't matter. We found some interesting things anyway.

Note: Liam was grumpy and didn't want to be in the photo.

We also ran into someone ... well, actually, he almost ran into Deb. 

(It is Simon Bridges, leader of the National Party for those that don't know)

We soon found a place to eat morning tea and then we headed into the Wellington Museum.

Our main focus was the Wahine Disaster, however, we learnt a bit about Wellington History too.

Then we headed back to the YHA for lunch before our shuttle arrived to take us to Weta Workshop. Mia was very excited about this, in fact, she had watched the Lord of the Rings in prep. We had a little wait so some eye-spy was played. But soon our guide arrived and we were in looking at things. We couldn't take any photos inside the actual tour, however, we had some fun beforehand. 

We learnt about many processes of the creating and digital side to film and it was fascinating to learn about. We are all convinced that Mika will soon be working for Weta. 

Back on the shuttle to head back to Wellington City. We had Capital E next ... but that is a whole nother blog.

But check out our surprise arrival.

Yep, that's right. Mrs Taylor finally made it to camp. YAHHHHHHHHHH!

Wellington Camp #2 Cont - Fun & Games and Panto

The rest of Wednesday was a real blast & not just because of the wind. We headed back to Ferg's for what was supposed to be kayaking and rock climbing but was challenge games and rock climbing. We weren't quite sure what to expect but it turned out to be a lot of fun.

There were blindfold games where everyone had to work as a team to get themselves into order, a tag/floor is lava game, a skipping game, a buzz game ... it was pretty fun but also not too taxing on the body. 

Following the games, we headed back into the main area to get kitted up for rock climbing. A few of us were nervous because of the height but most were excited. Those that were under 11 couldn't belay, so they had to wear a red vest. We listened very carefully to our safety briefing and then it was climbing time. Everyone had a good go and climbed a little or a lot. It was good to challenge ourselves.

By the end of this, we were hungry and it was time to head back to the YHA for dinner. We were supposed to be going to McDonald's but the adults decided to change things around a little so people could get out of their uniforms and stay dry. 

Fun fact - 17 people can't eat 12 pizzas in one sitting.

Soon we were on our way again and heading to the Circa Theatre for an evening of Panto Fun. Eeek. Everyone was really looking forward to this, especially since we are attempting to do this in class.

It was so good. We laughed, we booed, we yelled "Tea Time", we laughed some more and everyone even got to go on stage. And a special bonus was having Rebecca, Jedi's mum, with us. 

Check out some footage from our stage performance.

It was a pretty great way to end the day. We can't wait to do some of these things in our own panto.

Wellington Camp #2 - It's blowing a gale

We had heard that Wellington was windy but who knew it was this windy?!? I think even the Wellingtonians have found it windy. But I'm getting ahead of myself.

Waking up was a mixed bag this morning. Some had slept great and some hadn't ... leading to some others not sleeping so well. Ah well, no need to sit around feeling sorry for ourselves, it was up and into the day.

First, we headed to Fergs for Inline Skating, but (and this was to become the norm for the day) due to the weather we were going to be bouldering instead. Bouldering is when you climb walls with little things sticking out of them but no harness on or ropes. You just use your hands and feet. It is surprisingly hard, which many of our students will tell you if you ask them about it. You also have to 'spot' a partner, not to catch them, but to help them.

After bouldering, we headed up the road to the National Library for the He Tohu exhibition. The wind was picking up by now and so we almost got blown there. A few big gusts caused us to give a yell or two. Thankfully we all remained on our feet.

He Tohu is an incredible exhibition that allows students to experience the actual Declaration of Independence (yes, we have one!), the Treaty of Waitangi (all 9 pieces) and the petition that got women the vote. These are incredibly powerful documents to view and I think everyone mentioned them in their diaries.

The rain had now hit Wellington and so we ate lunch at the national library as we watched the sheets of rain roll past the window. It was then a quick dash across the road to Parliament. We were all super excited about this, especially a teacher who was hoping to see one of her heroes.

After a chat with Mr Robertson were we had to try and name something that Government doesn't control (Mika won!) it was through security and into the Education area. We can't show you any photos as we aren't allowed to carry phones but it was a total highlight of the day. Ben, our educationalist, was outstanding. He helped the students understand how parliament works, but our students also demonstrated what thoughtful and intelligent thinkers they are. Julia was 'prime minister' for a media briefing and the rest of us were the press. Liam asked some very hairy questions which Julia answered really well. In fact, Ben told us that he had Year 12 students earlier that day that were less switched on, so kudos to YMS!

We also were taken to the debating chamber and experienced a question and answer time. It was pretty eye-opening for everyone, even Mr Roberston. Mrs Spragg had to calm down a bit after getting a wave from Jacinda Ardern (and a little one from Chloe Swarbrick). Breathe Mrs Spragg, breathe!

Sadly Amy Adams, our MP, was stuck in Christchurch because of the weather and so we didn't get to see her. 

Gosh, you must be thinking, that is the day done. But no, we still had an afternoon and evening to go. But that will do for now. Make sure you check-in for the next instalment. 

Wellington Camp #1 Cont - The Ferry

How does one describe the Cook Strait? Moody, breathtaking, a voyage of joy and anticipation? Possibly. Or in the words of a Year 8... "That was cool". 

Actually, it was surprisingly warm, though there was a bit of a strong breeze once we got out of the Sounds. Small chop, enough for a few of us tired people to head to the deck for some fresh air and a horizon. No one puked though but the real question is would Mrs Taylor have felt queasy if she had been with us?

Side note: She is joining us tomorrow afternoon ... happy dance!

Here are some photos of the afternoon before I head to bed.

I apologise in advance for the toilet roll of photos.