We had an excellent time on our school camp at Hanmer Springs. We stayed in Hanmer Springs Trust Camp where we were housed in the Abilities Lodge. What a great place. After we were unpacked we headed straight over to Tree Climbing with Adventure Hanmer.
It was a short walk to the trees where we meet our great instructor Nick. First we got on our gear (harness and helmet). Next we learnt how to belay and had a demonstration with Mollie climbing. Soon enough we were all heading towards the huge scary pine tree. Only two of us managed to get to the top of the hard side. Those trees got the better of us kids.
After a dinner of Conical Hill cottage pie we headed to the Hot Pools where we relaxed in luxury. What a great way to end the first day. As we started home one car took a detour but what the passengers didn’t know was why? When they got home there was a huge surprise birthday party with party food, games and of course cake! What a bonus.
The second day started off with a great breakfast so we could manage a tough morning of Mountain Biking. We all loved it because we got to go through puddles and go down a steep hill. We called it screaming hill because we screamed or yelled random stuff all the way down.
After a lunch of pizza we went out orienteering, which I think was the best activity because we got to run around the forest with only a map and somehow orientate ourselves and find all the markers. Guess what - we won!
On day three we got to build bivouacs and climb Conical Hill. Building a shelter for three was fun but climbing Conical Hill was not, although the view was great. Thank goodness for another soak in the Hot Pools at the end!
We had the best of fun at our Hanmer Camp and we would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a fun, excitement but also a relaxing time!
