Buddies!
The Toroa students have buddies from Piwakawaka. Piwakawaka is the junior class. We say hello, checkin with them and do some buddy reading or buddy games.
ANZAC Writing and Art
ANZAC COVE POEM
Fallen mates all around
May they have their last breath
From above, may they rest in peace.
Soldiers fought for their lives year after year
Step by step, exhausted men travelled by foot
Families waited day after day
For their loved ones, hoping they would return.
Soldiers will Never lose hope
They will fight till the very end.
Leaving the dead behind
Tears drip down their faces
Covered in wounds as blood flows into the earth
families cry day and night.
Things have changed
War has ended
May the deceased rest in peace.
Irish
The Desperate Cry For Life
No Mercy in ‘No Man’s Land,’
Gunshots fire like a bee buzzing
Friends drop dead like mayflies
Walking over the dead bodies of your mates
The friends you make at war are like brothers
You protect like they are your brothers
They protect like you are their brothers
Kane
Anzac Story
As I was eating in the trenches, I heard gunfire in the distance. I froze “Are they coming closer” I said to myself. Curious, I looked up and I saw an enemy charging towards me. For a quick second I picked up my gun and shot right at his head. His body leaned back against the mud hearing a loud splash. I feel this is wrong, but I had to do this for my country. When it was in the night I lay down in the trenches and started falling asleep. About an hour later my body started to itch like crazy, so crazy I didn’t feel like sleeping for the whole night. The next day came and my eyes were bloodshot and my whole body felt jelly.
Carl
Trying To Understanding WW1 – A Girl’s Perspective
Have you ever tried to write a letter to your best mate with lots of bombs going on and bullets flying everywhere? New Zealand soldiers have and it is hard to concentrate when you're writing. It is like when you're at a birthday party and you're there writing a letter to your auntie and it is very loud.
If you were at war trying to sleep, or at home waiting for your sons, and hoping that they survived the contagious war of misery, you would be very stressed like a tiger that lost its way.
The NZ soldiers relied on their mates and their mates relied on them. Some of them brought a mascot to keep them company and give them much joy.
Imagine if one day you and your best mate go your separate ways like you had to leave each other. The next day you return, but not your mate. Gone without a trace. It is sad when you have your best mate die. I would be an injured animal crying for help.
If you had to go through a trench it would be very muddy with lots of corpses not well hidden. Your socks are wet, soldiers have lice wherever hair grows. People haven't showered in months and loud explosions thud nearby while you're sleeping. If I were trying to reload a gun then suddenly a shell blew right where my mate was, that would be something that you wouldn't expect in your life. It would not be erased from your memories even if you tried to forget it.
When you go to war you have to cooperate with other people. A few months later you may calling your best mate a “brother” because you
gained so much trust you always rely on your best “brother”and he relies on you.
This is a lot for me to think about.
Shamia
Anzac Poem
Covered in mud
They walk through ashes
Covered in red
Soldiers get killed
Tears fall down
But still standing high
Families wait day and night
Shooting in the war
Trying to win
They fight like a swarm of wasps
When will this war end?
The dead now left behind
Deep in the ground
But we have to stay strong
Rest in peace
Those who have died
Many years have passed
The war has now ended.
Shaiza
Anzac Poem
Many lost soldiers left in the war
Trees burning in the flames of evil
Families weeping day and night
Brothers leaving one by one
Hundreds covered in red from their army
Tears flowed waiting for their loved ones to return
Family members getting devastated by the telegrams
Losing hope month by year
Ears rang as an explosion boomed in the background
Soldiers getting tortured and killed
When will this end? We’ll never know.
Aabha
Fallen Soldiers
On April 25, 1915, my friend John and I landed on the beach We were ecstatic but it was more about the voyage than the final destination. As soon as we slipped ourselves off the boat, hell became clear.
Half of our platoon fell instantly, bullets shovelled themselves into the soldiers and we stomped for cover as bullets whizzed past. We tasted lead in the air. John understood at that moment how vulnerable we were. Petrified, John didn't want to climb the ridge, but he did.
The moment we began to ascend the enormous ridge in front of us, bam! John slid down, leaving a trail of blood behind him. I wanted to go back and grab him, but there wasn't time. I had already ascended and probably would have perished, had I turned around.
I now feel bad about not saving him because I believe I could have. His corpse will always be gone but his bright and funny personality will remain in my memory.
Andre
Brothers
I still remember this one time a soldier asked me “Sup mate you alright? Where’s your buddy?” He and I became the best of friends. We stuck together for all the times. Not for one second we separated. Eventually, there came a time we had to part. Startled and scared I said “All right." Mike was a very reliable guy. He was also the one I trust the most
Running along the trench, the smell of rotting corpses burned my nose. Mud splashed along my face. Aiming and fire - It was all horrid
Right after the fight someone reported. It seems Mike has been SEVERELY INJURED in an EXPLOSION.
After the news I ran
But… I thought
But … he promised that he’d be fine
The metallic smell ran up my nose. This way and that, I looked around. No man's land, a place not to be. I spotted Mike scarred and beat in grief. Tears ran down my face as his blood stained my hands. He handed me a letter and said “Bring this to my mother.”
His voice faded away into nothingness.
Elise
The Soldier
Thunk! A bullet landed right next to me as I hopped out of the ship into the water.
“That was close,” I said. The terror of seeing my mates getting pulverized by bullets and booms ripping their bodies apart. My feet were sore and the pain-making blisters didn’t help. I started the monstrous hike up the hill with a bulky backpack. I could hear the bullets swooping past me as I saw people getting shot down. Stretcher bearers were caring for my soldiers and injured friends. I could see the Turks poking their heads out as I climbed. A couple rocks made their way down the hill then I fell over but my mate helped me back and carried on.
Grace
Brothers In Arms
Brothers in arms even if far apart.
Brothers in arms holding tightly.
Wives expected their husbands to be the same.
Mothers expected their sons to return.
Children waited for someone who wouldn't arrive.
Sadness dawns remembering the traumas of war.
The smell of depression surrounding the trenches.
Mud filled shoes.
Far from home.
Far from love.
Hope and courage was never lost.
Do the screams and insanity of war still echo inside their heads?
Do they still remember their brothers in arms?
Was the creation of a nation worth it?
We learnt to rely.
We learnt to cope.
We learnt to feel remorse.
We learnt how to grieve.
We learnt how to speak for ourselves.
The creation of a nation was worth it.
Baylee
Anzac story
I pick up my gun getting ready to shoot at the enemy. Shivers run down my spine. Bullets fly everywhere as me and my mates start to run for the trenches. As I look back I see bodies falling to the ground and blood splattering everywhere. As I turned back around a bullet flew right across my eyes. In fear my heart skipped a beat. When I jumped into the trenches a rat ran across my foot as I chucked my bag on the ground. I knew I had to get prepared fast.
Zella
Anzac
Deep inside me, I was begging for my life hoping not to get shot.
Wind was circling around me as I heard gunshots in the distance.
Waking up the day after, mud was up to my knees
Grabbing my gun I get ready to shoot
My mates rise slowly, tired from the day before
and grab their guns too.
Getting ready to run to the next trench
Blood splatters everywhere
Hurry up! My mate shouts at everyone to get into their places.
Bodies lay on the ground
But I continue to shoot the enemies
A year later I was looking down at my best friends grave
Poppies were growing over the graves and green grass covered the dirt.
White crosses line up across the field and gunshots echo around the town.
Poppies spin in the wind as everyone stands in silence.
Millie
Anzac Story
I was awoken by the sound of silence. That's not normal
I thought. At this point the sound of the shooting was normal … but not silence. I was confused but after a bit, I got worried and started to think of all the bad things that could be happening. I took a peek out of the ditch and saw my friend and an endless amount of blood. I snuck my head back down and looked around me. The coast was clear, I thought. I jumped out of the ditch. I was hoping for the best. I ran to my friend, still curious as to why it was dead silent.
Abbie
ANZAC
Blood was on the floor
It dribbles down my face
Bullets flew over my head
As I follow a trace
I looked over to my mate crying
Seeing despair on his face
As bombs crashed in the middle of the battlefield place
I shiver hoping I don't lose an arm or leg
Knowing my life would change.
It becomes night time with mice crawling on my body
Avoiding bullets I stay out of range
I pray so I can hopefully see
Another day of sun
Going home to celebrate with my beautiful wife and son.
Izak
To The ANZAC’s Mothers
Saying goodbye to her sons was the hardest thing.
Three of them are gone
Now she is lonely
Every day praying the telegram lady
Would not stop by
But
One day she ended up on the floor crying
“Why my son?” she screamed
‘Now only two,’ she thought
She cried herself to sleep
Thinking of her sons in the terrible conditions
How many would come back?
What if it were none?
On the inside she was broken and scared
A mum
Now with one less son
Maddy
Anzac
A thin whistle shivers past me
Among the tangled wires
Rats scatter around the trenches
As I prepare to fight
I see blood puddles around me
And my mates beside me
Guns firing continuously
While soldiers fight for their country
For freedom I wished
He was my best friend
Nothing had ever changed
Once we got separated
Nothing was the same
Olivia
War is hell
Soldiers in Gallipoli.
Fighting for their lives.
In war
Death all around you.
Very loud noises.
Friends dying in front of you.
Four years of hell.
Jake
Friendships
Soldiers fighting side by side
Looking out for each other.
Losing friends to rifle bullets
Some but not others.
Different countries forming alliances,
making up a plan.
Small threads fly in the
Calm breeze where
A another war took place
Where soldiers fought for our country
Lest we forget.
Sam
The Ridge
Tears flow down my face
Soldiers slowly collapse to the ground
As men roll down the outrageous, violent mountain
Their comrades grieve for them
But they must continue the fight
Friendships are formed and broken just as quickly
The sound of gunshots is deafening
Clear sweat trickles down my sunburned face
I wish I were at home with my family.
I know that can’t happen.
Jonty
TOROA CAMP - DUNEDIN 2023
Toroa and the Year 6 students from Kea were so lucky to get to go to Dunedin for their camp this year! Because WE ARE TOROA, the Royal Albatross Centre featured heavily with us. We loved every part of it. The disappearing gun, the tunnels, the history, dressing up like an albatross, and actually seeing the Toroa in the feathers!
Amazing! We also walked up Baldwin Street, played in a couple of different playgrounds, went t STEAMPUNK HQ in Oamaru, the Otago Museum, including the Discovery Room and the Butterfly House. We also dragged our respective adults around a museum trail. Another really cool thing we did was to go to the Marine lab. We touched all sorts of fascinating sea creatures and we even dissected a squid. Wow! Thanks so much to all of the parent helps and thanks to the DSSG for subsidising the cost. You can watch a video about what we did and read our writing.
Amazing! We also walked up Baldwin Street, played in a couple of different playgrounds, went t STEAMPUNK HQ in Oamaru, the Otago Museum, including the Discovery Room and the Butterfly House. We also dragged our respective adults around a museum trail. Another really cool thing we did was to go to the Marine lab. We touched all sorts of fascinating sea creatures and we even dissected a squid. Wow! Thanks so much to all of the parent helps and thanks to the DSSG for subsidising the cost. You can watch a video about what we did and read our writing.
They put the dead squid on the tray in front of us. The stench rises up into people's noses. Amy runs out of the room.
The slimy creature lies in front of me while
Izak and Thomas argue about who gets to cut the first bit. Thomas cuts to find out it was a girl. Isaac cuts the Stomach open to see it eats fish.I hold the squid so all of the arms are always down. I pull its beak out and put it in a plastic container for the classroom.
By Kane
It felt as if a boulder was pushing against me. Haila and I tried to triumph over the street but…This was no ordinary street, this was the steepest highest! And even the scariest street in the world! Baldwin street in Dunedin in Nz. The higher we went up the steeper it felt. Puffed, Haila and I paused, letting the cold air sink into our bodies like a virus.We gasped and sighed before climbing further up the hill.The stairs lazily slumping, acting dull and innocent. Small pebbles slid under my feet.I heard adults sighing in regret of deciding to attempt climbing this street. I glared upwards to hear my friends cheering my name “C’mon Baylee! Let’s go Haila” Our journey came to an end.
-By Baylee-H.S
The Butterfly house
By Grace Muckle
Plop! A shower of hot mist swept across my body. Arabella grabbed me and said “Come on!” as we raced up the stairs. There were more than 90 butterflies in the butterfly house . There were all kinds of butterflies, turtles, catfish, goldfish, spiders, centipedes and millipedes.Twinkle, a massive sized butterfly, landed on head. It was brown with circles on the outside and in the inside it was blue. There were red, orange, yellow, blue, purple, blue and brown.
The Beach
Crouch! Mr D said “Go!” I spread my legs. My left leg forward and my right leg back. I push off. I sprint down the hill. Every step felt like cotton candy melting on my feet. I go as fast as I can up the hill, slapping Olivia's hand.
Izak
2023 Camp
There I was gazing at the monstrous climb that stood before me - Baldwin Street. I started walking and I thought it would be easy and then my legs started aching like Mike Tyson punched me in the legs over and over. I got half way and ran out of water. I knew I had to finish the walk though if wanted water. Then all of a sudden I heard wizz go straight past me I look back and I see someone zooming down on their bike. Then another one and two more after that. I was looking back. I made it to the top and there it was in all its glory - the water fountain.
Andre
Camp 2023
I looked up and down the mountainous-looking street thinking this will be easy. I started to walk step by step up the street. Breathing heavily with tired legs and I could not even see the top. As we were going up bikers were going down and then running up again. There was a rush of wind when one went past me and I heard their tyres buzzing like bees. My heart was beating fast. I thought to myself ‘Why was this easier when I was 8?’ There was no answer. “Finally I made it to the top” I puffed.
Maddy
Moeraki Boulders
Swish the waves crash against the circular boulder. Some had cracks, some didn’t. I sprinted to the boulders but I got pulled down into a hole. It was like a black hole. I could not see the bottom. I was all wet up to my waist. The water was super salty. I felt it scratching my legs straight away. I pounced out of the water.
-Sam
Beach Race
Waiting for my turn to race, a rush of excitement ran through my body. People start to sprint down the sandy hill as they try to stay up. It was my turn next! “Go Millie,” my team yell over the salty winds. As I slide round the seaweed, all I can hear is the waves crashing into the crystal white sand. “Go!” my teammates screamed at me! The sand started to slip under my feet. I felt like I was going to fall over. I began to climb up the hill. The sand was flowing everywhere behind me. As I was on the last stretch, my legs felt numb. Out of the corner of my eye I see the person from the other team trying to catch up to me.I leap for my teammate's hand as she starts to sprint. I lie down in the sand waiting for the last person to go.
-Millie
Butterfly Room
As I take a step into the butterfly room, swarms of butterflies race their way toward me. My heart starts pumping like crazy as I panic and freeze like a statue. Landing on me, they flap their wings wildly, looking like they are about to take off but all of a sudden I look back and a little yellow ball is sitting on my shoulder. Shrieking with fear my hand zooms its way over and picks it up and puts it on the wall. I'm pretty sure is an egg, not you know what, but I leave it in peace for it to hatch later - if its an egg.
-Jonty
Camp 2023
3 days ago we went to the Royal Albatross Centre. First we went to the big gun that was called the disappearing gun.
After that we went and saw the Albatross and they were huge and I saw a chick.
When the gun is shooting you have to block your ears and open your mouth because your teeth can shatter because of how loud it is and stand up against the wall.
-Jake
Camp 2023
Leaning forward, I got ready to run down a steep slope. I saw Baylee start running up the slope, I grinned but regretted it when I took a peek at the other team. I realised that it was going to be a hard challenge. The person that I was going up against was really nimble so I steadied myself. Just as Baylee touched my fingertips I sprinted down the slopeI I felt my bare feet crunching under the sand making them burn, but I had to make it so I continued on. As I was passing the lump of seaweed I took a sharp glance around me and realised that I was making good progress. I started sprinting up the slope but the sand was too slippery so I fell back down. I tried slamming my feet in the sand and pushing upwards but that took too much energy so I started crawling. As I was nearing the end the other team was getting faster by the second so I took the very last leap, slapping Shaiza’s hand in mid air and landing face first on the soft dry sand. My feet ached but I have never felt this much joy before.
The slimy creature lies in front of me while
Izak and Thomas argue about who gets to cut the first bit. Thomas cuts to find out it was a girl. Isaac cuts the Stomach open to see it eats fish.I hold the squid so all of the arms are always down. I pull its beak out and put it in a plastic container for the classroom.
By Kane
It felt as if a boulder was pushing against me. Haila and I tried to triumph over the street but…This was no ordinary street, this was the steepest highest! And even the scariest street in the world! Baldwin street in Dunedin in Nz. The higher we went up the steeper it felt. Puffed, Haila and I paused, letting the cold air sink into our bodies like a virus.We gasped and sighed before climbing further up the hill.The stairs lazily slumping, acting dull and innocent. Small pebbles slid under my feet.I heard adults sighing in regret of deciding to attempt climbing this street. I glared upwards to hear my friends cheering my name “C’mon Baylee! Let’s go Haila” Our journey came to an end.
-By Baylee-H.S
The Butterfly house
By Grace Muckle
Plop! A shower of hot mist swept across my body. Arabella grabbed me and said “Come on!” as we raced up the stairs. There were more than 90 butterflies in the butterfly house . There were all kinds of butterflies, turtles, catfish, goldfish, spiders, centipedes and millipedes.Twinkle, a massive sized butterfly, landed on head. It was brown with circles on the outside and in the inside it was blue. There were red, orange, yellow, blue, purple, blue and brown.
The Beach
Crouch! Mr D said “Go!” I spread my legs. My left leg forward and my right leg back. I push off. I sprint down the hill. Every step felt like cotton candy melting on my feet. I go as fast as I can up the hill, slapping Olivia's hand.
Izak
2023 Camp
There I was gazing at the monstrous climb that stood before me - Baldwin Street. I started walking and I thought it would be easy and then my legs started aching like Mike Tyson punched me in the legs over and over. I got half way and ran out of water. I knew I had to finish the walk though if wanted water. Then all of a sudden I heard wizz go straight past me I look back and I see someone zooming down on their bike. Then another one and two more after that. I was looking back. I made it to the top and there it was in all its glory - the water fountain.
Andre
Camp 2023
I looked up and down the mountainous-looking street thinking this will be easy. I started to walk step by step up the street. Breathing heavily with tired legs and I could not even see the top. As we were going up bikers were going down and then running up again. There was a rush of wind when one went past me and I heard their tyres buzzing like bees. My heart was beating fast. I thought to myself ‘Why was this easier when I was 8?’ There was no answer. “Finally I made it to the top” I puffed.
Maddy
Moeraki Boulders
Swish the waves crash against the circular boulder. Some had cracks, some didn’t. I sprinted to the boulders but I got pulled down into a hole. It was like a black hole. I could not see the bottom. I was all wet up to my waist. The water was super salty. I felt it scratching my legs straight away. I pounced out of the water.
-Sam
Beach Race
Waiting for my turn to race, a rush of excitement ran through my body. People start to sprint down the sandy hill as they try to stay up. It was my turn next! “Go Millie,” my team yell over the salty winds. As I slide round the seaweed, all I can hear is the waves crashing into the crystal white sand. “Go!” my teammates screamed at me! The sand started to slip under my feet. I felt like I was going to fall over. I began to climb up the hill. The sand was flowing everywhere behind me. As I was on the last stretch, my legs felt numb. Out of the corner of my eye I see the person from the other team trying to catch up to me.I leap for my teammate's hand as she starts to sprint. I lie down in the sand waiting for the last person to go.
-Millie
Butterfly Room
As I take a step into the butterfly room, swarms of butterflies race their way toward me. My heart starts pumping like crazy as I panic and freeze like a statue. Landing on me, they flap their wings wildly, looking like they are about to take off but all of a sudden I look back and a little yellow ball is sitting on my shoulder. Shrieking with fear my hand zooms its way over and picks it up and puts it on the wall. I'm pretty sure is an egg, not you know what, but I leave it in peace for it to hatch later - if its an egg.
-Jonty
Camp 2023
3 days ago we went to the Royal Albatross Centre. First we went to the big gun that was called the disappearing gun.
After that we went and saw the Albatross and they were huge and I saw a chick.
When the gun is shooting you have to block your ears and open your mouth because your teeth can shatter because of how loud it is and stand up against the wall.
-Jake
Camp 2023
Leaning forward, I got ready to run down a steep slope. I saw Baylee start running up the slope, I grinned but regretted it when I took a peek at the other team. I realised that it was going to be a hard challenge. The person that I was going up against was really nimble so I steadied myself. Just as Baylee touched my fingertips I sprinted down the slopeI I felt my bare feet crunching under the sand making them burn, but I had to make it so I continued on. As I was passing the lump of seaweed I took a sharp glance around me and realised that I was making good progress. I started sprinting up the slope but the sand was too slippery so I fell back down. I tried slamming my feet in the sand and pushing upwards but that took too much energy so I started crawling. As I was nearing the end the other team was getting faster by the second so I took the very last leap, slapping Shaiza’s hand in mid air and landing face first on the soft dry sand. My feet ached but I have never felt this much joy before.
- Elise
Camp 2023 By: Shaiza. B
Writing
Marine Lab
Some time later it was time to swap around. As I first stepped into the room, the sea salty smell went up in my nose. The first tank I went to was some starfish filled tank. I reached my hand in and took a little touch at the coral colored starfish. It was rough, bumpy and a slimy feeling, and I was disgusted. As I walked to another tank, Haila followed me. This tank was filled with some tiny fish, flounders and sea anemone. I moved my hand into the tank and took a tiny touch of the sea anemone. The body was so soft that I could barely feel it and the tentacles were sticking to the palm of my hand.
The beautiful butterflies
The moment I stepped inside the butterfly house I can feel the warmness touch my skin. Flap flap a blue butterfly landed on my right hand as I saw it open its wings I saw the most unique pattern. As it kept its wings open I was amazed then my jaw dropped as its blueish and greenish wing shined on my face. While I was gazing at the blue butterfly a huge butterfly landed on my left hand. It also opened its wings to show me its orange wings. Both butterflies were so beautiful, I couldn't close my mouth.
Shamia
***2023***
When the Year 7 and 8s are away, the Year 6s bake!
The Year 6 students are trying to get a science badge before the end of the year. One of the activities is to make pikelets. Yum! After that, the students need to add additional ingredients and predict what the effect of those ingredients will be. We had some very fluffy (but salty) pikelets, very crispy, and very flat pikelets at the end. Funnily enough, they were all still eaten.
Technology Roadshow
Toroa was lucky enough to travel to Ashburton Intermediate to take part in the Science and Technology Roadshow! We had a ball with lots of musical and other sound experiments. We cycled and watched a skeleton cycle next to us so we could see how our bones move. There was even a hovercraft!
Matariki Art 2022
Unfortunately our Matariki Evening had to be cancelled due to sickness. Here is our completed art :)
Newspaper Recycling
Using old newspapers to make firebricks for winter and paper/card. The fire bricks took forever to dry out. Best to make them in summer.
Aihi kirimi!
To round off our Milk investigations - What better way to finish than to make ice cream!
Milo
Our Student Council decided that on cold days, all of the students need MILO! They put together a plan and asked the school support group to help out. Thanks DSSG!
Milk
Some of our community are dairy farmers so milk is important to our students. We had a lookat what milk is made of and what it can be used for. We made our own milk powder, and plastic (from milk) and butter (from cream). We looked at how the fat in milk responds to dishwashing liquid.
River Study
The Rakaia River flows near our school. It is the lifeblood of many who live in the area, providing some water for some farms, providing entertainment, providing food if you are lucky or skilled enough to land a salmon. Toroa realised the need to protect our taonga (treasure) so we did a river study to check on the it's cleanliness. Many of us have our wairua (spirit) lifted by this river so we want to look after it. We discovered many invertebrates living in the stream. It was icy cold as covid interrupted our field trip plans so we only got there in Term 2. Brr!
MGM?
Kia ora koutou!
Toroa have been making movies!
We used the mini ipads to film different shots like action shots, mid shots, and closeups
We have been playing with different camera angles like high angles, low angles, distorted angles, and birds eye view. See if you can recognise those shots in our movies. Some of us made trailers, some made movies, and some made both!
Check out our excellent special effects and our prospective actors, costume designers and stunt people
No harm was done to any children during the filming of these movies.
Toroa have been making movies!
We used the mini ipads to film different shots like action shots, mid shots, and closeups
We have been playing with different camera angles like high angles, low angles, distorted angles, and birds eye view. See if you can recognise those shots in our movies. Some of us made trailers, some made movies, and some made both!
Check out our excellent special effects and our prospective actors, costume designers and stunt people
No harm was done to any children during the filming of these movies.
ANZAC Stories, Poems, and Art
Fallen Soldiers
The soldiers, their glory we behold
The men we salute, shall never grow old.
Our soldiers were fighting for their lives
As the days went, so we could survive
Friendships were formed in a special way
Ways where it will never stray
Side by side or meters apart
They will always stay inside their hearts.
Forever protecting one another
Willing to fall, for a brother
Like stars that glow surrounded by sky
With memories that will never die
We know that they tried so we could live
With freedom, our thanks, is what we give
- Karaitiana
War Wallet - Olivia
Living on a small farm lived a young boy named William. William was short and had nice blonde hair. He was 16 years old and loved fighting but also had a very kind heart. His Dad was in World War 1 and had sadly died by covering a grenade with his body to save his friends. William’s mother was alive and lived with William but she was very sick and she wasn’t going to be with them for much longer.
William also had one brother who was 2 years older than him. It wasn’t easy for William to make friends growing up but his real best friend was his brother. They did everything together.
William had one thing left of his father, it was his wallet. The wallet was very important to William's Dad and now is very important to William as it's the only thing he has left of his Dad. Inside William kept a photo of his parents. The love they showed to each other in the photo always put a glow in William’s heart.
Getting dropped off at Normandy, France, with his brother by his side and the wallet in his pocket, William was ready to fight for his country and all the people he loved. He was wearing a dark green jacket and some long leather pants. He had multiple layers on and somewhere in there was the pocket where the wallet lay. If William was going to die he was going to die with the symbol of hope that his Dad had kept.
“Where is the wallet!” William searches all of his pockets but the wallet is nowhere to be found. Gunshots fire all around William as he lay in a trench looking around for the wallet. A tear rose up in William's eyes but before he knew it someone was yelling at him. It was his brother. He was yelling out HELP and as quick as lightning William stood up and crawled over to him. William's brother had got shot in the leg and couldn’t move. He had two options, go back to look for his Dads wallet or save his brother. With no thought about it, he picked up his brother and carried him to safety away from all the guns. William was devastated about the wallet but he was glad that he had saved his brother's life. The war was nearly over and William and his brother started boarding the ship to get home.
Leaning against the ship thinking about the wallet and how he had lost it his brother comes up to him. “Thank you very much for saving my life”! Bandages are wrapped all around his leg and he is looking a lot better.
The clouds were grey and small spits were falling down. William feels a small tap on his shoulder. It was one of the soldiers who had fought with them and he was holding something. The guy bends down and William's eyes widen in surprise. The guy was holding his Dad's old and ripped wallet.
By Aaliyah
Elijah was a polite 19-year-old. He was from a tiny village and was one of the many that got selected for the war. His clothing was all ripped and baggy. He had long, wavey hair, dark brown hair, hazel eyes, and he had some family problems with his mum being sick and him having to take care of his younger siblings. His father had died in the last war 30 years ago, and he alone wasn’t enough to support all of them, so he registered for the war, promising his mum and his siblings that he'd come back. He had heard that there was good pay for those that enlisted, and he planned to send his pay home. He took a photo of his family to remind him of the reason he was going.
He was staring at the stars that were dancing along to the sound of nature, their beautiful colors shining so brightly that they made him fall asleep with his head laying on a log, his jacket as a blanket. When dawn arrived, the rays of the sun shot him in the eye, waking him up to the other people having some food, then they hit the battle felid a few minutes later. He was lost in his thoughts, thinking about his family when he came to "Hey, kid! Stop staring at the sky and focus, or else you are not going to make it out alive! "
Elijah snapped back to reality and reached out for his gun for a quick shot. The static from the walkie-talkie said to head over a mountain for a high point advantage, but there was one problem; it was on the enemy's ground.
After the message, Elijah's team went over the mountain, but he got separated from his group and started climbing the mountain. It was not long till the daylight turned to darkness, hardly being able to see, hearing rustling in the bushes nearby, being on enemy grounds. Frightened of all the different possibilities that could happen to him, Elijah was good at finding a solution for everything. He found a torch that he carried around with him and pointed it at the ground, following the footprints that his teammates left on the muddy ground. He then realized that he needed to hurry before the footprints disappeared. He ran in the direction that the footprints had led him. Now even more lost. As the rain started to get heavier, more footprints disappeared.
He heard the screams of agony from his teammates above him. Crouching down, his face was filled with fear and horror. Quietly retreating, when he stepped on a twig and heard a whistle flowing down from the mountain above, he stopped in his track to be careful, but he got caught and was tackled down to the ground and got knocked unconscious. The last vision he saw was a blurry figure. Elijah woke up tied up on a pole with nothing on, in the cold. The sun started to set and most of the soldiers were asleep. He made an escape plan to untie himself and steal some things from the campground at night when everyone was asleep. He got the ropes loosened from the feet and hands once he was free he sprinted to the equipment area and took some armor and a gun walking for hours that felt like years.
The soldiers, their glory we behold
The men we salute, shall never grow old.
Our soldiers were fighting for their lives
As the days went, so we could survive
Friendships were formed in a special way
Ways where it will never stray
Side by side or meters apart
They will always stay inside their hearts.
Forever protecting one another
Willing to fall, for a brother
Like stars that glow surrounded by sky
With memories that will never die
We know that they tried so we could live
With freedom, our thanks, is what we give
- Karaitiana
War Wallet - Olivia
Living on a small farm lived a young boy named William. William was short and had nice blonde hair. He was 16 years old and loved fighting but also had a very kind heart. His Dad was in World War 1 and had sadly died by covering a grenade with his body to save his friends. William’s mother was alive and lived with William but she was very sick and she wasn’t going to be with them for much longer.
William also had one brother who was 2 years older than him. It wasn’t easy for William to make friends growing up but his real best friend was his brother. They did everything together.
William had one thing left of his father, it was his wallet. The wallet was very important to William's Dad and now is very important to William as it's the only thing he has left of his Dad. Inside William kept a photo of his parents. The love they showed to each other in the photo always put a glow in William’s heart.
Getting dropped off at Normandy, France, with his brother by his side and the wallet in his pocket, William was ready to fight for his country and all the people he loved. He was wearing a dark green jacket and some long leather pants. He had multiple layers on and somewhere in there was the pocket where the wallet lay. If William was going to die he was going to die with the symbol of hope that his Dad had kept.
“Where is the wallet!” William searches all of his pockets but the wallet is nowhere to be found. Gunshots fire all around William as he lay in a trench looking around for the wallet. A tear rose up in William's eyes but before he knew it someone was yelling at him. It was his brother. He was yelling out HELP and as quick as lightning William stood up and crawled over to him. William's brother had got shot in the leg and couldn’t move. He had two options, go back to look for his Dads wallet or save his brother. With no thought about it, he picked up his brother and carried him to safety away from all the guns. William was devastated about the wallet but he was glad that he had saved his brother's life. The war was nearly over and William and his brother started boarding the ship to get home.
Leaning against the ship thinking about the wallet and how he had lost it his brother comes up to him. “Thank you very much for saving my life”! Bandages are wrapped all around his leg and he is looking a lot better.
The clouds were grey and small spits were falling down. William feels a small tap on his shoulder. It was one of the soldiers who had fought with them and he was holding something. The guy bends down and William's eyes widen in surprise. The guy was holding his Dad's old and ripped wallet.
By Aaliyah
Elijah was a polite 19-year-old. He was from a tiny village and was one of the many that got selected for the war. His clothing was all ripped and baggy. He had long, wavey hair, dark brown hair, hazel eyes, and he had some family problems with his mum being sick and him having to take care of his younger siblings. His father had died in the last war 30 years ago, and he alone wasn’t enough to support all of them, so he registered for the war, promising his mum and his siblings that he'd come back. He had heard that there was good pay for those that enlisted, and he planned to send his pay home. He took a photo of his family to remind him of the reason he was going.
He was staring at the stars that were dancing along to the sound of nature, their beautiful colors shining so brightly that they made him fall asleep with his head laying on a log, his jacket as a blanket. When dawn arrived, the rays of the sun shot him in the eye, waking him up to the other people having some food, then they hit the battle felid a few minutes later. He was lost in his thoughts, thinking about his family when he came to "Hey, kid! Stop staring at the sky and focus, or else you are not going to make it out alive! "
Elijah snapped back to reality and reached out for his gun for a quick shot. The static from the walkie-talkie said to head over a mountain for a high point advantage, but there was one problem; it was on the enemy's ground.
After the message, Elijah's team went over the mountain, but he got separated from his group and started climbing the mountain. It was not long till the daylight turned to darkness, hardly being able to see, hearing rustling in the bushes nearby, being on enemy grounds. Frightened of all the different possibilities that could happen to him, Elijah was good at finding a solution for everything. He found a torch that he carried around with him and pointed it at the ground, following the footprints that his teammates left on the muddy ground. He then realized that he needed to hurry before the footprints disappeared. He ran in the direction that the footprints had led him. Now even more lost. As the rain started to get heavier, more footprints disappeared.
He heard the screams of agony from his teammates above him. Crouching down, his face was filled with fear and horror. Quietly retreating, when he stepped on a twig and heard a whistle flowing down from the mountain above, he stopped in his track to be careful, but he got caught and was tackled down to the ground and got knocked unconscious. The last vision he saw was a blurry figure. Elijah woke up tied up on a pole with nothing on, in the cold. The sun started to set and most of the soldiers were asleep. He made an escape plan to untie himself and steal some things from the campground at night when everyone was asleep. He got the ropes loosened from the feet and hands once he was free he sprinted to the equipment area and took some armor and a gun walking for hours that felt like years.
Camp Stories 2022 Mount Hutt Retreat
Toroa enjoyed their camp at Mount Hutt Retreat. Thanks to Blair at Discovery Jet for looking after us at our first activity. And thanks to Greg at Mt Hutt Retreat for helping us out as well. Special thanks to the parent helpers: Mike, Tim, AJ, Anna, Emma and Vickie. You are amazing and helped to make a successful camp!
Here is some writing the students have completed after their adventure.
Abseiling
I got into my harness waiting in line. I was the first one in line. He opened the gate and I went through his name was Greg. Greg connected me to the rope he told me to lean back and it felt like I was going to fall down. Greg said when you are ready you can take little steps. It was very high. Vickie was at the bottom so I did little steps down the rocks. I was half way down. Boom! I crashed into a lot of rocks on my way down to Vickie. Vickie was the one that was untying all the ropes so Gerg could pull the ropes up so other people could have a turn. I was on my way back up when a wasp almost stung me crashing onto my helmet. “That was close,” I said out loud.
Zella
Swift shots fire into thin air striking targets. Without hesitation, I pull the trigger pinning down a small piece of tin. Bullseye! Lining my shot up again, small tinted wings appear, landing on a piece of styrofoam. I pulled the trigger. With a sudden move, loose feathers scattered, parachuting down, reaching the mossed ground. The small bird towed itself away. Looking up, all my friends shocked! Me as well, after I realized I hadn't shot the target but what was in front of it. Vickie's eyes were terrified in shock. Surprisingly the bird came back like it was wanting more. But I was sure it wasn't. I blasted with laughter but I did feel a bit bad.
· Cerys
‘YEAH! This is awesome’ I scream as the water hits my face after the 360 turns on the jet boat. Yells come from every corner of the boat. We all hold on for dear life, hitting the white rapids. Bounce! We hit the rapids and the corner comes round. Blair gives us the spinning action we go left but Blair turns right and spins us like a spinning top. We all lean. I hang on and my hand goes blue from gripping onto the cold silver bar. We turn round on the rapid heading back to the massive bridge. We do another 360 turn and I get soaked. I turn round with a horrified look on my face I look straight at Vickie and she starts cracking up.
-Hope
I wake up to a screaming alarm, confused to what's happening. I see logan jump out of bed and realize it's the fire alarm. I rush out of my sleeping bag as fast as humanly possible just about slamming my head on the smooth roof thinking the whole building was about to go up in flames. We ran outside, quickly realizing there wasn't a fire, it was just Mr D having a shower.
Andre
Bam! As the long, thick rope tugs on me telling me to stop, I look back down and see I still have a while to go. So I start jumping and feeding the rope out. Until bang! I hit a sturdy tree. I was hanging right beside the tree with my hand still on the rope. I grab the tree and feed the rope out and kick back to the fun. I continue jumping down until I reached the end. I was relieved that Vickie said I could stand up as I was untied from the ropes and I stayed waiting for my dad to come down.
Liam
jet boat
At the moment Blair started spinning the jet boat everyone was so excited that some of us were shouting “Whee this is much fun!” Some were screaming. I was not showing emotions except my smile. I was kind of laughing too but slightly
quiet. The thing I hate about was when Blair spun the opposite way because I almost fell off into the blue, cold freezing water. Luckily I didn’t. The boat was also yellow like a lemon and it also has the word Discovery painted on the side.
By Irish
As I took a step back, sweat poured down my cheeks. "Lean back!" The noises sounded like a siren and I couldn't stop myself. A distant voice passed across my mind. There it was “You got this” the rope felt like a fire burning my hands. "Take a step back!" Mr.D was staring at me as I looked up. "Lean back!" he exclaimed. All I could hear were the words "You got this!" in my brain as the noises faded away. "Wait, pull me back up please!" I yelled loudly. Once I grabbed the safety rope. I shivered in fear voices coming back to haunt me. "You've got it" I leaned back and took a long breath as I raised my hand and grasped my rope. I moved one foot behind the other. I could hear voices coming from behind me. "Almost there!" Mrs.Bedford exclaimed as the cliff began to cave in. I felt a stinging pain in my back because it was too tight, but I couldn't stop since I had to finish. I felt the ground beneath my feet and beamed with joy, knowing that I was safe.
Karaitiana
I leant back as the tough ropes held me. Carefully I stepped down slowly letting the rope go. Bugs scratched me and you could hear wasps flying to each and every tree. My teammates cheered me on as I slowly took steps down the cliff. Suddenly the cliff curved in like it was a puddle but on the side of a cliff. Surprisingly the vertical wall was a lot farther down than I thought it would be. When I got to the bottom all you could hear was the river flowing over the rocks and the ropes dragging back up the cliff. Jumping back up the hill, really wanting to do it again. The last two people flew down like it was nothing. The track was so narrow and wasps still flew everywhere but they stayed close to the dark black trees.
Millie
The jet boat ride.
We were at a river team A aka us were waiting for Blair to bring in the jetboat. I was so excited to hop in the jetboat. Blair then brought in the jetboat and it was finally done we got on each by each. Blair told some things about it. I was super nervous but excited as well. We were getting ready and then whoosh Blair controlled the jet boat and we were going fast. He first did a spin and we almost fell out. We crossed under the bridge and went speedy fast. It scared me so much when he was close to the edge of the rocks. We did scary spins four times and headed straight back and did just one more spin and we came back along the wavy river Spot where team B was. After they jumped in the yellowish jet boat, we were making towers of rocks in dust and sand.
Aabha
Wake up call
Waking up to the sound of the fire alarm right beside my ears, I opened the door, grabbed my sleeping bag and jumped off the top bunk bed. I was scared thinking that there was a real fire. We all gathered in the living room and all evacuated the building so the teachers and adults figured it out. The sunrise glazed upon the clouds as the cold breeze shivered upon the cold kids as it was early in the morning.
Logan
Abseiling
The moment as I walked into abseiling I was terrified. Deep down the cliff gave me a fright looking around as there were lots of wasps. I took a deep breath and faced my fear. When I was leaning back it was like I was gonna fall down. The wet rocks made me slip. I was horrified. I tried standing up but the equipment was too heavy. I finally stood up and made my way down. That was a funny experience.
By Carl
Blair signals the first spin with his index finger suddenly my right hand, grabbed on the handle for dear life while my left leg preventing me from sliding everywhere. On my right Karaitiana screaming her head off, yelling “I REGRET MY LIFE CHOICES! ”
Trisha was relaxing behind the driver and getting soaked with the freezing water from underneath the jet boat. She wipes the water off her face with her jersey. After a few minutes, we did another spin and had the same reaction from Karaitiana screaming & Trisha getting wet once again. From the outside I look like I’m just chilling not even scared while inside I’m actually afraid and screaming my head off.
Aaliyah
Abseiling
I let the rope slowly go through my fingers as I slide my foot behind the other and repeated until I was near the bottom. It was all mossy and slippery.
So I went slow. The bottom had a little dip in it the vertical wall. I slipped but I quickly balance myself and I finally got to the bottom and got unhooked from the ropes and walk up the path .
Kane
I was at the edge… my superstitions were rising.I looked at my younger cousin as he stared back “Little steps” Greg pointed out. My companions support leaked into my ears. Then slip! I grabbed onto the rope even harder than before. By far this was the scariest moment of my life.The moss on the cliffs reeked of stenches unknown. Even worse that the place was full of wasps. I took a gigantic deep breath and continued deeper and deeper. The noises of the river screeched. The harness tightened in many many locations. Vickie yelped “Just a couple more steps!” I could tell I was out of mirrors' view. I questioned Vickie, “Am I close to you?” my lip trembled Vickie toned down her voice “Yup!” I looked back. I was about 2 meters until the ground I slowly climbed down. Click! My buckles were off and I started my journey back up.
Baylee
Wake up call
Before I knew it I woke up with a fright to a booming siren. My sleepy eyes half shut, my hair looking like a chicken's nest. I leaped off the top bunk just landing on my feet with a shock, heading towards the door with Baylee close behind me. Everyone rushes out of the building. Still in my pajamas, it was frigid. My hands and feet were like icicles. Not only was it just freezing, there was a beautiful sunrise that everyone admired. Everyone wrapped in sleeping bags and blankets, we got the call to go back inside. We had a small amount of time to get dressed before we were outside again waiting for the fire truck to come and inspect the alarm. Luckily it was just caused by Mr D having a shower. As the relief rolls off my shoulder, I stroll back inside into the warmth of the living room.
Destiny
Standing over the edge of the cliff leaning backwards as the rope was tugging me forwards, I felt myself start to lose balance. I decided to lean forwards causing me to fall on my side. The rocky texture scraped me. I was pulled back up and was asked to do it again. I wanted to stop but I continued. I started to lean backwards for the second time and instead of losing my balance I was stable, ready to take a few steps backwards. I focused on my breathing and started to walk back a couple of steps. I’m not gonna lie, it was pretty easy and I was most likely over thinking it. Finally I had gotten used to the odd feeling of leaning backwards and could continue walking back towards the ground occasionally slipping on the moss.
Trisha
Here is some writing the students have completed after their adventure.
Abseiling
I got into my harness waiting in line. I was the first one in line. He opened the gate and I went through his name was Greg. Greg connected me to the rope he told me to lean back and it felt like I was going to fall down. Greg said when you are ready you can take little steps. It was very high. Vickie was at the bottom so I did little steps down the rocks. I was half way down. Boom! I crashed into a lot of rocks on my way down to Vickie. Vickie was the one that was untying all the ropes so Gerg could pull the ropes up so other people could have a turn. I was on my way back up when a wasp almost stung me crashing onto my helmet. “That was close,” I said out loud.
Zella
Swift shots fire into thin air striking targets. Without hesitation, I pull the trigger pinning down a small piece of tin. Bullseye! Lining my shot up again, small tinted wings appear, landing on a piece of styrofoam. I pulled the trigger. With a sudden move, loose feathers scattered, parachuting down, reaching the mossed ground. The small bird towed itself away. Looking up, all my friends shocked! Me as well, after I realized I hadn't shot the target but what was in front of it. Vickie's eyes were terrified in shock. Surprisingly the bird came back like it was wanting more. But I was sure it wasn't. I blasted with laughter but I did feel a bit bad.
· Cerys
‘YEAH! This is awesome’ I scream as the water hits my face after the 360 turns on the jet boat. Yells come from every corner of the boat. We all hold on for dear life, hitting the white rapids. Bounce! We hit the rapids and the corner comes round. Blair gives us the spinning action we go left but Blair turns right and spins us like a spinning top. We all lean. I hang on and my hand goes blue from gripping onto the cold silver bar. We turn round on the rapid heading back to the massive bridge. We do another 360 turn and I get soaked. I turn round with a horrified look on my face I look straight at Vickie and she starts cracking up.
-Hope
I wake up to a screaming alarm, confused to what's happening. I see logan jump out of bed and realize it's the fire alarm. I rush out of my sleeping bag as fast as humanly possible just about slamming my head on the smooth roof thinking the whole building was about to go up in flames. We ran outside, quickly realizing there wasn't a fire, it was just Mr D having a shower.
Andre
Bam! As the long, thick rope tugs on me telling me to stop, I look back down and see I still have a while to go. So I start jumping and feeding the rope out. Until bang! I hit a sturdy tree. I was hanging right beside the tree with my hand still on the rope. I grab the tree and feed the rope out and kick back to the fun. I continue jumping down until I reached the end. I was relieved that Vickie said I could stand up as I was untied from the ropes and I stayed waiting for my dad to come down.
Liam
jet boat
At the moment Blair started spinning the jet boat everyone was so excited that some of us were shouting “Whee this is much fun!” Some were screaming. I was not showing emotions except my smile. I was kind of laughing too but slightly
quiet. The thing I hate about was when Blair spun the opposite way because I almost fell off into the blue, cold freezing water. Luckily I didn’t. The boat was also yellow like a lemon and it also has the word Discovery painted on the side.
By Irish
As I took a step back, sweat poured down my cheeks. "Lean back!" The noises sounded like a siren and I couldn't stop myself. A distant voice passed across my mind. There it was “You got this” the rope felt like a fire burning my hands. "Take a step back!" Mr.D was staring at me as I looked up. "Lean back!" he exclaimed. All I could hear were the words "You got this!" in my brain as the noises faded away. "Wait, pull me back up please!" I yelled loudly. Once I grabbed the safety rope. I shivered in fear voices coming back to haunt me. "You've got it" I leaned back and took a long breath as I raised my hand and grasped my rope. I moved one foot behind the other. I could hear voices coming from behind me. "Almost there!" Mrs.Bedford exclaimed as the cliff began to cave in. I felt a stinging pain in my back because it was too tight, but I couldn't stop since I had to finish. I felt the ground beneath my feet and beamed with joy, knowing that I was safe.
Karaitiana
I leant back as the tough ropes held me. Carefully I stepped down slowly letting the rope go. Bugs scratched me and you could hear wasps flying to each and every tree. My teammates cheered me on as I slowly took steps down the cliff. Suddenly the cliff curved in like it was a puddle but on the side of a cliff. Surprisingly the vertical wall was a lot farther down than I thought it would be. When I got to the bottom all you could hear was the river flowing over the rocks and the ropes dragging back up the cliff. Jumping back up the hill, really wanting to do it again. The last two people flew down like it was nothing. The track was so narrow and wasps still flew everywhere but they stayed close to the dark black trees.
Millie
The jet boat ride.
We were at a river team A aka us were waiting for Blair to bring in the jetboat. I was so excited to hop in the jetboat. Blair then brought in the jetboat and it was finally done we got on each by each. Blair told some things about it. I was super nervous but excited as well. We were getting ready and then whoosh Blair controlled the jet boat and we were going fast. He first did a spin and we almost fell out. We crossed under the bridge and went speedy fast. It scared me so much when he was close to the edge of the rocks. We did scary spins four times and headed straight back and did just one more spin and we came back along the wavy river Spot where team B was. After they jumped in the yellowish jet boat, we were making towers of rocks in dust and sand.
Aabha
Wake up call
Waking up to the sound of the fire alarm right beside my ears, I opened the door, grabbed my sleeping bag and jumped off the top bunk bed. I was scared thinking that there was a real fire. We all gathered in the living room and all evacuated the building so the teachers and adults figured it out. The sunrise glazed upon the clouds as the cold breeze shivered upon the cold kids as it was early in the morning.
Logan
Abseiling
The moment as I walked into abseiling I was terrified. Deep down the cliff gave me a fright looking around as there were lots of wasps. I took a deep breath and faced my fear. When I was leaning back it was like I was gonna fall down. The wet rocks made me slip. I was horrified. I tried standing up but the equipment was too heavy. I finally stood up and made my way down. That was a funny experience.
By Carl
Blair signals the first spin with his index finger suddenly my right hand, grabbed on the handle for dear life while my left leg preventing me from sliding everywhere. On my right Karaitiana screaming her head off, yelling “I REGRET MY LIFE CHOICES! ”
Trisha was relaxing behind the driver and getting soaked with the freezing water from underneath the jet boat. She wipes the water off her face with her jersey. After a few minutes, we did another spin and had the same reaction from Karaitiana screaming & Trisha getting wet once again. From the outside I look like I’m just chilling not even scared while inside I’m actually afraid and screaming my head off.
Aaliyah
Abseiling
I let the rope slowly go through my fingers as I slide my foot behind the other and repeated until I was near the bottom. It was all mossy and slippery.
So I went slow. The bottom had a little dip in it the vertical wall. I slipped but I quickly balance myself and I finally got to the bottom and got unhooked from the ropes and walk up the path .
Kane
I was at the edge… my superstitions were rising.I looked at my younger cousin as he stared back “Little steps” Greg pointed out. My companions support leaked into my ears. Then slip! I grabbed onto the rope even harder than before. By far this was the scariest moment of my life.The moss on the cliffs reeked of stenches unknown. Even worse that the place was full of wasps. I took a gigantic deep breath and continued deeper and deeper. The noises of the river screeched. The harness tightened in many many locations. Vickie yelped “Just a couple more steps!” I could tell I was out of mirrors' view. I questioned Vickie, “Am I close to you?” my lip trembled Vickie toned down her voice “Yup!” I looked back. I was about 2 meters until the ground I slowly climbed down. Click! My buckles were off and I started my journey back up.
Baylee
Wake up call
Before I knew it I woke up with a fright to a booming siren. My sleepy eyes half shut, my hair looking like a chicken's nest. I leaped off the top bunk just landing on my feet with a shock, heading towards the door with Baylee close behind me. Everyone rushes out of the building. Still in my pajamas, it was frigid. My hands and feet were like icicles. Not only was it just freezing, there was a beautiful sunrise that everyone admired. Everyone wrapped in sleeping bags and blankets, we got the call to go back inside. We had a small amount of time to get dressed before we were outside again waiting for the fire truck to come and inspect the alarm. Luckily it was just caused by Mr D having a shower. As the relief rolls off my shoulder, I stroll back inside into the warmth of the living room.
Destiny
Standing over the edge of the cliff leaning backwards as the rope was tugging me forwards, I felt myself start to lose balance. I decided to lean forwards causing me to fall on my side. The rocky texture scraped me. I was pulled back up and was asked to do it again. I wanted to stop but I continued. I started to lean backwards for the second time and instead of losing my balance I was stable, ready to take a few steps backwards. I focused on my breathing and started to walk back a couple of steps. I’m not gonna lie, it was pretty easy and I was most likely over thinking it. Finally I had gotten used to the odd feeling of leaning backwards and could continue walking back towards the ground occasionally slipping on the moss.
Trisha