Camp Food

Planning food for five growing people, for four days might I add, is a lot harder than you think. Especially when I get involved in that group. I’m not saying that I eat a lot, or that anyone in my group eats a lot; I’m just stating that it’s difficult. However, we had the super organising powers of Brooklyn, which everyone knows trumps any other problem. So with a slightly secret weapon and an amazing group we set off on a foodies dream adventure.


To say our preliminary plan was small, and way beneath our limit, might have been classified as an understatement. It turns out that a year’s worth of William Pike Challenges can change one’s perspective on the amount of food that should be brought along on any trip. After being reminded multiple times, finally being told we could feast like kings, we managed to write out a pretty decent menu. With a plan under way, we made our way onto step two, which brought along its own challenges.


We arranged each person would cook on a certain day, a much simpler solution compared to some of our other ideas. Then we were all calling dibs, I was the lucky one who got Tuesday. I only had one major meal that involved cooking, which was pizza. It was more for the safety of the group than anything else. After the others had decided what days they’d cook, we gave Anna a picnic to organise (it seemed like her type of thing). Now we had completed the stage I referred to as ‘The Easy Part’ the next part required a whole lot of research.


I only had pizza, relatively simple dinner in my eyes, especially once I realised it had a maximum of six ingredients. I threw together my part of the shopping list quickly and a few more days flew by of calculating and finally we put our lists together as a whole. We finished with just enough money to spare, equalling the amazing number of thirteen dollars each. Then it was suddenly Tuesday and we were heading off to the camp grounds (absolutely stunning by the way). The clock ticked over and I was standing in the kitchen, looking at the folder in front of me. After making a joke about Masterchef, which I received a few laughs for, I pulled out my pizza bases and got started.


It was once I'd put my tomato paste onto the bases and went to reach for the cheese that I noticed a small problem. I'd forgot to get the cheese out, so with a huff went searching through the fridge. Sadly, I came out empty handed and a quick scan through the shopping list confirmed there was no longer a tiny problem, but a rather large one. During the biggest shopping trip I'd ever heard of, they'd managed to forget cheese, which is crucial to the making of pizza. After a few words were exchanged and a quick glance at the clock, one of the parents flew off in their car to purchase the missing item.


I returned to my station after being informed that the cheese had arrived and waited patiently as it was grated. Once the ceramic had hit the counter, hands were darting out to grab a handful, I covered my bases in cheese before going to get the my other ingredients. Two of the bases had been claimed as Hawaiian, seeing as it was most of the groups favourite. The other was reserved for Pepperoni, a way to appease Brooklyn and her non-Hawaiian ways. The cooking took by far the longest, my pizzas going into the oven last. Part way through the cook it swapped ovens, taking up residence in the better oven.


It took forever and all the other groups had finished eating by the time the were on a plate and being sent out to the table. It was worth it though when I took a bite of the pizza. I wouldn't claim that it was the best pizza ever but after such a long cook I wasn't going to be picky. After we had demolished all the slices, Brooklyn and I made our way into the kitchen to wash the dishes that was remained. There was a brief pause of anything food related when I went outside but that time ran by and soon I was back in the kitchen getting our dessert.


Though this time the key ingredient was there.


Overall, I had a blast cooking on Tuesday and I definitely enjoyed eating the other meals. I reckon we planned amazingly which is why we had such an easy time when it came to cooking, the only slip up being the cheese fiasco. If I was to go back and change anything, I would only underline the word cheese a few more times. This camp was definitely one to remember and I hope everyone else had an amazing time too.

Advertising Omaka

Omaka 

 

Located on the outskirts of Christchurch lies a hidden gem. Omaka Scout Camp. As beautiful as the grounds are, and all the added features, it's a wonder that it's not a well known holiday spot. A remarkable place for both rustic camps and glamorous weddings, Omaka is a versatile place anyone would want to spend a holiday at.

The camp as a whole is wonderfully simple, nothing too flashy jumping out for attention. This allows for you to enjoy the natural environment that has been created, a serene surrounding anybody hoping to relax would love. Omaka is the perfect place to go if you want to take a step back and enjoy nature at its finest. The land available to you is filled with lush grass and even a secret hideout or two.

However, if you're interested in a more lively vacation, Omaka accommodates that too. There's plenty of space to get active, the ground offering you options such as a flying fox or even an obstacle course. Both amazing choices that only scrape the surface of what's available. The spacious land is divided by a stream that only adds to the personality of the camp. While it gives you the opportunity to enjoy water based activities, animal lovers can instead make friends with Omaka’s pets. The eels.

If the quiet nature of camp isn't what you're in the mood for then the city of Christchurch is only a few minutes drive. The distance is only one of the best factors, because Christchurch itself has plenty to offer. All the way from The Christchurch Tram to the art spread throughout the city, it's guaranteed to have something for everybody. If the town life isn't for you then a less then five minute walk away lies a lake, suitable for everybody and can provide entertainment for hours.

So after my sales pitch, and the highest recommendation that I can offer, I hope you realize that Omaka is as good as it can get for a holiday you'll remember. Where else could you find a gorgeous stream with wildlife and enough space for everyone to get their own share? If you're looking for your next holiday destination I hope you choose Omaka Scout Camp.

Travel- Christchurch

Christchurch is filled with many amazing opportunities, something I learnt recently. From parks you could spend all day in, to a unique way to travel through the city. Seeing as there are so many great places to visit that not many people would think to go to, I’ve decided to share my experience in hope of giving others ideas for an enjoyable trip into the city.

While planning our day we needed to find a form of transport, walking from point A to B would be tiring if we were to do it throughout the whole day. We then found the Christchurch Tram, a way to move through the the city I highly recommend. With seventeen different stops to get on and off at, the tram makes getting around Christchurch simple. Add on the interesting information given to you by the tram driver during the ride, the Tram is the best option.

 

Now you have a form of transportation you need somewhere to go. The first place I went to happens to also have been my favorite. The museum is a hard place to miss when considering going to Christchurch, but most of my group was unaware of the amazing exhibition inside. If you ever get some spare time, you need to go to the Air New Zealand 75yr exhibit. With a variety of interactive activities this is the best way to go. My personal highlight was definitely the virtual reality I took part in, which everyone should try.

 

The new addition to Christchurch, The Margaret Mahy Playground will definitely have caught your eye if you went for a day out. So instead of selling you this park which should already be on your agenda, I will instead give you a few tips about what you must do. The water section is great for kids, so long as you don’t mind them getting wet. The twisting slide that draws your attention first, gets a bit cramped near the top when you’re getting up. The slide down is well worth it though.

After such tiring activities you’re going to need a break for lunch. If the proud advertising surrounding

the shipping container mall settled near the middle of the city didn’t draw you in, then the promise of food should. The mall offers you plenty of choices on both the food and shopping front, though located next to the Cozy Cafe is a set of signs that I wouldn’t advise thinking about for too long.

Now if you plan to head to Christchurch there is a very tiny chance that you haven’t heard about the earthquakes. While devastating natural occurrences, they have proven to be an intriguing subject many have wanted to learn more about. If you happen to be someone who does wish to know more, Quake City is definitely something you should check out. With a spot to make your own earthquake, video footage to examine and a section to build your own house from Lego, they have something for everyone.

I came across too much on my day in Christchurch to out into this, but having shared with you some must see places I hope it inspires you to take another look at the city. It’s evolving every day and new things to see just keep popping up. So I hope if you make a trip through this ever expanding place you find it as enjoyable as I have.

Mt Grey

I finally did my mountain! With the help of my mom and Mr B I walked to the top of  Mt Grey.  The way up was slippery, not ideal climbing conditions at all. However, I much preferred it down there once we arrived at the top. There was so much wind and no shelter. To make matters worse the top wasn't as close as we thought it'd be once we came out of the trees. After a grueling trudge to the actual top we waited for a bit, snacking on some food. We then found a road down, a much nicer way compared to the sloped path that twisted, no surface to really grip to. We ate lunch, then began our trek down. We finally arrived back to the car at 4 PM. The trip was fun, don't get me wrong, climbing up mountains isn't at all my strong suit.

Pink Walk

This year I decided to do the Pink Walk once again, and it was just as fun as last year. I raised, with the help of my mom, $383. It was a great cause to be walking for and I'm glad I did it. I walked alongside Zoe and Piper for a small section near the start but I lost them in the crowd while going to get a drink of water. I hope I'll be able to participate in it next year.

Here's a photo of us before the walk.

Hockey

For my hobby in the 2016 WPCA I chose Hockey, and I'm extremely glad I did. I enjoyed participating in Summer hockey alongside with the club hockey I did in Winter. Apparently, I did a great job because at the end of winter hockey we held a prizegiving. Turns out that I'm the most improved player.

Kayaking

On the 9th of November all of the Yr 8's, including myself, went all the way to Christchurch for kayaking. I was placed in a group that I would remain with for the rest of the day. The day moved quickly, with us all trying to steer our kayaks properly and ending up bumping into others anyway. During one of our activities we had to stand up in our kayak, it turns out that I have terrible balance because as soon as I tried I promptly fell into the water. Though, I redeemed myself later in the day by successfully standing up. It was at the end of the day when my favourite part occurred, Jack and Eb had decided that pushing a kayak down the bank, while in it, would be great fun. After failing in a few of their first attempts I was called to help. I proceeded to spend the majority of the time left pushing other people in kayaks, though I did get a turn myself.

Overall, I had a blast kayaking and now it's safe to say I've finished all my WPCA Activities.