In week 8 almost 100 Year 12 pupils attended the annual Sport and PE camps at Camp Baker, Action Matakana’s Military Arts Academy.
The camp was split in two, with Mr Stevens and Mr Adams classes attending the first three days, whilst Mr Revill and Mr King’s classes went for the second part of the week. The camp centres itself on developing knowledge of Risk Management and Socially Responsible Behaviours whilst developing students' teamwork, independence and leadership skills through interacting in a wide range of activities. 

The highlight of the trip is the 1 km long “Confidence Course”, made up of 24 different obstacles, whilst carrying a 20kg jerry can, which must also be taken over each obstacle. This is designed to test the group's mental and physical resolve and their ability to function as a unit. The course is completed twice, once on the first day and once on the last day, to gauge the improvements the participants have made during their time at Camp Baker. 

The instructors that run Action Matakana were suitably impressed with the approach of the Waitākere College pupils, and the results reflected this, with a number of groups breaking the one-hour mark on the second run through. One particular group knocked almost forty five minutes off their initial time, going from 1 hour 29 minutes to an almost unbelievable 45 minutes! The fastest time of the week. 

Well done to all the students that showed tremendous manawanui and a big thank you to the Waitakere College staff that ensured a smooth week for all involved! 

- Mr Revill