Fossils and frogs highlights of camp

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 11, Issue 529, 29 March 1994, Page 6

Fossils and frogs highlights of camp

Fossilised shells and live frogs are just a few of the treasures that 10 pupils of Rangataua School have to remindthemof their recent camp at Pokaka. The children, accompanied by principal Alison Thomas and husband Bill, spent a week under canvas at the Thomas' Pokaka property, adjacent to Pokaka Lodge - a communal building owned by Hutt Valley Memorial College. The main objective of the camp, according to Mrs Thomas, was to teach cooperation and sharing, as well as being a valuable 'back to nature' learning experience for the youngsters. Fossil-hunting, caving, bush-craft and horse-trek-

king were just some of the activities enjoyed by the group. One of the highlights was canoeing on a disused flooded gravel pit at Kaitieke, amidst the beauty of the native bush. Since returning to the classroom, Rangataua School pupils have produced copious material related to the trip for individual choice projects, including photo studies, stories and drawings. .A further follow-up to the camp was a bee-keep-ing project, after the children showed considerable interest in the Thomas' hives. Waimarino apiarist Mary Allen visited the school to share her vast knowledge of the subject.