Adventure Awaits: Highlights from CGA’s First School Camp in New Zealand

Crimson Global Academy (CGA) successfully hosted its first-ever school camp at Teapot Valley Camp in Nelson, New Zealand, in February 2025. With 34 students participating, the camp offered an incredible opportunity for students to connect with their peers, build friendships, and engage in a variety of exciting activities.

CGA Deputy Principal Mr Ronan Kearney, who was present at the camp, shared his first-hand experience of this unforgettable adventure. Here's Mr. Kearney's account of the day-to-day highlights from CGA's inaugural camp:

Day 1: Arrival and Icebreakers

We've had a fantastic first full day at camp! Students continued arriving throughout the morning, and by 17:00 almost everyone was here. We're excited to welcome our final camper tomorrow.

The day started with a relaxed morning after breakfast, where students spent time getting to know each other while playing and learning new board and card games. It was great to see friendships connecting from online to offline so easily.

Once our mid-morning arrivals had settled in and enjoyed lunch, the afternoon kicked off with a team Round-Robin tournament. Five teams competed across ten events, showing off their teamwork and competitive spirit. The winners will be revealed tomorrow!

After afternoon tea, students enjoyed some downtime before heading to the pool, where the highlight of the day was the competition to see who could pull off the best waterslide moves.

After dinner, students chose to wind down with free time and games. There’s already buzz about tomorrow’s evening plans, including icebreakers and possible karaoke.

Day 2: Action-Packed Adventures and Karaoke Fun

Today was an action-packed onsite activity day, with students taking on a variety of challenges and having an absolute blast! The lineup of activities included indoor climbing, archery, pool inflatables, go-karts, the waterslide, and ziplining—plenty to keep everyone engaged and energised.

There were some standout performances, with Archie setting a new camp record for the furthest distance travelled in a go-kart and Thalia hitting the only bullseye in Archery this morning! Meanwhile, Sol, Nicholas, and Oscar impressed on the pool inflatable course, tying for the fastest time at an incredible 3.7 seconds.

Cabin 5 took on the responsibility of looking after the dining hall today, ensuring tables were stocked with water and handling the post-dinner cleanup—including hoovering (or "vacuuming," as I was corrected on). They did a fantastic job keeping everything running smoothly.

The evening was just as lively, thanks to Emma’s excellent organisation of a karaoke night. The event featured a mix of performances, including an enthusiastic staff-led Australian dance session (Ms. Fitzgerald led the Heel and Toe Polka and the Nutbush), a comedy sketch, and plenty of memorable karaoke moments. Highlights included a stunning Wicked duet by Emma and Seanne and a throwback performance of Teenage Dirtbag that brought back memories of the Vietnam trip!

Day 3: Scenic Hike at Abel Tasman National Park

What a day! We started bright and early with breakfast before heading out for our much-anticipated hike in Abel Tasman. The weather was absolutely perfect, making for an incredible day of walking, exploring, and soaking in the stunning scenery.

Our morning hike took us along the coastline and through the trees, with plenty of picture stops (and a well-earned snack break) before reaching Stilwell Bay for lunch—an impressive 7km covered by that point! After refuelling, we continued our trek, cutting across the headland from Akersten Bay to Anchorage Bay, completing the full 12km.

The effort was well worth it, as we arrived with plenty of time to enjoy a refreshing swim in the sea and some well-deserved relaxation on the beach before catching the sea shuttle back to camp.

Back at camp, we wound down with a relaxed evening of games, bracelet making, and, as the sun set, a few rounds of Spotlight in the dark.

Day 4: Final Activities and Farewell Celebrations

Our final full day at camp has been an incredible way to wrap up this amazing trip! Today was packed with onsite activities, including disc golf, crate stacking, and a confidence course challenge. Students worked through each in their groups, showing fantastic enthusiasm.

Shoutouts include:

• Nicholas set the best time for the confidence course, completing it in an impressive 48 seconds!
• Ollie and Ariel showed remarkable balance and determination on the metal bull.
• Our crate stacking champions—Doris, Hunter, Leela, and Amara—managed the full 18 crates!
• Emma sailed through disc golf with ease, and Calib also put in an outstanding performance.

During their free time, students enjoyed making bracelets before we tackled the less exciting but necessary task of cabin cleaning. Everyone worked together to get their spaces in shape before our departure tomorrow.

To wind down, Miu generously provided moisturising face masks for a little relaxation, and we ended the night with a fun-filled trivia quiz organised by Emma and Ariel. The evening concluded with shout-out awards for every camper, thoughtfully arranged by Paige, Xheherazade, Emma, and Ariel. It was a wonderful way to celebrate each other and the friendships formed throughout camp.

A Memorable Experience

Reflecting on the experience, Mr. Kearney concluded:

"This trip has highlighted how effortlessly our students support and appreciate one another, making new friends and strengthening bonds—both in person and online. They’re already asking when the next trip will be!"