Journey

Just because I could yesterday, doesn’t mean I can today.  But just because I can’t today, doesn’t mean I won’t be able to tomorrow.

Four days, 681km and 16 special teenagers ….. and the curtain has gone down on Te Awhinatia Camp 2021 in Wellington.  Not many teachers or schools would have been brave enough to attempt a camp with Learning Centre students.  The complexity of care, and level of support required, for our teenagers is far beyond normal.  There is also the risk of something going seriously wrong.  Yet Mr Cripps and Ms Yetman, supported by the Teachers Aides, ensured Te Awhinatia camp ran smoothly and the students had a fantastic time.  Five parents accompanied the students with the highest level of needs as extra support.  Monday was travel day and mid-afternoon we visited the NZ Police Museum in Porirua.  The students enjoyed wearing the police uniforms and testing the motorcycle.  We stayed three nights at Silverstream Retreat in the Hutt Valley and the students were excited to settle into their rooms.  On Tuesday morning we were treated to an early tour of Te Taiao Nature at Te Papa Tongarewa and then had some time to explore the other exhibits.  We walked through downtown Wellington to ride the Cable Car from Lambton Quay to Kelburn.  Then led by Bernie we made our way to Wellington Railway Station and caught the train north back to Silverstream.  The students were a little quieter on Tuesday evening.  The day was action packed and required a reasonable amount of walking.  For most of them it is a challenge to be away from home and their usual supports and routine.  Wednesday morning we enjoyed a tour of Weta Workshop.  The teenagers loved getting up close with the props used in movies like Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, Power Rangers and Thor Ragnarok.  Following lunch at Newton Park we spent the afternoon at Wellington Zoo.  The meerkats were popular with the students (and staff) and Rory got up close with an Australian dingo.  He managed to walk around the whole zoo with his walker even though some of it is quite steep.  While the kids were chilling at Silverstream I snuck out for a walk along the Hutt River Trail.  I discovered a great community restoration project along Mawaihakona Stream.  They had removed the pest plants, planted over 1,000 native species and created a loop walk track complete with a bridge, seats and Pou.  It reminded me of the interactive exhibit at Te Taiao.  If we harness our mauri (life force) and work together nature will flourish.  On Friday we drove home and Rory and I managed two special stops.  At Levin SPCA we adopted David Hasslehop, a Flemish/wild rabbit cross.  Sadly our lovely mini-lop Smudge was found dead in his cage while we were away.  Sister Cosmo was now alone and needed a new companion.  We timed our drive north through Foxton with the opening hours of the Foxton Fizz Outlet.  We were able to pool our cash to get a mixed box of flavours which were appreciated for dinner when we arrived home.  Rory is one of the more reserved students.  He is usually quiet.  He didn’t wish to appear ridiculous by taking part in the skits on the final night.  However, he loves days full of activity and being in the company of people he likes.  Te Awhinatia Camp was a wonderful experience for him.  He was lucky to get Friday off school and finish the week hanging out with Rob.  They got up to their usual antics.  Rory came home with a smile and he has slept very well the last couple of nights.