Community Service: Day 2 at Green Gables

Last Thursday I returned to Green Gables with Grandad where I helped to serve drinks at Happy Hour.  Then I went into the kitchen and put on my hair net and spooned all the soup into cups for the residents in the hospital ward.  Next I was serving soup and meat to the residents of the rest home (I even got told off by a grumpy lady because I didn't put enough soup into a bowl!!). 

Community Service:   4 hours to date

I Started My Community Service

Today I scooted down to where my Grandad works, Green Gables Rest Home.  At 3:30pm I met Grandad at his house.  We walked across the road and we had a look around, then Grandad introduced me to alot of the staff and residents.  One lovely lady named Flo and I had a conversation about where I go to school and why I'm doing this.  We helped Flo into the wheelchair and we all went for a walk around the neighborhood.  Grandad said Flo is a good one to take for a walk because she is so light!  Later I helped serve dinner and give out the tomato sauce.  Today was a sad day for Green Gables and for Nelson as a local identity passed away.  To pay our respects I helped Grandad lower the flag to half-mast.

                              

My Grandad and one of the residents.

Look What Happened While I Was On Camp!!!

While I was away tramping and camping, Mum and my brothers were looking after my veggie garden and look what happened.  I can tell which one is the beetroot because its got red shoots.  Note all the different leaf shapes!  OMG I'm glad I labelled the trays!!!

Challenge One: The Tongariro Crossing. Completed!

On Tuesday the 19th of February the two Year 8 classes from Nelson College Prep woke to a hot, sunny morning ready for a BIG tramp over the Tongariro Crossing.  With temperatures expecting to exceed 26 degrees, we packed lots of water, food, hats and sunscreen.  We also prepared for the worst, putting wet weather gear and warm clothes into our day packs.

Fifty three excited students packed the buses along with 19 adults and we headed off.

We started the tramp led by Sarah Cate our guide.  Quickly the group stretched out.  We had regular stops to close up.

The start of the track consisted of wide flat surfaces and board walks but this quickly changed to a section called The Devil's Staircase which is heaps of steep steps and slopping paths covered with volcanic rock and dust!

After a good 30 minute climb we were welcomed by the magnificent Southern Crater.  There the boys performed the school haka, witnessed by some confused but impressed tourists.

The next part consisted of an unmarked climb to the Red Crater struggling over tiny, loose pieces of volcanic rock. 

Viewing the Red Crater for the first time I felt excited and relieved to have made it to the top.  Also there was an adrenaline rush going through my tired body which helped me appreciate the wonder of nature and forces that work beneath us.  After an info talk from Sarah Cate and a safety briefing we started our decent.

Heading down towards the finish I had a mixture of relief and sadness.  Part of me wanted this over but another part wanted more as this was a beautiful and special place.

A big thanks to Ms E, Mr Nott, Joy (our photographer) and the awesome parents.

For more photos Nelson Prep. School

Heading up the Devils Staircase.

Haka in the South crater with Mt Ngauruhoe behind.

Heading up towards the Red Crater with the South Crater behind me.
Note the light line, that's the trail we walked earlier.

Phoning Mum from the Red Crater.

Made it!... The beautiful Red Crater.

Crossing the finish line with the saddle behind.      

My New Hobby - The Veggie Garden!!

Today I got started on my 'take up a new hobby' challenge - my vegetable garden project.  I planted a range of veggies into seed trays including; silver beet, brussel sprouts, lettuces, radishes, cauliflower and broccoflower.  I was using seed raising mix so I had to wear gloves and a face mask.

Today I went to the supermarket with my mum to buy all of the ingredients for my dinner tomorrow night.  My buddy is Harrison and we are making tacos!
Tomorrow my journey starts proper with the first challenge.  At 9:30am I meet my class and the other Year 8 class at school and we board the bus bound for Tongariro National Park via one night in Wellington.  I'm looking forward to the trip and the weather is looking great!!

Dad Found Me On The Willam Pike Challenge Award Facebook Page!

William Pike Challenge Award

January 23

Some schools doing the WPCA have an application form for students to complete before they begin the WPCA. Have a read of 2 questions and responses from Nelson Prep. School's, Josh:

Q: What is one thing you hope to learn from being part of the WPCA?

A: Approach fears and challenges in the future with a thoughtful and calm problem solving manner. Learn how to safely enjoy the outdoors.

Q: Whats the top reason for you wanting to do the WPCA?

A: Because I love getting outside and active, I also find this to be an exciting challenge. A bonus will be that I will get fitter for the rugby season

Miss E & Nelson Prep Y8 2013 WPCA Participants with William Pike. 

William Pike Challenge Award

January 25

Continuing on from yesterday.....a question and response from Nelson Prep. School's, Josh:

Q: For part of the WPCA you will need to take up a new sport, hobby or skill throughout the year. What do you intend to do and what are the goals you will put in place to keep you motivated throughout the year?

A: The hobby I intend to carry out for the year is to prepare and maintain a vegetable garden over all seasons. My goals will be in sections. Preparation, Planting, Maintenance and Crops. But my main goal will be how many crops are produced from seedlings or packet seed. For example, if I plant 50 potatoes and harvest 150 I will see that as a goal achieved. I will diary events throughout the year.

• Pauline Newton A mature goal for an intermediate aged boy. Fantastic idea!

  January 25 at 9:34pm · Like · 1
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  William Pike Challenge Award I agree! I'll be asking for some photos throughout the year...

  January 25 at 9:53pm · Like

  
  

Doing Some Training

Recently I went out to do some bike training.  I hopped on my bike to discover that my bike was way too small for me!  I've done a lot of growing in a year!  Mum, Dad and I looked around a number of shops before we settled on a Bauer Bravo 26 inch mountain bike.  I have been on some good trails with my family around Rabbit Island and the Tantragee Saddle.  I am looking forward to exploring a lot more of Nelson before heading back to school soon!