CAMPING THE KIWI WAY

Encouraging our future generations of campers: family-friendly camping

Campfest was awesome to say the least. The weekend started with a welcome, then the kids programme. 

We dressed up and entertained the children with fun songs, games and stories. The adults enjoyed it too and even participated in the games. Imagine rolling a small Oreo biscuit from your forehead and getting it into your mouth, sounds easy, Not So!

To go with the camping theme, the songs were: There’s a hole in my tent dear Shona, with Barry mending it. The wheels on the camper van, My Highland Goat. Stories: Goldilocks and the three bears, The 3 little Pigs from Revolting Rhymes by Roald Dahl.

Saturday mornings children’s programme started at 9.15 am after 15 minutes of music thanks to Karen Clarke who also played the guitar for us.

Children’s team were Margaret, Alice, Rhonda, Cheryl with Laura who joined us. Music by Karen.

Again, lots of songs, stories and a play written by Alice with puppets provided by Rhonda. It was fun but not as many children as the night before.

There was also a bike track, treasure hunt quiz, lions hunt where there was the occasional child asking if the lions are out. Competitions (colouring-in and free style), as well as tent pitching which the kids loved, after pitching it, they then did it blind folded to simulate putting the tent up in the dark.

Discussion workshops were held and The Best Camper Competition, which brought a lot of oohs and ahhs from people as they talked to the campers who entered.

The market was great, lots of variety and many people looking. My favourite was the face painting, so cool seeing so may fabulous designs on children and adults.

The camp was buzzing with many activities, people chatting and generally having fun, as well as meeting new people.

It was great seeing so many tents, vans, caravans and motorhomes. Adults, families relaxing and children having fun in a safe environment.

I talked to a few people who said it was their first time at camp, the feedback, was that they really enjoyed it, in fact everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves.

The facilities were great, the clubrooms were well used by people chilling or meeting over a drink and chatting. The clubrooms were awesome rooms with great atmosphere — a fantastic place to have our camps. Thank you to Bulls Rugby Club and Andy Watson the Rangitikei District Mayor. In fact all the facilities were amazing. The committee really planned this camp, with a grey water station and lots of rubbish bins, as well as porta-loos.

The food trucks were definitely well worth having there, delicious fresh meals at a good price. The hamburgers (chicken and bacon) with a generous amount of chips, were very popular. I liked how the food trucks supported each other. I did see the ice cream truck but not for long.

A huge draw card, was the stage and music, talent contest, open mike time and the bands which played on to 9pm. This brought a carnival atmosphere to the camp. 

The stage was a focal point for meeting and having fun. I observed a young girl going on stage and singing in the day, was great to see her enjoying the freedom of the place.

Karen was an awesome, natural, fun MC. She kept us up with everything that was happening. My favourite song was Karen and her online dating, I hope she records it hint hint …

Sunday, the local fire brigade came, talked and demonstrated to us on how to use fire extinguishers as well as safe practices in the vans and our homes. Several people had a go with the extinguishers. It was very informative with great question and answer time. They had give-aways and stayed on talking to several people.

It was fun watching everyone receive their awards from kids competitions, to the camping awards.

Andy Watson, the Rangitikei District Mayor, came and enjoyed part of Sunday, and the award ceremony. 

All in all, it was a fantastic Campfest, congratulations to the committee for your dedication and hard work, you certainly created a fun, happy environment for us all.

I heard a lot of people say “bring on next year” I am one of those.