2007 Camp

2007 Camp

On 15th to 17th June 2007, our infamous silent weekend camp was hosted once again at Lake Taupo, a beautiful and tranquil spot. We were blessed with excellent weather, thank goodness. About 130 people, a record number of attendees, merrily made their way to the camp which was transformed into a New Zealand Sign Language zone. Voices were switched off for the entire weekend and 260 hands fluttered in NZSL.

The theme was kiwiana and yes, we were showered with kiwiana stuff from day to night led by Darryl Alexander, our Camp Leader. Participants were divided in 12 kiwiana teams i.e. Team Gumboots, Team Kiwifruit, Team All Blacks. Language activities were peppered with kiwiana flavour. Staying true to the theme, camp food was not foreign but delicious.

Everything was New Zealand, New Zealand, New Zealand! Just about everyone donned kiwiana costumes on Saturday night and showed off their creative flair. People were wrapped in pavalova, paua, tramping gear, buzzy bees, sheep, Fred Dagg, fern and so on. The winner went to Miss Paua, see photo below. Each team had to put together a drama skit about their team name and kept the audience entertained (and cracking).

On Sunday morning, kiwiana teams battled at toptown and the winning title went to Team Kauri (yep, they only got lollies!). Before we knew it, the weekend was over and it was time to bid each other farewell. Some didn't want to hang their signing hands up. Participants left feeling more confidence about their signing.