During the recent school holidays, a group of students and staff travelled to New Zealand to attend Space Camp at the International Antarctic Centre in Christchurch and then on to Queenstown, via beautiful Lake Tekapo, to enjoy snowboarding and skiing.
During the recent school holidays, a group of students and staff travelled to New Zealand to attend Space Camp at the International Antarctic Centre in Christchurch and then on to Queenstown, via beautiful Lake Tekapo, to enjoy snowboarding and skiing.Below are extracts of their blog:
Day 1
Arrived safely in Christchurch and the boys jumped straight in to it! We met our lovely guide Eleri and took a bus tour of the city. Despite being awake for more than 26 hours, there was no hesitation to get immersed in New Zealand culture. Waka on Avon was a great way to begin the journey. Students learned about the history, culture and language of the Māori people. We're checked in to our space pods at Jucy Snooze and can't wait to begin our Space Camp Experience tomorrow.
Day 2
After a wonderful breakfast, we set off for the International Antarctic Centre. We knew we were in safe hands when we met the IAC Scientist in Resident who would be showing us around this next few days. Karina Leppik is the 100th woman to complete a winter over at the South Pole, along with many other out-of-this-worldly achievements.
Jet-lag disappeared very quickly when we stepped in to the 4D Extreme weather simulator. A chilly -8° became -14° with 40 km/h blizzard winds being thrown at us under a darkened sky. Penguin huddles justified. Students continued on and learned the importance of Antarctica, not just for space research but for our very existence here on Earth.
On to a bus and to the Air Force Museum! A great experience, with everyone understanding the Theory of Flight. Flying interactives, Top Gun references and amazing displays, what a way to end our first day.
A game of pool, an Indian buffet and a reflection to look back on the past 48 hours in store for this evening. Over and out.
Day 3 Space Camp Log. Fynn's Crew reporting!
It was a frosty morning, but fluffy blueberry pancakes warmed us up instantly. We started our second day at IAC and we were given our first goal; design and build a moon rover with Lego. You would think this would be child's play, right? However, the challenges brought us back down to earth. After a few failed missions our rovers successfully navigated the moon.
It wasn't long before we were introduced to Claire O'Connell from Dawn Aerospace who enlightened us on new and innovative technologies that focus on reducing space junk. How awesome that they're currently working on designing a rocket plane able to reach new heights!
After listening to the experts talk the talk, it was time for us to walk the walk. Students from the University of Canterbury's Aerospace Club taught us how to make our very own rockets. A task that taught us one very important lesson: rockets aren't built in a day.
It was now time to connect the stars and truly discover the galaxy through various telescopic lenses. Did you know Pluto and its moon share a dance every night?
After flying high all day it was finally time to land and discover all that Christchurch's central city had to offer.
Fynn's Crew (Aidan Nigli, Samuel Pittard, Linus Schad, Jack Sullivan, Angus Tinley, David Tugwell, Luca Vykopal and Hayden White)
Day 4: Space Camp Log. Leicester's crew reporting!
The day started in a flurry of excitement as we fuelled up on eggs and toast and headed back to the IAC. The bus was parked and ready to take us on a new adventure away from the city and up into the mountains.
After splitting into three groups, our group ventured up the muddy mountains of Christchurch. Perhaps the most beautiful thing about NZ is its captivating scenery. The towering pine trees, slippery slopes and the sound of the stream as it flowed down the rolling hills.
After an invigorating hike we harnessed up and piled into the vans which took us up a winding road to the ultimate peak. While the weather stopped us from launching our rockets, it couldn't stop us from launching off the mountain and sailing the longest zipline in the Southern Hemisphere.
When we got back to the IAC we hoped we'd get the chance to finally launch our rockets. However, Houston, we still had a problem!! But never fear, the conquerors came to the rescue! AKA: The huskies and their handler, Joe. Through Joe's inspiring storytelling we learned that not only are huskies adorable, they are also heroes who on their journey to the South Pole showcased immense skill, determination and persistence.
Until tomorrow, up, up and away!
Leicester's crew (Kabir Bajwa, Cael Brooks, Lachlan Coates, Xavier Curr, Tyler Firth, Kyan Mathews, David Oxford and Noah Rijs)
Day 5: Space Camp Log. Kennedy's Krew reporting!
There was a chill in the air but that didn't deter our morning run. Picture crisp air, a beam of light illuminating off the bridge (which we learned symbolises the snowy mountains in the west) and the famous Golden Arches which helped lead us back to base camp.
Today we were lucky to meet Dr. Chris Martin who made the top 100 astronaut candidates in 2009. He asked the question of the day; How do you become an astronaut? The answer: you shouldn't spend your life wanting to become an astronaut, instead you should follow your passion and do what you love. You never know, it may launch you to new heights!
Not only does the IAC reveal the wonders of Antarctica they also rehabilitate fuzzy fairy penguins. Watching Fred, Nick and Yappy shaking their little furry bodies as they glide through the water showed how happy they are in their safer environment.
Finally, we got to ride the Hägglunds. A mechanical marvel that traverses rugged terrain. Resilient. Unstoppable. It dances effortlessly through muddy swamps, conquers treacherous mountains and defies the laws of nature. We only wish the ride was longer.
The last session of the day proved that the sky isn't actually the limit as we navigated through the science of astrobiology. It got us thinking about worlds far beyond our reach, eager to be explored.
One small step for man, one giant leap for CBC Fremantle.
Kennedy's Krew (Xavier Brun, Lachlan Higgs, Oliver Ruocchio, Jackson Mithen, Elliott Neesham, Finn Robinson and Thomas Woodrow)
Day 6: Space Camp Log. De Palma's Crew reporting!
It was the countdown to graduation. But first we had our final mission; the launch to the red planet: Mars. Finally, some launch success! We learned about making the most of our resources, meeting budgets and working as a team under constraints.
Our voyage to Antarctica began not long after as we experienced the 4D theatre, journeying through the harsh conditions of the Antarctic.
With the end near it was time to hang up our suits. Karina Leppik, our Mission Director formally acknowledged us as we accepted our graduation certificates. However, some stars shone a little brighter. A huge congratulations to Hunta Reid, Finn Robinson, Alexander Harris, Samuel Pittard and Xavier Brun for receiving Excellence Awards and gift bags for their commitment and hard work over the last five days.
After all that excitement we took our final flight into the stratosphere. Mark Rocket from KEA Aerospace dropped in to talk to us about merging new technologies and industries to tap into unused stratospace.
Walking out of the doors for the final time we gave one last salute to the dedicated team at the IAC, thanking them for this incredible experience.
Since it was our last night it was time to pay our respects to the city of Christchurch. Considering over 80% of the city was demolished in the 2011 earthquake it was inspiring to see how everyone came together to rebuild this beautiful city.
It goes without saying that CBC Fremantle have proudly set our flag down along the rest. And it is now time to return to earth.
Mission accomplished.
De Palma's Crew (Oscar Holohan, Angus Horton, Torin Lamond, Noah Preston, Hunta Reid, Tom Ricci, Milan Siddell, Joseph Spadaccini)
Day 7: Lake Tekapo. Ogden's crew reporting!
By 9am we were packed, bus loaded and ready to start our three-hour journey from Christchurch to Lake Tekapo. It was nice to get out of the city and into the countryside. We drove through vast plains, snowy mountains and flowing rivers. A huge contrast to the scenery in Perth.
When we arrived, we were struck by the intense beauty of the place. The crystal blue of the lake against the green and white alpine background made us stop for a second.
Once our bathers were on we felt two extremes; the biting cold shortly followed by the steaming heat of the hot springs. Once we'd warmed up a bit we could appreciate the beauty that surrounded us.
We struggled to get out of the pools but it was on to the next adventure; the Dark Sky Project. We went in with no expectations but we came out with a greater knowledge of the merging of Science and Māori culture, through cinematic interactions and experiences. The final treat was when got to see a 125-year-old telescope worth 15 million dollars. Did you know, for every grain of sand on earth there are 10,000 stars?
As the sun set it was our turn to hit the slopes. Snow tubing down a half pipe was the perfect way to end the day. It was invigorating, despite our frozen toes and fingers it was all smiles. We even had the chance to watch a bit of ice hockey! What a great day in Lake Tekapo!
See you on the slopes Queenstown!
Ogden's crew (Nick Collins, Xavier Fitzpatrick, Alexander Harris, Rylan Paatsch, Joshua Ranallo, Micah Renton, Nathan Yau)
Day 8
We left Lake Tekapo just as the sun rose over the mountains. The next three-hour journey took us along one of the most beautiful drives. The winding roads, the steep terrain, the snow-topped mountain peaks in the distance... Lake Pukaki, at the base of Mt Cook, was breathtaking.
The drive into Queenstown had all the boys wide awake and ready to tackle the fun afternoon. Up the gondolas, then up the chair lifts... we went high! A few were apprehensive about heights but once we got to the top, the view over Queenstown made it all worth it.
After admiring the view, helmets went on and our true competitive sides kicked right in. To the Luge!!! Three epic races down the mountain, twisting and turning around the tightest bends, manoeuvring past the not-so-need for speed other tourists...
Day 9
We were worried about the instruction, "you must be showered and ready to go for a 5.45am breakfast". But everyone was ready to go on time for our first big day up the mountain!
Up Coronet Peak today for a full day of ski or snowboard awesomeness! Every single one of the boys chose snowboarding today. Some knew nothing, some knew a little and some knew a lot! Today was a massive lesson in perseverance. Snowboarding ended up being a little harder than first thought, however, this didn't dampen spirits. They were in the snow! The sun was out (and so were the 1000s of other up and down the slopes) and it was a fabulous first day in the Queenstown mountains.
A few curious ones decided to jump on the gondolas and head right to the top. Coronet Peak has a fabulous view over the slopes and there were snow-topped mountains as far as the eye could see.
Day 10
Our last day in the snow on the slopes of The Remarkables – skiing and snowboarding. Huge improvement in skills! Ski and Snowboard instructors were awesome. The road up the mountain was terrifying - hairpin bends, narrow road and up and up and up ….
Our final evening together was spent bowling at KingPin Bowling where we said a huge thank you to the teachers: Ms Lana de Palma, Ms Leanne Ogden, Ms Jenae Fynn, Mr Daniel Kennedy, Mr Andre Leicester and Ms Marilyn Schmidt.
Click here to view the extended gallery for the Tour.
