News Letter Sept 2022

Newsletter 2022 Term 3

Please pass the following information to teachers at your school.  With so many major changes happening in Deep Cove it is important that schools are made aware of these.

The Trust congratulates and thanks those teachers who have already and will organise successful camps at the hostel.  We appreciate your efforts to ensure students have a fun filled learning experience.

Bookings 2023

Bob Hughes continues to handle this complex jig saw.  We are getting unprecedented demand from schools and Universities for bookings, and this problem is exacerbated by the need to fit in four schools that had to cancel their trips during the problems caused by Covid 19.

There has also been a noticeable increase in schools seeking a time slot.  These problems are further compounded by schools who book from Monday to Thursday, meaning that from Thursday PM to Monday PM the hostel is empty.  This space could well be used by a school that is willing to go in over a part weekend or a weekend.

Some schools experience difficulty in getting parents to attend camps.  Going over a weekend could in some cases alleviate this problem as parents would only need to take two days off work instead of four.  Some flexibility would help greatly to overcome this problem and reduce the chances that some schools could sadly miss out altogether.

Some schools wish to take groups of up to 50 people into Deep Cove.  It must be remembered that maximum loading on RealNZ busess is 45 people.  If an additional bus is required, there will be an additional charge of $695 if this service can be accommodated.

See more information at our webpage deepcovehostel.co.nz  Open the tab at the top of the page  SCHOOLS/EDUCATION info. And on the next page The tab at the top left “Teachers” and scroll down for more information. 

WebPage

The Trust have a webpage available which contains information for the benefit of teachers, students and parents.  We encourage you to use this site prior to your visit to the hostel, this includes, amongst other things, information relating to the history of the area, power projects, flora and fauna, marine environment and sites of interest.  The site can be found at deepcovehostel.co.nz and clicking on the SCHOOLS/EDUCATION Info tab.  There is so much to learn at Deep Cove which can not be done in 4 days. Advising students and parents of this link prior to going to camp could provide information and stimulate ideas, which can then enhance outcomes.

Nature Guides.

Laura Dawson, Real NZ drives this fabulous program.  Feed back from schools is amazing, please contact Real NZ to discuss your program preferences, when you confirm your bookings.

Android App

An app is now available for Android phones and tablets.  This app, “Discover Deep Cove” can be downloaded from the play store for free, preferably before you leave for Deep Cove.  Using the app to scan QR codes placed at strategic places, information relating to that site becomes available.  Information includes identification of plants, fish, birds and includes photographs, text information, and in the case of birds recordings of the sounds they make.  We have 6 tablets available at Deep Cove for the use of people staying at the hostel.  The app means that not only teachers, but adults and students can access this information while out walking.  At present only the Brassell Point track has QR codes, although we are actively working to provide similar information for other tracks and points of interest.  If you have any suggestions for inclusions, please drop a line to Bruce Smart - wildweka@gmail.com 

Radios.

A new information sheet explaining how to use the handheld radios is now available in the kitchen radio room and on the electronic whiteboard. Anyone at the hostel could find that they are required to use one of our radios.

Working Bee.

28 volunteers attended a working bee at Deep Cove earlier this year, a huge amount was achieved to the benefit of people using the hostel.  Two obvious things are that the hostel now has a walk-in chiller where the pantry used to be, instead of the stand alone chilllers in the kitchen which created a considerable amount of noise, and a remodelled resource room.

Resources.

Numerous resources are now available for the use of school parties. Check them out. They include marine studies, microscopes, information on the whiteboard Please look after these and report any faults or damage to the Hostel Manager.  The resource room has now been remodelled and some exciting exercises and equipment can be found there.

Feed Back

We appreciate your follow-up reports and again, thank you.  A quick telephone, text or email to Bob or Malcolm helps improve the camp experience.

Education Hub

A great teaching facility, keen to see you making use of it.  Be sure to see the magnificent images on display and include the attached toilets and showers in your visit. While there, look up at the ceilings. 

Tracks

Currently, we are experiencing slip damage on the walking tracks.  Could you please report any incidents that you find to the Hostel Manager.  

Fishing

Schools are reporting some great catches, sharks enjoy your company and it is important that you use small hooks when fishing.  If possible, encourage children to take their own fishing rods.  

Certification.

Please contact a Trust Member if you wish certification or a school visit. More information is available on our website at  deepcovehostel.co.nz.

Deep Cove Bird identification posters.

The Trust currently have a number of Deep Cove bird identification posters available for sale. These

posters are printed in on glossy paper provide beautiful images of many of the native birds found

in New Zealand. These can be purchased for the price of $30.00 by contacting a Trust member.

Happy Camping.                                                       

Education Sub-Committee.

Addresses:

Malcolm Walker   Phone. 027 81969 03

Bob Hughes:       Phone.0277250793 or

028 2558 0029

Bruce Smart,       Phone 027 4474386