A Dream Trip

A group of Year 9 and 10 Dreamers from Tikipunga High School wrapped up their Term 3 holidays with an unforgettable adventure at Hillary Outdoors in the Coromandel, far from phones, routines, and familiar comforts.

Long before the bags were packed, Navigators Dwayne Tainui and Rose Welsh laid the groundwork with care. They spent weeks planning the trip logistics, hosting Whānau Hui nights to engage families, and checking in regularly with Dreamers to ensure they were prepared both emotionally and practically for the journey ahead.

To help fund the trip and prepare for the experience, the Dreamers were asked to volunteer for two days in August at I Have a Dream’s annual fundraiser at Magnolia Gardens.

Whaea Rose said every Dreamer stepped up to the challenge. They served morning and afternoon tea, greeted guests at the gates, answered questions, and managed raffle ticket sales. 

Their efforts didn’t go unnoticed. Visitors and garden owners, Cath and Dave Davies-Colley, praised their excellent manners and growing confidence. Their customer service skills strengthened with each shift, and they left a lasting impression on everyone they met.

At camp, the Hillary Outdoors team also described the Dreamers as “a good crew.” Dwayne shared that his instructor built a strong rapport with the group, which made the experience even more rewarding. “Seeing the smiles on their faces during activities was a highlight,” said Dwayne. “The whanaungatanga that developed between the Dreamers themselves and with me was really special.”

Rose agreed, noting that time outside the school environment revealed new sides to the Dreamers. “Some were great in the kitchen, others were problem solvers. Many looked out for their peers and encouraged them. Without phones, there were more conversations and moments of real connection.”

Although some Dreamers missed home, that vulnerability created space for empathy and appreciation. Each day at camp brought early mornings, unfamiliar terrain, and challenging outdoor activities. Rose and Dwayne gave the Dreamers room to face those challenges in their own way.

Rose acknowledged she’d had some initial reservations about how certain students might settle into camp life, but those quickly faded. 

“They proved to be incredibly helpful, kind, and thoughtful and much calmer overall.”

The camp sparked growth in many ways. Dreamers built new skills, gained confidence, and formed meaningful relationships. Year 9s and 10s connected across year levels. Newer Dreamers found their place and developed a strong sense of belonging within the group.

For Dwayne, outdoor education played a key role in his own journey, and he hopes this experience sparks a similar passion for nature, conservation, and adventure among the Dreamers. “I hope they’ve found new interests that lead to less screen time by choice,” said Dwayne.  “That they’ve built memories, had fun, and felt the outdoors strengthen their Hauora.”

Rose added that the location itself, with its streams, tracks, and accessibility to the ocean, made the experience even more special. “I’m so glad Hillary Outdoors is able to care for and share this place with young people in such a meaningful way.”

After seeing the way Dreamers rose to the challenge and gained pride in themselves through each accomplishment, Dwayne said he wishes every Dreamer in his cohort could experience the same opportunity to build memories, grow in confidence, and, most importantly, have fun.