Weeklong university camp all the more appreciated after tough year
SECONDARY pupils from throughout New Zealand have felt an ‘‘extra spark of joy’’ about taking part in the latest HandsOn at Otago summer camp, after earlier Covid19 restrictions.
The University of Otago’s 32nd and latest annual weeklong camp ended yesterday with 393 visiting pupils giving a series of lively threeminute research reports.
Many pupils used videos, often taken with cellphones and adeptly combined with music, to report back, through 35 project groups, to fellow pupils at the university’s 500seat main St David lecture theatre yesterday morning.
During the camp, pupils undertook research in the mornings in a wide range of disciplines, including surveying as well as English and linguistics.
And in the afternoons, pupils tried briefer ‘‘snack’’ activities, which enabled them to sample a broader range of subjects.
Organising committee convener Dr Judith Bateup said that the cancellation of many events last year because of Covid19 restrictions had added to the fun of taking part.
‘‘There was an extra spark of joy about being able to congregate in a large group.
‘‘They’re just throwing themselves into everything,’’ she said.
A record 750 pupils had applied for the school, which could only accommodate 400, but many pupils could reapply for next year, she said.
Charlotte Alston, a senior pupil, of Wellington, said she had enjoyed the mix of fun and the opportunity to learn more about future educational options available at Otago University.
‘‘It’s very interesting. I met a lot of new people,’’ she said.
Organisers said that four new research projects, including music production, engineering, oral rehabilitation and accounting, were offered this year.