Like ants to sugar, the prefects began to accumulate slowly at the front gates at the unholy hour of 7a.m for the anticipated camp. As the bus was careening down the highway at 100km/hr, we were learning ‘Mei Hui Hui’ at 2verses/hr. Chen’s attempt at leading the singing was as effective as Stevie Wonder teaching archery but Prefect perseverance (and Falen’s almighty vocals) pulled us through. Upon arrival we were warmly welcomed and discovered that the Kelston Boys Prefects were also present. Seductive glances shared between the two schools foreshadowed what was to come. After soaking up the Aroha from the Powhiri, we were set on to the unexpecting inhabitants of downtown. We were split into 2 teams, given digital cameras, and a list of tasks to complete. As posing for photos and entertaining strangers are prefect specialties, this task barely posed a challenge. A highlight was the act of busking for $2. One group tried to melt the public hearts with a thrilling rendition of ‘Amazing Grace’ while another pleaded the public to ‘Get Physical’. Zahir’s more direct ‘Please Give me $2’ got him nowhere.

After this we hopped onto another bus this time to the AUT Akoranga Campus. Our purpose there was simple: crank up the familiarity meter. In a few hours, we uncovered over 200 years of Prefect life history we discovered that Tina, Rita, and Ruth all had large families (though probably not the same one). We discovered hidden talents, weaknesses (i.e. rope skipping) and how interesting everyone was. The divisional walls were beginning to fall.

Before you could count to ð, dinner had finished and we traveled to our accommodation for the camp: Youthtown. Much to the Prefect’s (Girl’s) delight, the Kelstonian males “just so happened” to be in the neighborhood and decided to drop by. If flirting is a facet of good leadership, then all the females were Head Girl that evening. But this didn’t fuss the males, as all the recreational facilities available made male-bonding all the more easier.
Day 2 started with a hiss and a roar (from Yvia). The Prefects were pushed to the brink as we were put through a rigorous regiment of leadership lectures, self-confidence seminars, and chocolate nutbars. The team unearthed the secrets of effective communication, time management, and, most importantly, planted the seeds that were to be our business plan for 2007. We had to brainstorm ideas and initiatives to increase school pride and leave a lasting worthwhile legacy. And the ideas poured down like sugar rain.
The day flew by quick, and already it was dinner-time. Once again, the girl’s lucky stars were brightly shining as the seating arrangement meant they were inter-mingling with the boys of Kelston. . Following the cuisine and conversation, we were pleased to see that Mr. Moore had arrived to address a few of our concerns. After an hour of speaking with the Principal we established a mutual base of understanding. He knew where we were coming from and versa vice.

The final evening was the cherry on the camp cake. Amidst all the pin pong, ballbasket, swimming and cards, friendships blossomed and relationships strengthened. It was a Soul-soothing sight to see ALL the Prefects enjoying the company of and developing respect for one another. The fences between us in November were well uprooted.

The final day commenced with a thunderous bang (Adam punched the ground). After a quick breakfast we returned to the AUT Akoranga campus for the home straight of our leadership marathon. When we read the words “Police Training” under the programme for the day, we weren’t sure of what to think. Once the obstacle course came into view, our concerns about bullets, criminals and dogs were laid to rest. In groups, the Prefects had to under-go such tasks as jumping through windows, climbing over 8 ft fences, and pulling injured people across the ground; all of which vital to survival at Rutherford.
Such a cool camp demanded a cool finale. The folks at AUT didn’t let us down, as we finished the camp with a series of sport relay races involving Kelston. Lauren, athletics extraordinaire, showed the Kelstonians what Rutherford was all about: winning. The races finished with a gargantuan water-fight (though not intentional) and that declared the end of our wet, wild, wicked time at the AUT Prefects Camp.
We went into the camp as Prefect-wannabes...Prefect-like…Prefect-esque. Afterwards, we WERE Prefects. Now we know each other. Now our leadership skills are well-cooked. Now we’re 100% of the Rutherford Way. Rutherford has finally found its much needed leaders…and the peasants rejoiced.

-Chen Liu