STORY BY PICTURES : 2019 HONDA KIDS CAMP - MAPIU
For 2019, the extremely popular Honda Kids Camps were making 3 stops around the North Island. Lake Rotoiti, across the lake from Rotorua; Mapiu in between Te Kuiti and Taumarunui; and Kaukapakapa just north of Auckland. We decided to visit stop number 2 in Mapiu on the last weekend of February to see what all the fuss is about. These things are absolutely FTK…For The Kids!
If you haven’t seen the video from Mapiu yet - CLICK HERE!
CAMP LIFE
Camp life at Mapiu was set out down the farmers runway, allowing for a nice flat surface to pitch those tents. The farm itself was surprisingly green, even with the heatwave that has been battering the country for the past two months. However, the heat was short lived as Thursday night brought with its rain and moisture that was touted to become quite the storm. Sure we got the rain but with it intermittent sun/rain/sun/rain making the weekend pretty interesting. Sunday saw clear skies for pack down with was very welcoming as wet tents in the back of the car are No Bueno!
ON THE TRAIL
Life on the trail can be a fickle beast. The slippery conditions made it tough work for some of the smaller bikes out there, but with the sun showing its beautiful glow from time to time, the tracks were far from un-ride-able. The Main Trail took you out to the back of the farm and to some more adult friendly sections, while back closer to camp the blue and green loops were perfect for newbies and groms to cut their knobbies on and learn to ride in the slippery mud.
BROXY COACHING
Never one to miss an opportunity, Broxy is at nearly all of the Kids Camps to pass on his wealth of knowledge to the eager and listening (sometimes) younger generation of riders. Yusss!
TUG-O-WAR
Riding dirt bikes is paramount at the Kids Camps, but that is not all they do. Tug-O-War is a bit hit and pits North Vs South, Red Vs Blue, Boy Vs Girl in an all out pull-fest of strength and fun.
THE WATER SLIDE
Specific to the Mapiu Camp Out, the water slide installed by the farmer provided everyone with amazing after-ride fun, and not just for the kids. Camp Boss, and Kids Camp creator, Greg Power even threw himself down the slide a few times, much to the enjoyment of the kids. A real special treat only found in Mapiu - for now…
MORE FUN AND GAMES
Games like Money or the Bag, the Treasure Hunt and the Quiz Night all add to the fun and entertainment of the Kids Camp. Not to mention the Running Races as the sun goes down on Saturday night - Followed by the prize giving. There is always something to do at the Honda Kids Camp and that is what makes it great for the whole family.
It looks like the team has the thumbs up to head back to Mapiu for the 2020 Kids Camps. This will be a popular venue in years to come and the scenery isn’t too bad either.
If you are feeling envious about missing camp this year, you have one more chance to get along to the final Camp out held just north is Auckland on March 15-17. We hear there is a new swimming hole being build and more tracks than ever before. We might just show up there too!