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Ron Armstrong Lodge

History of the Lodge

  • 1973 - South Malvern School in Whitecliffs closes (opened in 1883).
  • 1974 - Branston Intermediate School gains approval to lease the site for outdoor education, from the then Canterbury Education Board.
  • 1974 - first class group uses the South Malvern Lodge and tent site.
  • 1977 - dishwashing annex added.
  • 1978 - site renamed Branston Lodge, and shower house installed.
  • 1979 - kitchen improvements and interior and exterior painting carried out.
  • 1980 - construction of outdoor fire pits, electrical work and flood lighting for tent areas.
  • 1983 - listed by New Zealand Historic Places Trust as a historic building.
  • 1984 - Lodge repainted.
  • Late 1980s and early 1990s - Charmley and Iggo families carry out necessary repairs and maintenance.
  • 1985 - Branston Lodge renamed 'Ron Armstrong Lodge' in honour of the school's first Principal, who "felt the need to give children at the intermediate age level, the opportunity for outdoor education."
  • 1995 - huge working bees renew spouting, guttering and weatherboards. Pantry and storage areas reconstructed.
  • 2004 - camp site cleared, replanted and courts resealed (thanks to Fulton Hogan).
  • 2005 - school house removed by fire brigade. Area reclaimed and replanted (again with help from Fulton Hogan).
  • 2008 - roof replaced by Canterbury Trust grant.

Over the years improvements have continued to be made to the facilities, all by a willing team of parents, staff members, BOT members and friends of Branston Intermediate. Long may it continue in the future!

What is the Purpose of Branston Camp?

  • Provide all students with an outdoor education experience.
  • Practise resilience and responsibility.
  • Build relationships with each other.
  • Build children's confidence, individually and in teams.
  • Have fun/play without technological devices.
  • Experience being away from family.

How our Branston Values fit in with Camp

Bravery - stay in tent, away from family, put up with wildlife, camp concert items, and physical challenges.
Respect- environment, neighbours, each other, adults, equipment, property, hygiene.
Achievement - team building activities, overcoming fear, camp diaries, and personal achievements.
Nurturing - care/support for each other, look after team members.
Self-control - awareness of environment, consideration, tolerance, understanding of others and hygiene.
Tradition - posters (store old ones), concerts, games, museum, Lady Barker, outside cooking, gorge walk, river activities.
Organised - get camp list ready, hygiene, food preparation, chores, tent space, being prepared for activities.
Never Give Up Attitude - treks, physical challenges, stall all night in tent.

Ron Armstrong Lodge is available for hire!

(Old South Malvern School)
Whitecliffs Road, Whitecliffs

  • Available for hire for schools, groups or private
  • Large hall with kitchen attached
  • Female and male toilets, wash house and shower block
  • Large hard court area
  • Extensive grassed play areas
  • Two minutes to the Selwyn River, or gentle walk to the domain or gorge

For more information please contact The Principal via the school office.