If you watch Nickelodeon, you probably know about Camp Orange – a multi-award winning children’s reality series. This year, two Kiwi teams took part – one from Auckland (the first ever boy/girl team to take part in the series) and one from the Bay of Plenty.
Team Joco Locos and Kiwi Cuzzies have recently been at Sea World on the Gold Coast of Australia competing against the other teams (three Australian teams) to take out the coveted title ‘Champ Orange’. We had a chat with them to find out a bit about their experiences.
THE JOCO LOCOS
COCO
1) Tell us how you came to be part of Camp Orange
I saw an advert on Nick it said “grab your bestie and come and audition for Camp Orange Force 10! “ I thought – hey it would be fun to make an audition video. I called Josh, he checked with his parents and came over. We started brainstorming ideas and names for the video that morning and we shot it in the afternoon. The next night I cut it on Dads laptop, had to figure out how to do that and then Dad helped me send it off to Nick. Josh and I started a new school and we were pretty busy with that. Then out of nowhere we got a call from Nick, whoop, whoop, they wanted to set up a Skype interview. We were so excited, could hardly sleep but long story short, we got in. I cried and Josh just sat there paralysed with a huge smile on his face. Best thing ever.
2) What has been your favourite part of being part of Camp Orange?
It was the memories, there are plenty of them, also the people but hmmm – when we first arrived, our first dinner all together was awesome – getting to know each other. That dinner – Josh was at the buffet beside Luke and Wyett and they suggested he eat soft serve ice cream and pizza together, so Josh being Josh, he did, then to top that he decided to try chicken nuggets with chocolate soft serve. I’ve made some great friends and we all Skype to keep in touch, we are all pretty excited about the show starting soon.
3) What have you learnt by being part of Camp Orange?
While being at Camp Orange I’ve learnt that Slime is the best thing ever. Perhaps the best thing in the world?
4) Would you recommend Camp Orange to other kiwi kids?
I would totally encourage Kiwi teams to try out next year, it’s such an amazing experience, so much fun, great people, Sea World is a top location, one of the best things I’ve ever done.
JOSH
1) Tell us how you came to be part of Camp Orange
Coco had the idea to make an audition video for Camp Orange. I had to ask my parents first but I thought it was a great idea. Making the audition tape was one of my favourite parts. There was so much laughter!!!
2) What has been your favourite part of being part of Camp Orange?
I loved everything about it: Making the audition tape,flying in a plane by myself, staying at the sea World Resort (in a suite), making new friends, buffet every day, the big splash pad and Sea World. However, it was the challenges every day that I probably loved the most.
3) What have you learnt by being part of Camp Orange?
Working as a team is definitely important. Also, Nickelodeon Network really understand kids; like the slime and the gross food challenges.
4) Would you recommend Camp Orange to other kiwi kids?
I would definitely recommend everyone to try out and make an audition video. CAMP ORANGE WOOOHOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
KIWI CUZZIES
ZION
1) Tell us how you came to be part of Camp Orange
I heard my friends talking about it at school and then I checked it out on TV and then I gave it a shot and entered online. Then my cousin and I made a short video, I didn’t think we would get into Camp Orange but we did, they loved our kiwi swag ha ha ha ha. When they Skyped us to tell us were got in I was so happy I cried I so hope they don’t show that on TV!!!
2) What has been your favourite part of being part of Camp Orange?
My best part is the friends I have made because the other teams are so cool, even the Ozzies! We all Skype each other nearly every day and remember all the fun times we had together at Sea World. The other awesome thing was the food, we had buffet for breakfast, lunch and dinner!
3) What have you learnt by being part of Camp Orange?
To be more confident. I had to talk in front of cameras and I’m not use to that but I loved it. The Nickelodeon team are awesome.
4) Would you recommend Camp Orange to other kiwi kids?
Yes definitely!!! Nickelodeon people love kiwi swag. It is easy to enter you just need to give it a go. It was such a cool experience – just give it a go.
KAHAROA
1) Tell us how you came to be part of Camp Orange
We watched last years’ series and thought it looked like heaps of fun. Just after Christmas an advert came on the Nickelodeon channel asking people to apply for Camp Orange – Force 10. Zion said “We should do it Kaha!” The next week while we were camping, we started filming our audition. We thought of the name “Kiwi Cuzzies” and came up with a NZ theme – kept us busy for the school holidays
2) What has been your favourite part of being part of Camp Orange?
The whole experience was great. We got to meet some famous people, do really cool stuff and make new friends. We were having such a good time that we didn’t even miss home. In fact we wanted to stay longer!
3) What have you learnt by being part of Camp Orange?
To just be yourself and have confidence. Also to play fair and have a good attitude – winning isn’t everything!
4) Would you recommend Camp Orange to other kiwi kids?
Definitely! It’s the best thing we’ve ever done by far!
