Year 9 - Mt Arapiles /Grampians Camp

On the 13th November, the Mt Arapiles group set off on our trip past the Grampians. We stopped at the beautiful Halls Gap for lunch and our first bush walk for the week. Although the heat was against us, the view and the rock climb at the end was worth it. Tuesday was our first day rock climbing day. We had 3 guides teaching us the basics before we could test our skills on some pretty impressive rocks. In the afternoon, we had the opportunity to abseil 30 metres down a cliff. That was an amazing experience with unbelievable views! The next day, 2 groups went multi pitch climbing while the rest did the same top rope climbing as the day before. A few of my friends and I went on the multi pitch climb with one of the guides. We learnt how to climb more independently and confidently. We also got to abseil down the 50 metre mountain we climbed! Unfortunately, that was the last day because that night it poured with rain, flooding everyone’s tents. We had to sadly come home Thursday. Even with the rain and boiling hot weather, I really enjoyed myself, learning how to do new things and become closer friends with a lot of people.

Mia Ward

The Mt Arapiles Camp was definitely a challenge, but an incredible week. We got the chance to hike through the Grampians, rock climb, and make some really great friends. After all, when you share a tiny tent with someone you get to know them pretty fast. I really enjoyed rock climbing, as it was tricky and we got to work in teams, which was great for encouragement and perseverance. After the day's activities, we got time to hang out back at the campsite and talk to everyone. This  was one of my favourite parts of camp, as it was really relaxed and I got to know people I usually wouldn’t talk to back at school.

Usually at home, I would spend my nights watching horror movies on Netflix. Unfortunately I couldn’t do this at camp, however I got to be in a real life horror movie every time I went to the bathrooms after dark. Everything is so much more terrifying when you’re surrounded by trees and you can’t see anything.

Overall this camp was loads of fun, as everyone got to achieve something they never knew they could. This camp taught me a lot more than just how to climb, it taught me about perseverance and teamwork. It was an awesome feeling when you try and keep going until you make it, instead of giving up. 

Teagan Kaye