ADVANCE CAMP

Thirteen brave and hardy students packed their tents, puffer jackets and rain coats for Phillip Island on Thursday last week. We were fortunate to experience delightful weather for day one, allowing us to explore Amaze-n-Things, Forrest Caves and attend the Penguin Parade. Students were tasked with preparing their own meals, planning our activities and setting up camp. Delicious dishes of spaghetti bolognaise, Caesar salad and tacos were popular with all campers. After dinner, we dressed in our warmest clothes and headed to Cape Woolamai beach for some star-gazing and reflection time. Then it was into bed before the rain started. Unfortunately, the rain was plentiful overnight, and some students learnt the importance of pegging out their tents the hard way. Although many were a bit cold and wet to start Day 2, all students showed exceptional resilience to embrace the activities for the day – packing up camp, visiting the Nobbies and exploring Cowes. At the end of the day, everyone was glad to head home for a warm shower and a dry bed.

Students in Advance are working towards achieving their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award; an International Award that recognises students who set goals and work to achieve them in four areas; physical activity, learning a skill, community service and an adventurous journey. This camp was the first of two adventurous journeys, and there were many new learnings, including the importance of appropriate waterproof gear, how much food everyone eats and how to plan a trip. Students will complete their second and final qualifying journey later in the year.