Year 7 Camp

Natalie VALENTINE

Head of Junior School

Lord Somers Camp | April 22–24, 2025

From April 22 to April 24, 184 enthusiastic Year 7 students and 20 dedicated staff members participated in the highly anticipated Year 7 Camp at Lord Somers Camp. This annual event provided a valuable opportunity for students to connect, challenge themselves, and develop new friendships in a fun and supportive environment.

Over the three days, students took part in a variety of engaging and hands-on activities, including kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, raft making, and initiative games. Creative pursuits were also on offer, with students enjoying pizza making and designing and printing their own custom T-shirts — a popular keepsake from the camp.

The weather was exceptionally kind throughout the camp, contributing to the positive energy and high levels of participation. Students embraced every opportunity, displaying teamwork, resilience, and a fantastic sense of fun.

Evenings at camp were just as eventful. The first night featured a lively trivia quiz that tested general knowledge and brought out a healthy competitive spirit. The second night saw the camp hall transformed for a 70s-themed disco, which was undoubtedly a highlight. Students and Staff and danced the night away to classic hits, creating memories that will last well beyond Year 7.

Above all, the camp was a resounding success in fostering connection and community among our Year 7 cohort. Many students formed new friendships, while others strengthened existing bonds — all of which will contribute to a strong and supportive year group in the months ahead.

A huge thank you to all staff who volunteered their time, energy, and care to ensure the success of the camp, and to the students for their enthusiasm and positive attitude throughout.

We look forward to building on the spirit and success of this camp throughout the rest of the school year.

Student reflections

Lord Somers camp was an incredible experience. From Pizza making to Kayaking down the river, we enjoyed every precious second. With beach waves glowing at night and in the morning birds singing. It was an unforgettable experience and so we didn’t forget, we made stunning printed t-shirts. On the last day we stepped on to the bus clutching our bags in one hand and many memories in the other.

— Maya. P 7H

After a long hour of being on the bus, we finally reached the campsite – Lord Somers Camp. The moment I stepped off the bus, I was dazzled by the sheer size of the campsite, not to mention the beach, not far away. We plopped our bags down near luscious, green grass, and made our way to the amphi theatre, where we met Jack – the camp coordinator.

We were introduced to the rest of the camp staff, then headed to our first activity, which in my case, was raft building.

For the next 3 days, we completed activities with our group, including kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, a Coolart walk, initiative games, raft building, pizza making, shirt designing.

The highlight of my camp experience is when we created a shirt design, and my design won. It was printed on every shirt in my group.

The best activity, in my opinion, had to be stand-up paddleboarding. Though the water was quite shallow, I enjoyed the feeling of standing up while paddling.

For three action-packed days, we would complete activities at day and do something special at night. On the first night, we had trivia, and on the second night, we had a disco.

— Brian. C 7C