Reflections on Camps 2023

Last Friday afternoon, our tired and muddy Middle School students returned from Camp Rumbug. The weather may have been a little dreary but we did not let it dampen our spirits! Yet again the school grown ups spent our days incredibly proud of our students; their enthusiasm, resilience and have-a-go attitude was great to see and the respect demonstrated to other students, school adults and camp staff alike meant we were all able to have a fantastic time together. 

Middle School camps include a special element in that, for many of our grade 3 students, this is the first time they have been on a camp and for some students, it’s the first time they have spent the night away from immediate or extended family. When we keep this in mind, it was a truly incredible undertaking our students have all made and hopefully one they will remember (fondly) for a long time to come.

We have been so happy to be able to run camps for both our Middle and Senior cohorts this year. We know that having them both run in term 4 has been a stretch for everyone, but are incredibly thankful to Tom Nelson for re-booking the camps with new dates so swiftly - and fitting them into this year at all!

We want to also thank the teachers and aides who attended our camps: it is a massive commitment each of you make, to be away from your families and your normal after-hours lives in order to help wrangle more than a hundred children in unique environments. Your dedication to our children’s learning and educational experiences is appreciated by students, families and the school!

Lastly, but certainly not least is our parent helpers. This year we had the incredible support of four parents across the two camps: Libby Harper attended the Senior camp, Jess Borger and Kathleen McGrath attended our Middle camp and Paul ‘Papa Tango’ Treasure was a glutton for punishment and attended both our camps! This was the first year our school has invited parents and carers to join the camp and it was a great success. We thank all four individuals who volunteered their days and nights to ensure the camps could go ahead. Thank you for the generous gift of your time, but also for your compassion, support, humour and the flexibility that camp demands of us all! We know that being a parent-volunteer working directly with lots of children can sometimes be challenging, yet each of you fulfilled your role with skill and sensitivity. It was fantastic to have each of you there with us!

We have already started planning our 2024 camp program and will get information to families as early as we can, to help you organise your schedule, finances and possibly your time away from other responsibilities - if you are interested in volunteering for our camps in the future!