Camps & Excursions
Unit 3/4 Halls Gap Camp
In August, the 3/4 Outdoor Ed class visited Halls Gap for our final camp. We had the opportunity to visit WAMA, a new wildlife museum focused on environmental art, that showed us how creativity can be used to raise awareness about environmental issues. We also visited the Zoo, taking part in a super fun guided tour in which we got to visit all the animals and learn about the importance of protecting native species and wildlife conservation. A group favourite was definitely the deer – they were super friendly (and extra hungry)! To finish, we spent our last day volunteering with the local land care group, pulling weeds and mulching in the Halls Gap botanic gardens. Venus Baths was only a short hike up from the gardens and was regarded highly among the class for its aesthetic value. Overall, our last camp was an extremely enjoyable experience that allowed us to get out into nature to apply what we have been learning.
- Olivia
Advanced Outdoor Ed Grampians Camp
On Thursday the 11th of September the year 10 advanced outdoor ed class headed off on an amazing adventure to Halls Gap. First up we went on a short walk before heading to a caravan park to get our bikes for a treacherous three hour of bike ride where someone had a disastrous fall (Seth) and ripped his coat. After the bike ride we headed to Mackenzie falls where unfortunately we did not see Mackenzie fall. Once we got to the campsite we set up and cooked dinner but, a couple students, (Jessy and Sam) went for a walk and left their tent open and unattended, giving a kangaroo the opportunity to go inside their tent and eat two of their rolls!!! It would’ve been more, but luckily Sophie came to the rescue and scared it off. After dinner it got heated playing card games and there were multiple cashouts, one of them being from woody who thought he could win his first time playing spoons. He did not. On Friday we all packed up and headed to rock climbing where we witnessed history being made when Ruby beat Isaac by climbing higher than him. The best belayers as voted by Woody were Isabelle and Mackenzie who helped him get to the top! After rock climbing we stopped at Lake Bellfield for a quick lunch before returning home. Overall the camp was heaps of fun and memories were made!
-Issy
Year 9 Melbourne Camp
Tuesday 16th September finally brought around time for our Year 9 students to take on their Melbourne Experience. The students were all excited and keen to get on the way to Melbourne. We first caught a bus to Ballarat and then train into Southern Cross, which was a first for many. Our first stop was the Arts Centre, where we took part in two workshops, a “Comedy Clowns class” and a "Rockin’ beats”. The students got to experience making their own music and also acting and Comedy routines. After finishing up, we set out to find our hotel, which we went into a full circle just to find the front door. Once we settled into our rooms, we hopped on some trams to the Melbourne Central for shopping and dinner. Later, we walked along the Promenade past Crown, where we watched the fire shows and rode the Ferris wheel. To finish off the day, some of us relaxed and played Uno.
On Wednesday after we had breakfast and waited for Harvey to get ready, we headed straight towards the MCG where we had the opportunity to experience a tour, see the underground facilities and the players change room, and immerse ourselves in the history and gain insights in Melbourne’s Sporting history. We walked along the boundary line of the arena, got to touch the hallowed turf, and saw great views of the MCG from multiple perspectives.
After the tour we headed towards Melbourne central where we had lunch on the steps of the State Library. Many of the students went inside to check out the stunning interior of the architectural designs of the 1800’s inside the colossal library. We then started the Urban Quest where students had to complete missions and challenges, finding clues to reach designated Pit Stops around the Melbourne CBD. Some students found it tricky and almost got lost.
An amazing part of the day was when we visited the Eureka Skydeck, at a whopping 297 metres high located in Melbourne Docklands which displayed an astonishing view of the city. Some students even braved the Cube which took you 3 metres out in a glass tube over the city.
Later, for dinner, we enjoyed pizza and pasta at the renowned Universal restaurant in Carlton. An earlier night followed as we had walked a lot today.
We began our last day in Melbourne by packing up, having some breakfast and getting the morning debrief from Mr Hopkins.
After clearing out of the hostel we hauled our luggage all the way to docklands to go ice skating. Nikeata and Vinny tore up the ice and Mr Pratap and Joy struggled to do a single lap! Tyler had a tumble and cried about his backside and Mr Hopkins showed off his refined skating skills. After skating we got back on the tram and made our way to southern cross where we then spent some time in the spencer street DFO whilst waiting for our train ride home. As we were leaving spencer street tensions began to climb as we lost Mr Pratap but just in the nick of time we made it onto the train and finally made our way home after an action packed trip. A big thanks to all those involved in the organisation of the experience. We all had a great time and will remember this for a long time.
-Written by Talia, Joy, Theo & Levi P.
Year 7/8/10 Grampian Hikes
The Year 7’s had clear skies and sunshine as they checked out the Djardji-djawara camp site on the Grampians Peaks Trail before heading off to tackle Signal Peak. It is a shorter hike with some steep sections and spectacular views. Many students were pushed outside of their comfort zone, and should be proud of their effort.
Well done to Jade, Lilly, Selina, Carter, Tess, Tyson, Chloe, Layla, Emily and Asher for pushing through and getting the reward of reaching the summit!! What a view!!
On Wednesday the 17th September the Year 10’s headed to the Grampians to Hike up Mt Abrupt. As always we had a range of abilities within the group, but all students met the demands of the challenge. Apart from one short shower, the weather was perfect , giving us amazing 360 degree views. All students set themselves a challenge to make it to the peek. It was good to see the students work together to help each other get to the top. There were lots of cheers as each group made their way to the summit. Well done to all, a great effort.
On Thursday, the Year 8’s adventured to the Grampians for some well deserved time away from school. After a brief stop at the Dunkeld playground for lunch and some downtime, they continued on to the base of Mount Sturgeon. The weather could not have been better, sunshine but not too hot, and a cool breeze behind their backs. The majority of students were able to make it to either the first peak, or the final peak of the climb, which was no easy feat. The persistence, the conversation, the camaraderie, the support of each other, was all second to none. After a brief stop back at the park, a bus full of tired, happy and proud students returned to Baimbridge.
