Year 9 Camp

Our Year 9 cohort set out for Charnwood Camp from Oxley Stadium at the start of week six. It was a cloudy, drizzly morning which did not bode well for our planned four days of outdoor activities, but as it turned out the weather was just right for all four days. 

This camp was a little different as the cohort was split into two groups. The mainstream camp students participated in abseiling, mountain biking, hiking (15km!), canoeing and other fun activities, and slept in cabins throughout. Students completing the Duke of Edinburgh program undertook the same activities but camped out in various locations for two nights, lugging 25kg packs with them everywhere they went. 

Everyone came together on the final night for what turned out to be an extremely noisy dinner time. The students enjoyed well-earned down time each day, and enjoyed playing volleyball, kicking the footy, or just standing around the fire toasting marshmallows. An impromptu court case led by Cooper Lee (9.10) in the huge rumpus room one night was a highlight for many students based on the raucous laughter heard by the teachers!

We are grateful to the wonderful Auscamp guides who encouraged and challenged our Year 9s to test their physical and mental limits each day. Many students overcame fears and discovered new levels of endurance and courage. The Oxley teaching staff on duty were magnificent support throughout the four days. Our thanks go out to Mrs Fevreau, Ms Park, Miss Haley, Mr Niemandt, Ps Matt, Mr Whittle, Mr Cutler, and our expert designated first aid officer, Mrs Law. We also congratulate our Year 9s for their positive participation, support of each other, and willingness to push themselves. 

Stephen White

Year 9 Coordinator

Student Reflections

The Duke of Edinburgh girls and I got to base camp and swiftly packed our bags for the hike then set of on the long journey, when we found out later how much we were walking our hopes were crushed - 16km!! Many thanks to Miss Haley who supplied us with delicious dried fruit half way on the walk and who listened to each and every one of us while we chatted our hearts out. To all the DoE girls well done and I’m sure we all will totally go on another hike like that again. Camp was truly a blast, one for the memories.

Scarlett Webber (9.9)

As a Duke of Ed girl, this camp may not necessarily be the most relaxing and charming experience, but it was a great opportunity to develop more life skills and extend yourself beyond school and academics. Our group were able to split the hike across two days. On the first day and the second day morning, our group hiked along Lightning Ridge. When I think about it now, it is more about the satisfaction and delightfulness of completing the course. However, at the time, it was not an enjoyable experienced at all! It was steep incline after incline. My group members and I all ended up having many scratches and bruises by the end of the day. Overall, it was a challenging but fun camp. I would also like to acknowledge our amazing teacher, Miss Haley. She was funny, kind and patient at all times which brought the group a lot of positivity (very important for such a difficult camp!).

Jing Tian (9.11)