Camps Week Reports

Year 7: Camp Howqua

Camp Howqua is nestled in a picturesque valley surrounded by trees, offering cabin-style accommodation for students. During their stay, students engaged in a variety of group activities such as bushwalking, archery, horse riding and the survivor course. They returned from the camp tired yet enriched by the new friendships forged.

Year 8: Mt Beauty and Falls Creek/Pretty Valley

The Year 8 program focuses on pushing boundaries and embracing new challenges. Students camped in tents and embarked on daily return hikes to various locations. Through this experience, they deepened their connection with nature and cultivated skills in leadership and teamwork.

Year 9: Urban Experience

The Year 9 students headed off on their Melbourne adventure early on Monday 25 March. There was a definite sense of excitement in the air as the students boarded the buses and travelled to Werribee Open Range Zoo. Once there, students met their groups and started a four-day journey filled with adventure, fun and a few challenges along the way! After the Safari session, students again boarded the buses and headed to Go Climb in Coburg to enjoy an afternoon of climbing, mini-golf and an adult-sized playground! The next two days were spent navigating their way around Melbourne, where they visited the Shrine of Remembrance, participated in a homelessness workshop with the Salvation Army and a street art workshop at Blender Studios, and attempted the Melbourne Great Race! At the Shrine, we were fortunate to have our own expert guide, Mrs Sue Liddell, which made the experience even more rewarding. A Yarra River cruise on Tuesday night was a highlight, and Wednesday’s movie night was a nice respite from the busy days. Among these activities, students planned where and when to eat and organised bookings and transport to the locations. The final day of the camp was spent at The Cable Park, where students enjoyed some rough and tumble on the giant inflatable obstacle course. By all reports, this camp was an enjoyable experience and one that students will remember fondly for years to come. A big thank you to the dedicated staff who attended the Year 9 camp and worked tirelessly to make it a great experience for our students.

In their own words, this is how our students felt about the Year 9 Camp:

Year 9 Camp was a fun and full four days. What I enjoyed most at camp was the freedom we were given. We were allowed to choose food, some activities, and how and when we got to explore Melbourne. The most memorable parts of the week were the party boat and The Cable Park. The party boat was lots of fun, it was a cruise along the Yarra filled with music and dancing. The Cable Park was on the last day – it was a very large inflatable course on a lake (a very cold lake). Even though there were more than a few injuries, the teachers joined in. The Cable Park was a great way to finish the Year 9 Camp. Something I found difficult was the activity at Blender Studios. We made a stencil and then used spray paint to create an artwork on a canvas. It was great fun, although mine didn't go as planned. The artworks ended up very impressive even though very few of us have used spray paint before. There was lots to learn on Year 9 camp. We were lucky enough to have a class on homelessness given by the Salvation Army. We went for a walk and heard stories about people who have experienced homelessness. We learnt first-hand how to be safe in the city, how to catch public transport, and how to make dinner reservations for lots of people. We also learnt how much fun it is to stay in a hotel with your friends. Year 9 Camp was a great experience and I look forward to hearing the stories from my peers about how they found the week.

Gemma Smith (9 Millward)

The thing I enjoyed most about camp was all the activities. One thing I found memorable was the Shrine, but my highlight was definitely The Cable Park on the last day. I enjoyed the independence we were given to choose where we ate and find our own way around Melbourne on public transport. I loved my room and the downtime we got at the hotel after a big day of walking and spending time with friends. Overall, it was a really great camp. 

Amelie McIntosh (9 Frew)

The highlight of the Year 9 camp was definitely The Cable Park on our last day. We all had so much fun, falling in the water and pushing each other off inflatables – even some of the teachers got involved! Miss Holmes was the target of many students and was pushed in more times than I can remember. It was a fabulous end to our fun week in Melbourne. Amelia Westbrook (9 Frew)

Year 9 camp was an amazing experience for me. I enjoyed having a lot of freedom and responsibility during the camp. The most memorable moment of the week was when we visited The Cable Park and had a great time pushing each other in the water. However, I found it challenging to decide as a group where to eat and how to get there throughout the week, especially when it was my turn to be either the navigator or the food selector. Overall, I would describe the camp as 'different' from the previous ones I've been to. It taught me a lot about myself, including the fact that I have the confidence to talk to strangers to, for example, book restaurants and to make sure everyone’s needs are met. I would definitely recommend partaking in this camp and all the opportunities it provides. 

Eliyah Daneen (9 Riley)

Year 9 Camp was a wonderful experience filled with adventure, growth and many new friendships. My favourite part of camp was the river cruise. Our cruise took place at sunset so it was a beautiful vibe with music and dancing. It also showed us the rich history of Melbourne’s Yarra River. One of the many memorable moments on camp was the fun time I had with friends in Melbourne Central, where we enjoyed some nice food, the shopping and all the chaos surrounding the place. Blender Studios was an incredible experience that introduced us to the culture and expression of street art. Although I found it extremely challenging because I am not an artsy person, it was super fun and I enjoyed it a lot. Being free to choose where to go and what to do around Melbourne was definitely my highlight. It taught us how to be independent and find our way around the hustle and bustle. During my camp experience, I bonded with many people I thought I would never get to know, who were great fun. I learnt that making and exploring new friendships is what camp is about and I am very lucky to have my friends with me. The one word I would use to sum up Year 9 Camp would be… 'memorable'. 

Lachlan Krueger (9 Jones)

At the Year 9 camp I enjoyed the water park on the last day. We all had a lot of fun pushing each other into the lake and racing. The most memorable experience was the War Memorial as we all learnt a lot and we got to look into a bit of our family history by searching the names of family members who might have been to war. The highlight of camp for me was the morning running club as it started my day in the best way possible and got me energised and motivated for the day ahead. If I was to sum up the camp in one word it would be 'memorable'. During the Year 9 Camp I learnt to believe in myself more, and I am very grateful to my teachers for helping me see that. Year 9 Camp was one of the best camps I have ever been on and I would love to do it again. 

Stephanie Carlson (9 Frew)