Wellbeing - Middle School

Reflections on Year 7 Camp 

From Monday 27 to Thursday 30 October, the Year 7 cohort embarked upon their Somerset Camp adventure. Our young men faced the challenge with a mixture of excitement and trepidation but returned to school with a sense of pride and achievement. 

I am extremely proud of the way that the boys conducted themselves and how they lived out our Year 7 theme for 2025, 'Step up, stand tall.' They tackled their difficulties, uncertainties, and the often unpleasant weather with exuberance, and they supported each other as brothers. 

In reflecting on the experience, I hope that Year 7 have not only made memories that will endure for many years to come but have also learnt some valuable life lessons.

Tough times don’t last forever

The rain always stops eventually. Just like in life, challenges pass and you come out stronger for having faced them.

A positive attitude makes all the difference

You can choose how you respond to a negative or challenging situation. A good attitude can turn a wet, cold day into an adventure.

Teamwork makes challenges easier

Helping each other, sharing resources, or cheering up a friend shows how much stronger we are together.

Always appreciate the simple things

After sleeping in a tent, you realise how good warmth, comfort, and home really feel. Taking time to express gratitude each day helps us to put things into perspective. 

These ideas are echoed in the student accounts below:

Camp Somerset was a really wonderful experience for me this year, as it allowed me to strengthen bonds within our brotherhood, appreciate the beauty of nature and the outdoors, and even step out of my comfort zone. From working as a team to cook the best meal in My Kampsite Rules, to having conversations with each other around the campfire whilst roasting marshmallows, I was able to really connect with people I don’t really talk to at school every day, and even learning more about my friends that are close to me, making my camp experience extra special. Those 4 days and 3 nights will be a core memory that I will cherish forever.                       Marcus Donovan

Camp was an amazing experience, being able to make new friendships, and even grow friendships. New challenges from the high ropes to the mudslide made Year 7 Camp my best camp ever. Despite the rainy conditions the activities were outstanding. The camp leaders were nice and were always funny. The food was great and was delicious. Overall, it was an amazing camp to enjoy.   Jonathan Jr Udit

My camp experience at Somerset had some ups and downs, mostly ups though. At first my group did the milk crate stack which is exactly how it sounds and it was surprisingly quite fun. On the second day we did canoeing for about 8km in the rain, which was very tiring and cold. On the third day we had to hike back to base camp in the rain. Once we got back, we did the river run which was pretty fun and after that we travelled to our campsite. Overall camp was pretty fun, and I had a great time with my mates.                                                                                                             Harry Gilroy

A heartfelt thank you to the following staff members who attended our camp and supported the boys in so many ways – Ms. Alycia Patterson, Mr. Peter Maxwell, Mr. Macquire Tatola, Mr. Jack McCann, Ms. Chelsea Fyffe, Ms. Nicola Ageras, Ms. Peri Maniakas, Ms. Frances Saad, Mr. Michael Elias, Ms. Briellyn Pearson, Mr. Robert Luciani, Mr. Thomas Mullen, Ms. Danielle Touma, and Ms. Kristy Bartels.

Maria Capobianco

Year 7 Coordinator