Toolangi Base Camp

As we hopped on the bus for the hour-long drive to Toolangi Park Campsite, I don’t think any of the thirty seven students believed they would come out the other side having been challenged to new heights. 

We arrived to a bubbly group of camp staff and a waft of fresh air. After settling into our rooms, we headed to our first activity; bridge building. The group was split up into Boys Versus Girls where the girls dominated by building a bridge into the middle of the camp’s lake to retrieve the winning life vest. Through communication and teamwork, everyone was able to test and trial different building techniques using just rope, barrels and planks of wood. 

That night, we went on a night walk to see the gorgeous city skyline with the backdrop of a breath taking sunset. 

Over the next three days, we challenged ourselves through nine different activities. Each activity had us work with each other, guide people to finishing the task and learn from the camp staff to belay and complete the activities. Highlights were the 13-Metre High Ropes course, where everyone pushed themselves and conquered fears, as well as the damper making. 

Evening activities included a movie night, trivia night and campfire with s'mores. At the campfire we had a chance to reflect on the week we had and our proudest achievements. 

Another highlight of the camp, was the student shout-outs, where students could shout out their friends and others for their positive behaviours in the activities. The biggest shout out goes to all the students who tried Miss Piritidis’ hot sauce.  

We will never forget our time at Toolangi Base Camp. 

Michaela Piritidis, Surya Ganesan, 

Bonita Gu-Yang & Kevin Hawkins.

Camp Staff