Year 9 Update

Last week, our Year 9 students embarked on their final camp together as a cohort, setting out to Camp Eildon for three days packed with challenges, teamwork, and unforgettable memories. Upon arrival on Tuesday, they rolled up their sleeves and worked together to set up their tents. At first, the process was a bit of a struggle, but with perseverance and collaboration, every tent stood tall, creating a sturdy campsite for the nights ahead. 

The activities around Camp Eildon’s dam proved to be both exciting and demanding. One group took on a raft-building challenge, impressing their instructor who even commented that there might be future engineers in the group, as their rafts not only floated but successfully carried everyone across the dam and back! Meanwhile, the other group tackled an initiatives course, carefully positioning steel beams to transport everyone safely across the water. 

Day two brought the girls to Wanngai, where they conquered a high ropes course after a short uphill hike. The air was filled with shouts of both excitement and a little nervousness, but their bravery and enthusiasm shone through as each girl gave it her best. 

On the third day, the group enjoyed a scenic bike ride around the pondage before hitting the waters of Lake Eildon for an adventurous canoeing session. Despite a few wet feet on the bus ride back, everyone had a great time thanks to our eclectic instructor ‘Scuba Steve’. 

Each night, the girls prepared their own meals, with some budding chefs stepping up to lead the cooking while others pitched in to chop veggies, fuel the stoves, or clean up. After dinner each night, everyone gathered around the campfire fire to toast marshmallows, make s’mores, and listen to stories shared by Auntie, an Indigenous elder from the area. 

Camping in tents posed its own set of challenges, especially with the chilly nights, but knowing they were all in it together helped everyone persevere. 

Overall, this camp was a fantastic opportunity for the girls to push beyond their comfort zones, learn the value of teamwork, and build resilience. As they look ahead to their next chapter, these experiences will serve as valuable lessons, equipping them with the confidence to face the new challenges that lie ahead. 

Mia Dimitrakopoulos

Year 9 Coordinator