Lady Somers Camp

Emily Stevens, Year 12, Ridgeway Campus 

Lady Somers Camp was an unforgettable experience that Grace and I were very privileged to attend. It was a week long Youth Leadership Development Program down at Somers beach, consisting of a diverse range of 100 girls aged 16-18 from a variety of schools and locations. We were each divided into five coloured groups to compete in and work with across the week. I was put into Dark Blue Group, with 19 people I had never met before. Prior to the camp we were told that it would be the week of a lifetime and an experience like no other. I was very excited but not quite sure what to expect. LSC is not your typical school camp that you would usually experience, as it was full of surprises and unexpected challenges. The program was non-stop and jampacked with activities throughout each day, including paddle boarding, relay races, volleyball tournaments, dancing and concerts. The aim of the camp was to work together with your team, get involved and throw yourself into everything to maximise the experience and score as many points as possible as a team. Within our groups we fostered a friendly and supportive environment, where we were always looking out for each other and cheering on the team and individual successes. The week was physically, mentally and emotionally challenging as we were thrown into scenarios and situations potentially outside of our comfort zones. It was an enriching experience that allowed us to develop our character, form new perspectives, and equip ourselves with lifelong skills. Through LSC I have made some unforgettable memories, connected with an amazing community of people and made lifelong friendships.  

Grace Alberti, Year 12, Ridgeway Campus 

Over the summer break, Emily and I had the incredible opportunity to attend the Lady Somers Big Camp.  

From the very first day we were placed in separate groups, each with 24 strangers from across Victoria. One of the greatest challenges was not knowing what the week would hold and being thrown into an experience with over 100 other Big Camp Groupers. Although the camp seemed daunting at first, and a week sounded like a long time, we can both attest to the magic of Somers and this camps ability to build friendships, confidence and lasting memories. 

Experiencing the highs and lows of 19-hour days, Somers Camp was an experience like no other which is so difficult to put into words. Designed to be a competitive adventure camp, each of the 5 colour groups, red, yellow, green, light blue and dark blue were competing for the Rudd Shield, the ultimate prize of camp. Within the competition we had the opportunity to challenge ourselves emotionally and physically working together with our teammates and supporting our competitors who became our friends along the way. Throughout my time in Somers, I never expected to develop such an attachment to the people and place at Big Camp. From the very first hour I found my people at camp and instantly felt so ready to live in the moment and take on every opportunity.  

This camp is truly unlike anything you will ever experience. For most, it’s an incredible escape from the normality of everyday were breaking out into song and dance, spending afternoons in the ocean and doing anything to win points for your team becomes a normality. Although there were so many activities that I loved, a few of my favourites were the celebration night, sing alongs, water fights and morning dances. Going into the camp, I wasn’t prepared for how much I would gain, how sad I would be to leave, and how excited I would be to return as a volunteer. Over the week I made some of the most genuine friends and amazing memories that truly show the transformative nature of this experience.