WHAT'S BEEN HAPPENING (1 of 2)
YEAR 8 CAMP: CHAOS, CHARACTER, AND A QUESTIONABLE NUMBER OF JELLYFISH
BY ANDREW LOCKREY (YEAR 8 COORDINATOR)
If you thought Year 8 was just about surviving maths tests and remembering the correct uniform, think again. Last week, our brave — and at times slightly unhinged — Year 8 cohort headed into the wilderness for three days of adventure, resilience, and what can only be described as serious character development, with a side of mild panic.
Armed with backpacks that seemed to gain weight with every step, students set off on a three-day hike that quickly sorted the "this is fine" group from the "why did I sign up for this" group. Sand featured heavily — in shoes, socks, bags, and places no one could quite explain. Walking became less of a stroll and more of a slow negotiation with terrain that had absolutely no interest in cooperating. And yet, through determination, teamwork, and the occasional well-timed snack break, every single student made it to the end — some looking triumphant, others looking like they'd been through something they may one day choose not to discuss.
The mountain biking sessions brought their own brand of adventure. Students navigated loose tracks, unexpected bumps, and winding descents, building confidence as they went. There was plenty of laughter, a few wobbly moments, and a growing respect for the fact that sand, as a surface, has opinions — and they are not always in your favour.
Then came canoeing. Nothing quite brings a group together like attempting to paddle in a straight line while someone confidently shouts, "Left! No — your other left!" The lake witnessed some truly creative navigation, including unplanned spinning, committed backward travel, and one group who managed to drift in the wrong direction while singing.
And then, of course, the jellyfish. Not just a few. Not even "a lot." A remarkable number of jellyfish — enough to transform the lake into a floating obstacle course. Students quickly became expert spotters and, in several cases, enthusiastic handlers. This produced reactions ranging from delighted curiosity to high-pitched panic, often from the same person, often at the same time.
The surprises didn't stop at the water's edge. After dark, students discovered a cluster of glow-in-the-dark mushrooms along the trail — a genuine, scientifically real phenomenon that somehow still managed to feel completely unbelievable at 9pm in the middle of the bush. Several students stood in respectful silence. Others immediately tried to take a photo with a phone that was absolutely not up to the task. All of them will probably remember it for a very long time.
Evenings were spent mastering the trangia, with meals ranging from impressively gourmet to creatively experimental — all of which tasted significantly better after a full day on foot or in the saddle. The undisputed highlight, however, was the toasted marshmallows: some perfectly golden, others briefly achieving small-fireball status before being rescued (or not) from the flames.
Camp isn't meant to be easy, and this one wasn't. There were moments of real challenge and a few tears along the way. But what stood out most was how students showed up for each other — carrying extra gear, sharing food, offering encouragement, and finding humour precisely when things weren't going to plan.
Year 8 returned tired, sandy, and smellier than when they left — but also more resilient, more connected, and quietly more confident in what they're capable of. Camp has a way of showing students they can do far more than they thought, and this group proved exactly that.
A huge thank you to the staff who guided, encouraged, and somehow kept everything running smoothly. And to the Year 8s: you took on every challenge, embraced the chaos, and came out the other side stronger for it.
