Camps & Excursions
Outdoor Ed Queenscliff Camp
On the 4th of March, The ¾ Outdoor Ed group loaded onto the bus at 7:30am prepared for 3 days of adventure. With our first stop in Ballarat, students had the opportunity to explore Sovereign Hill and learn about the relationship with the environment during the gold rush, and after a quick stop at the lolly shop, we hit the river for gold panning. Some of us yelling Eureaka with others left poor in the mud. Pushing through the afternoon we reached the heights of the mount Buninyong lookout. From the top there was plenty to look at, but the scenery wasn’t quite enough to keep the class entertained so Dylan took it upon himself to create some entertainment by tossing his shoes off the top at My Hopkins standing at the bottom.Students finished up the evening in Queenscliff, with some questionable meals, and a walk along the beach. Most students enjoyed the sunset, while Layla tried and failed to drop Scarlett in the sand leaving me (Elizabeth) her next target, and unfortunately, I wasn’t as sturdy on my feet. Day two started off with a visit to the Marine discovery centre near swan bay, followed by a tour and birdwatching in the local area. Later on, a Seal and dolphin snorkelling tour. As we dove in, we got close encounters with the Seals, one even swimming straight at a group of students, unfortunately we did not sea dolphins. As students got dragged along behind the boat others lived out their Titanic Fantasies, holding the iconic pose at the front of the boat… (Dylan and anyone who would join in). At our next dive spot students had the opportunity to see Leafy Sea Dragons. Followed by a battle for the ages, with Jack and Mr Hopkins fighting to stay on the net as we moved full speed through the water, ending in them both almost going overboard. Day Three, students hit the beach groggy eyed ready for a good few hours of surfing. With many students standing and many more wipeouts, and even Mr Hopkins showing off, attempting a handstand we packed up and made our war back to Hamilton. Overall, the camp was heaps of fun and full of unforgettable moments.
- Elizabeth
Outdoor Ed GSWW - Cape Bridgewater Camp
The year 10 outdoor ed classes trip along the great southwest walk was one of new experiences, friendships and sore legs. The class and miss Hiscock and Mr lynch left Baimbridge on Monday the 16th and the bus was filled with excitement. We arrived at the Tarragal caves after a scenic bus ride and climbed the slippery slope to check out the caves carved in the mountainside. After we all got bored of the caves we went down to the bus and checked our packs and had a quick snack to eat before we began our trek. The first day’s hike was 7 kilometres along rainy cliffsides and through dense beachside shrub, there was lots of laughs, especially after we were all attacked by a hive of bees (mostly by those who weren’t stung) and lots of breaks to check out the beautiful scenery. At around 3:00 PM we arrived at the springs campsite and set up camp in the rain and settled in. We spent the evening at the springs camp down at the spring or on top of the cliffs, cooking and ending the night with a big game of hide and seek. On our second day we woke up early and left early, we walked double the amount we walked the first day, up and down big hills in the scorching sun with seals and penguins far below us in the ocean and big kangaroos in the bushes around us, we even saw an echidna in the middle of the track. We had a short stop at the Cape Bridgewater cafe and then trekked onwards to our next campsite. We arrived at our campsite and were greeted by Mr Hopkins we all took our time getting set up and bid farewell to Mr Lynch, ending day two off with a swim at the beach, dinner and a campfire. Day three was the most exciting of all, we were all glad to make it back to the bus and super excited to go surfing. Although the wetsuits weren’t comfortable at first, we soon got used to them and got into the water to surf some gnarly waves. Almost the whole class got up on a wave, and everyone had lots of fun, even though there were a couple collisions. Overall, the year 10 outdoor ed class’s trip along the great southwest walk was a huge success and an experience I’m sure we are all grateful to have had!
- Levi
Year 8 - Halls Gap
Year 8 Camp, which was at Silverband Lodge, Halls Gap, was said to challenge and strengthen friendships and all we can say is it did!
As we got to camp, one group headed to high ropes where students were pushed past their limits: doing superman’s going down the obstacles. Another group went straight to canoeing where they had to fight the rain and try not to go under, then they headed to the tents to TRY to get some sleep for the Pinnacle loop hike the next day.
The Pinacle Loop hike was an extraordinary challenge for some, while others flew up it like mountain goats. The view was worth it all. The second group went into the tents after the tiring hiking, where good chats started and a delicious meal was eaten.
The Amazing Race was on the final day where answers were found around town. Ice cream was eaten after and birds were greedy, jumping on legs and heads eating ice cream.
Year 8 Camp wasn’t just a camp, it strengthened friendships, made new ones, and will never be forgotten. - Chloe
Camping was great. We stayed out in tents where we got no sleep! - Lilly
On the camp a couple of birds were following me. They wanted my ice cream, then they got greedy! - Rebecca
I enjoyed the campfire but not the camping so much. - Georgia
The food was very good – Harley and Tyson
I enjoyed the hike and the ice cream, also the pool and free time. The first night talking was good, also the campfire but not the camping bit, I got no sleep! - Alaynah
Year 8 Camp was a great way to strengthen our ability to persevere when activities got hard. - Selina
