Student News
Mortlake P-12 College
Year 3/4 Camp - Dunkeld
The 3/4 Camp was hosted by the Grampians Retreat in Dunkeld. On a beautiful sunny spring day, 18 students set out. The air was filled with nervousness as many students had never been away from home — and there were plenty of tears, mostly from parents, of course.
We were travelling really well, stopping off in the beautiful town of Dunkeld for some morning tea before finally arriving at the picturesque setting that is the Grampians Retreat. After an introduction from Gavin and Julie, we wandered the 77 acres on offer, settling in a gully full of daisies for lunch. Swinging on the rope swing, making daisy chains, and choosing sticks to race down the creek set the scene for what would be a fun-filled camp.
The Piccaninny (Bainggug) Walk is a 2.5 km walk, and this is where some of our students shone. Every single student made it up the mountain to sit and take in the view. It may have taken us more than the allotted time, but there was more than one student who walked off that mountain with a feeling of pride.
The campfire marshmallows were a hit after dinner, and the reflector trail brought students together for their first group activity. It was a clever design and a great way to end our first day at camp.
The sun shone bright on day two, and it was promising to be a warm one. A scavenger hunt, ninja ropes, high swing, and damper with indigenous herbs were engaged in with enthusiasm. The walk up the hill for breaks was not. After dinner, Mr Reichman designed an extraordinary games night that was only interrupted by a tremendous thunderstorm that decided to pass over halfway through.
The final day loomed a little grey and damp, but soon the sun made its presence known. The flying fox and a hut building were the two final activities for the 3/4 camp. The magnificent food, the flexibility of staff, and the resilience of our 3/4 campers made this experience truly magical.
"An unforgettable three days! Our campers conquered the Piccaninny Walk, laughed through games night, and showed incredible resilience every step of the way. The magnificent food and the warm, flexible Grampians Retreat staff made it a truly magical camp. We came home tired, proud, and full of stories!"
