10 Camp Week

Wollangarra is most likely a word that rings familiar with many people within the Preshil community. It’s a camp that has left an imprint on the hearts of students gone by and is seen as a bit of a ‘right of passage’ as they complete their MYP and prepare to enter their final years of secondary education.

Nestled in the mountains near the tiny town of Licola, students are treated to a serene location with access to Victoria’s high country.

Day one, we set off from Southern Cross station by train and then travelled by bus to the town of Heyfield. Students rummaged through country opp shops and tasted the local pastries from the bakery. The Wollangarra staff picked us up in troopies and we began the ascent into the mountains. Upon arrival students crossed the river in an unlikely fashion - flying fox - and arrived at the homestead. Completing jobs on the flat or prepping for the next day's hike, it was all hands on deck.  

Day two saw us wake up to a misty morning. With full packs we set off, starting with a steep ascent. Students worked together to motivate and support each other as we made our way up the mountain.  

We spent the night by the river, collecting wood for our campfire. We cooked up a stirfry on the hot coals, sharing a meal over the sounds of the babbling river below.

Day three, we packed up the old canvas tents and heaved our packs back on. Making our way up the steep four wheel drive track, a challenge for even our most experienced hikers in the group, we were rewarded at the summit with a spectacular view of the mountains. Encouraging each other over fallen trees, we trundled back through the bush and down the mountain to the flat. 

We arrived in the afternoon to the smells of the stew Amir had been cooking over the campfire awaiting our return. Some went for much needed showers, others braved the cold water of the river to freshen up. Before long it was time to reward all the hard work and effort. We got dressed up for our fancy bush dinner and the students did not let us down. Minions, weeping widows and all pink tracksuits were some of the outfits on show. After dinner it was time to sit around the fire, tell stories, play music and reflect on our journey. It was humbling to see the growth in these young people in just a few days.

STAGE 2 - HELPING THE MOUNTAINS

Many of our students expressed their interest in attending STAGE 2 at Wollangarra.

Stage 2 is a unique opportunity for young people who enjoyed their Wollangarra Stage I to come back, get their hands dirty, visit more amazing mountains and meet lots of other like-minded individuals. This program is run independently of Preshil, however we advocate for students' ongoing connection with Wol.

When Stage 2s go hiking, their main purpose is to work on a conservation project in the local area. For more information please see the link below:

https://wollangarra.org.au/programs/stage-2/

Kat Girbau

Year 10 Coordinator

katherine.girbau@preshil.vic.edu.au