way out in warburton 

Mark Haebich

Teacher - Bushwhacked

This second outdoor program for the 2018 Bushwhacked elective provided our students opportunity to focus on the Collaboration Unit studied in the curriculum.

Conducted in June,  the class stayed at Warburton Caravan Park in the Upper Yarra Valley, supported by BSC teachers and the Nayook Outdoor Education Centre which supplied staff and equipment.

Students were less hesitant and more organised this time around having benefited from their previous camp!  Lessons learned included better management of their personal belongings,  more confidence in kitchen skills, increased awareness of their physical environment and teamwork skills.    They also demonstrated initiative and creativity in problem-solving when  working both collaboratively and independently.

The assessment for this program was based on students' practical application and theoretical understanding of collaboration.  The Collaboration Stories that students shared with their peers as part of this assessment were a highlight of the program. The age old art of learning and teaching through storytelling was an integral part of the experience.

The Warburton camp saw the students really step up to their tasks; taking responsibility for their learning and maximising every opportunity that the camp presented.  Well done!

Cindy Lee

Year 9

My experience at the Warburton outdoor program taught me many things about collaboration. From leading, trusting and working together with people that I don’t usually work with,  I learned how to co-operate with my classmates and how to be independant through planning and organising our days. On this program I enjoyed the walking, canoeing and community service activies since it was a new experience for me and it was fun to look at something else rather than my phone!

Evie Lockhart

Year 9

On this camp we started with a 15km hike to the campsite we would stay at for the next few days. This hike was pretty easy as the ground was very flat. On the second day we paddled down the Yarra river in canoes. At night we would all sit under the shelter and play card games or read our stories. On the last day we packed up our camp and did some community service for the RSL. 

Jessica Sebire

Year 9

I enjoyed our second Warburton journey as I got to work with many different people through different groups and activities. I also got to trial different roles and test my physical ability on the walk and river day. I enjoyed revisiting the Yarra and getting back in touch with nature and I am very excited for the challenges our upcoming Wilsons Prom trip has to offer.

Lily Jenkins

Year 9

The second bushwhacked camp was a really good experience and I enjoyed the hike on Day 1 and the collaboration stories. It was a fun camp and an exciting experience. I thought this was better than the first camp because it was organised more by the students. I am really looking forward to the Wilsons Prom hike as hiking is something I really enjoy doing.

Vy Vu

Year 9

This program taught me a lot about perseverance. It has taught me that things can always go wrong and that although you can never expect everything to go the way you want it, you can always turn it into a good experience. My most memorable moment was when we went hiking on the first day. Although it was of course very exhausting, my friends and I had made it a great day by singing and playing games when we were walking to cheer ourselves up - instead of complaining about our heavy backpacks all the time!

Arshiya Tandon

Year 9

Overall, through this program I have learned many things, gained a stronger bond with my fellow peers and have a better understanding of nature.  Every day that we spent away was tiring and challenging - but that’s what made this camp fun and interesting. Collaborating with new people, being in charge of the timetable, cooking, cleaning, taking care of the equipment, learning about river safety rules, hiking and playing games, tenting on a rainy day, cuddling around the bonfire at night - these were just some of the things that were so much fun!

Lillah Summers-Dixon

Year 9

The Warbuton Bushwhacked camp was one of the best camps that I have been on. We got a chance to take leadership and to help the local community. I am very excited for the next camp and I hope that I can extend my knowledge further.