Year 9 Camp 

On Tuesday 18 July, our Year 9s set off for camp. Of all of the camps offered at Shelford, the Year 9 Camp is designed to be a journey of challenge that culminates in skills of teamwork, resilience, building friendships and leadership. It is also one that teaches our students everything from respecting your environment, to hard skills related to activities, such as canoeing, ropes, hiking, navigation, cooking and how to work well with others and why it’s important. It also allowed the students to learn about connection to land, about flora and fauna and why challenging themselves to do hard things is a great life skill.  

It was cold but the students were lucky to have enjoyed a rain free week and arrived home full of exuberance and excitement from their journey. Some of their reflections included: 

"Year 9 Camp was an amazing opportunity for all of us to learn new things and experience moments outside our comfort zone. Even though we weren’t always warm, hanging out with our friends and making more connections was worth it. It will definitely be remembered." – Lucy M 

 

"I'm sure I can speak on behalf of the year 9s and say that our camp was definitely a highlight of the year so far. It was great to be challenged on a personal level and our peers, teachers and camp leaders were so helpful. From stinky drop toilets to angry cyclists and gummy bear games, camp was a great experience we will never forget!" – Annabelle W 

A huge thanks to the staff that accompanied our students: Josie Gorman, Oskar Bleeker, Guenter Brook and Lachie O’Connell. And my particular thanks to Joanna Kane who stepped in for me as the Camp Coordinator. 

Year 9 Camp, while it has its challenges, is a core part of the Shelford journey, which students will look back on in years to come with fondness. I’m so very proud of the way our Year 9’s rose to this challenge with our Shelford values of passion, integrity and respect. Well done Year 9! 

Monique Sheehy

Year 9 Coordinator