Dalet Camp

History was brought to life during our Dalet class' recent camp near Ballarat.  Medieval history was the main focus with students bunking down in the barracks at Kryal Castle.  

There was plenty to see, hear, and do at Kryal Castle.  Things got underway with a visit to the Executioner.  Thankfully, everyone survived and moved on to the Manorial Court.  There was training in the art of medieval warfare including how to lay siege to an enemy castle as well as defend against such attacks.  Should our students find themselves in a sword fight they will have at least had some basic training, albeit with a much lighter and fake weapon.   The arrows were real though and plenty of fun was had shooting at the target.   Trying on some real chain mail as well as a helmet and breastplate revealed just how strong a Knight had to be.  Standing up was hard enough let alone having to face the enemy.

The following day saw a shift to the more genteel.  Students made their own bread and butter from scratch.  They also learned some medieval dances before being treated to a medieval theatre presentation.  Later that evening the students sat down to a medieval feast where they were able to enjoy their own freshly made bread and butter and have some fun with their newly acquired medieval dance skills.

Students also spent time discovering the more modern history being lived out at Sovereign Hill.  Activities there included a tour of an underground mine and a gold pouring demonstration where one of our students was able to hold a bar of gold worth more than $250,000.  Students also enjoyed panning at the diggings as well as the magnificent sound and light show after dark.

A final day of camp took us to the Eureka Centre where we learned about the history of Australia's democracy and the importance of the people's voice.  We then burned off excess energy on the trampolines at Xtreme Bounce before hitting the bus for the ride home.