Year 11 Camp

Howman’s Gap Camp

On the morning of Monday, 21 October the brand new Year 12 cohort set off on two buses to Howman’s Gap, situated about 5km from Falls Creek.

Upon arrival, the bright sun greeted us providing a forecast of the next 4 days. Throughout each day until Wednesday we rotated through challenging physical activities, that were designed to push you out of your comfort zone, in our future Year 12 tutor groups. Some of these activities included: Giant Swing, High Ropes 1 & 2, Survival Skills, Initiatives, The Table etc. While some breezed through, others were simply scared at the sight of some of these (including me!). But each person in every group were 100% supportive of each other and everyone was able to at least have a go at each activity.

Monday night and Tuesday morning particularly were informative and pleasant times, due to the Success Integrated seminars on study skills and leadership, run by Himal Pillay and everyone’s favourite, DJ Timmy D! Both men gave us key information about points such as what a true leader is and how to effectively study, all while presenting it in an engaging manner.

For the cohort in particular, a key moment of camp was the motto selection. After brainstorming ideas in groups, as a whole cohort we voted for the motto we will stand by for the rest of the year and 2020. “We’re gonna make history, cause all our ATARs are a mystery.” Our ATARs are hopefully not going to be mystery ATARs, but they are a mystery in the sense we don’t know what they will be!

On behalf of the whole cohort, I would like to thank all the teachers who went on camp and sacrificed time with their families to ensure the camp ran successfully. In particular, I would like to thank Mrs Needs who spent months preparing for the camp and dedicating countless hours to ensure it was an enjoyable experience. Looking back on the camp it was no doubt memorable, as it helped forge new relationships between peers and strengthen existing bonds. Through the Howman’s Gap camp the whole cohort has become united as one, which will no doubt help us in the upcoming final year of school, where relationships will be tested throughout the long journey.

Stephen Lenin