Year 7 Camp 2026 – Three Days of Challenge, Connection & Camp Spirit!

Our 2026 Year 7 students headed off to Roses Gap Recreation Camp in the beautiful Grampians for three action-packed days of adventure, teamwork and fun. From the moment the buses arrived, there was a buzz of excitement as students settled in, ready to make new friends and take on new challenges.

Year 7 Camp continues to be a key part of building connection and belonging at Warrandyte High School. With students arriving from a range of primary schools, the camp experience provides the perfect opportunity to form friendships, grow in confidence and feel connected to our school community right from the beginning of the year.

Throughout the camp, students showed tremendous courage and enthusiasm as they stepped outside their comfort zones. The giant swing had hearts racing, while the abseiling wall tested bravery and trust. A new favourite this year was the Vertical Playpen, where students navigated suspended elements climbing high above the ground, encouraging one another every step of the way.

The adventure extended beyond the high ropes. A scenic bushwalk through the spectacular surrounds of the Grampians allowed students to appreciate the natural environment while strengthening teamwork and resilience. The low ropes course required communication and cooperation, while raft building and canoeing delivered plenty of laughs, splashes and memorable moments on the water.

Camp Highlights

Giant Swing & Abseiling: Big thrills, big smiles and plenty of personal bests.

Vertical Playpen and Low Ropes: Balance, bravery, problem solving and teamwork both high above the ground and on the ground.

Bushwalk – Stunning scenery paired with connection and perseverance.

Raft Building & Canoeing: Creativity, collaboration and a lot of fun!

Action-Packed Evenings

Night one kicked off with high-energy team challenges that immediately brought out the competitive spirit. Students competed in sack relays, egg and spoon races, and the traditional and always epic tug of war. The much-anticipated Year 7 versus Year 12s and staff showdown did not disappoint. Due to being significantly outnumbered, the Year 12 students and staff relied on clever tactics instead of sheer strength. Although they ultimately went down to the Year 7 cohort, their strategic effort provided plenty of laughs for everyone involved. The evening wrapped up with a fast-paced ball game on the oval, where teams challenged one another, built teamwork skills and problem-solved on the go in an effort to claim victory. The energy and encouragement on display set the tone for a fantastic camp.

On the second night, students once again worked in teams for a hilarious relay challenge. Their mission was to fill a bucket with as much water as possible by transporting it in cups and pouring it from cup to cup over their heads. While some teams mastered the technique and managed to stay surprisingly dry, others ended up wearing more water than they collected! The challenge sparked endless laughter and showcased persistence, teamwork and creativity. The fun didn’t stop there. The night concluded with an epic camp disco. Music, snacks, drinks, glow sticks and games transformed the space into a vibrant dance floor. Students lit up both themselves and the room with glowing colours as they danced the night away. There were definitely some impressive (and very enthusiastic) dance moves from our Year 7 students, making it a fantastic way to celebrate the final evening together.

Outstanding Leadership from Our VET REC Students

A special acknowledgement must go to our Year 12 VET Sport, Aquatic & Recreation students. They demonstrated exceptional leadership, maturity and initiative across the three days confidently leading activities, supporting small groups and acting as positive role models throughout the camp. Importantly, they were required to apply their theoretical classroom knowledge in real-world situations. When inclement weather rolled in and outdoor activities needed to be paused, students were quickly moved indoors for approximately 45 minutes. Without hesitation, the VET students rallied together, problem-solved on the spot and organised a range of engaging indoor games. These activities not only kept the energy high, but also encouraged the Year 7 students to further connect with one another, develop strategic thinking skills and test their knowledge and quick thinking across a variety of categories.

Camp staff commended the VET students on their adaptability, teamwork and professionalism. Their ability to remain calm, flexible and solutions-focused ensured the camp experience remained positive and seamless for everyone involved.

A Fantastic Start to High School

Year 7 Camp 2026 was filled with laughter, personal growth and shared experiences that will be remembered for years to come. Our students embraced every opportunity, challenged themselves and returned home with stronger friendships and a deeper sense of belonging to the Warrandyte High School community.

Thank you to all staff and students who contributed to making this year’s camp such a success. It was a wonderful way to launch our Year 7 journey for 2026!

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