Secondary Camp Programs

At DCC, we believe camps and excursions provide time for students to engage with God and His majestic creation, something they might otherwise have little opportunity to do, in what is an increasingly busy, technology driven, and risk averse world.

The range of activities offered at Donvale creates opportunities for interpersonal growth and fosters deeper connections between staff and students. Through a scaffolded camp program across Years 7-11, students are empowered to develop their resilience, ability to work in groups and self-management capabilities across a range of physical environments and activity specific skills. 

Camps become a time for students to reflect on their identity in Christ and the important role they play in the Kingdom of God.

These are some of the camping experiences currently on offer for all DCC Secondary students.

• Year 7 – Intro to Camping at Gippsland Lakes
• Year 8 – Activities & Camping at the Grampians
• Year 9 – Wilderness Trek at the Bogong High Plains Alpine National Park
• Year 10 – Canoeing Journey on the Murray River
• Year 11 – Skiing & Faith Development at Falls Creek Alpine Resort 

Please enjoy the following update from Stephen Said who has recently returned from our Year 10 Camp.

Year 10 Murray River Camp...more than just a camp!

Stephen Said, Faith and Wellbeing Support

When the Year 10 Murray River canoeing camp was first conceived, a big part of the thinking was exploring the critical experience of belonging, with the winding journey down the river as a metaphor for our lives. The glorious natural context was a wonderful backdrop to reflect on the times where we have and have not experienced belonging; and the ways that can hinder or help a young person consider and believe what they can offer the world by way of gifts, skills and the sense of their own vocation.

In our fourth year of running this camp, with many staff members now experienced in not just leading a canoeing camp, but also with skills and experiences in facilitating conversations and reflections around belonging, mastery and vocation, we believe we may have had our best camp yet.

The anecdotal feedback we have received so far is that students experienced a sense of community, belonging, of burdens being laid down and the joy of knowing and being known in community. That’s not to say that some students didn’t struggle with their sense of belonging and self, but even in these instances, we feel the camp has provided a great foundation upon which to continue to cultivate a community of belonging.

Could we encourage you to ask your child what they discovered about themselves and the world, and then listen with curiosity to the things that happened in and around them last week on the Murray, celebrating the precious moments and memories that were formed during that time? 

They may not respond immediately or even positively, which is ok. Because one of the things the river has taught us is that it’s not about the destination or even the journey, but rather it’s about the company we keep. 

If we are committed to accompanying the young people in our lives, there is a chance they will understand we’re on their side, and in their time, they just may open up to us - giving us the opportunity to celebrate the great gift they are to those around them, and the world.

Whilst we may not experience those moments immediately, they may be just around the next bend in the river. As we give it time.