Year 9

Year 9 Camp Student Reflections: Mitchell River Camp Experience 

What can we learn from a school camp experience? We asked our Year 9 students to reflect on their time at Mitchell River camp. Here is what they had to say. 

Teamwork in Action 

Throughout the Mitchell River camp, our group worked very well together. On the first night, none of us wanted to wash the dishes, so we established clear roles — who washed which part of the trangia and who was responsible for drying. This worked effectively, as the tasks were shared evenly and the clean-up was completed quickly. We also used excellent communication while rafting in the white water, which helped us steer and paddle well. When it came to cooking dinner, we welcomed leadership from our peers and made sure everyone contributed — whether that was chopping vegetables, rehydrating chicken, or stirring the pot. Everyone played a part. 

Drawing on Character Strengths 

One strength I had to draw on was self-regulation. During the trip, I accidentally dropped the pot containing our macaroni and cheese — the entire dinner for that evening. Self-regulation helped me to stay calm rather than react in anger. It allowed me to forgive myself and think clearly about what to do next. 

The Highs 

A moment of personal achievement came at the end of camp when an instructor pulled me aside to commend me on how much my mindset had shifted since the first day, when I had faced some real struggles. Shortly after returning, I also received an email letting me know that a teacher from camp had awarded me a college commendation for my efforts. I felt proud knowing that I had been able to find different solutions to different problems throughout the experience. 

Finishing the hike that took the majority of the day. ompleting it was an incredible feeling — I felt happy, proud, and relieved all at once. Another highlight came when we arrived back at school after five days away. I had missed home deeply, and even the smallest things felt like luxuries again: opening the fridge whenever I wanted, washing my face, having a proper shower, and feeling clean and dry. It is funny how camp reminds you not to take those things for granted. 

Completing the 10km hike with a heavy pack was a significant high point for me. I showed resilience along the way, refusing to stop before reaching the end of the trail. At the 7km mark I was really struggling and it was difficult to keep going — but I persevered. Reaching the end was something I was genuinely proud of. Another highlight was arriving at camp after a long day and joining the whole group for a game of foot golf. After everything we had been through, it was a great moment of fun and connection. 

Making it to the campsites each night felt like a real achievement, knowing how hard we had worked and how far we had travelled. Our group sometimes had difficulty keeping pace or reaching our expected campsite on time, so arriving before dark was always a win. I also felt proud when my rafting partner and I navigated a rapid cleanly — it was far more enjoyable and far less stressful when things came together. One quieter achievement was when our group finally found a walking pace that worked for everyone, having earlier struggled with what the instructors called the "slinky effect." 

The Challenges 

Being away from home and sleeping somewhere unfamiliar was genuinely tough — but I did not want to give up, because I did not want to miss out on the experiences and memories being made. Resilience was the key to getting through those moments and still finding enjoyment in the journey. 

One of the hardest things was pushing through the physical exhaustion and muscle soreness. There were moments when I wanted to stop and sit down, but I kept going and completed the hike. The scheduled pack-on, pack-off breaks and snack stops along the way were a real help. 

There were so many moments during camp when I wanted to quit and go home — and I am so proud now that I saw it through. During the hike, my legs felt impossibly heavy, I had run out of water, and I desperately wanted to stop. At the same time, I did not want to fall behind the group. What kept me going was the encouragement of those around me — "keep going," "we're almost there" — even when we still had a long way to go. 

A huge congratulations to all Year 9 students who took part in the Mitchell River Camp experience. The resilience, teamwork, and growth demonstrated throughout this camp is a credit to each and every one of you. A special thanks to the staff who attended this camp who made the experience possible: Mr Townsend, Mrs Newton, Mr Cusworth and Mr Sheldrick 

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