Year Ten Camp

Rafe, Year 10, Ridgeway Campus

Retreat (Solo) 

The 2026 Year 10 Camp is easily one of the most memorable and meaningful experiences I've had at Ivanhoe Grammar School. It all started with a three-hour drive to the peaceful Coonawarra Farm Resort, where we were separated from our Athelstane counterparts and briefed on what to expect during our solo experience. 

Not long after, we were driven up a rough, winding track to our individual solo sites, where I would spend the next 16 hours alone in the heart of rural Victoria. At first, the idea of being completely alone seemed a little daunting, but it quickly became one of the most rewarding parts of the camp. Away from phones, noise and the usual distractions, I had the chance to slow down. Taking in the natural beauty around me, I reflected on my time at Ivanhoe Grammar School and everything I'd experienced so far. 

When the solo came to an end, we were picked up one by one and brought back to the resort. It was great to see everyone again, and before long we were all sharing stories with our mentors and classmates about what we'd experienced. Some stories were fascinating, while others had everyone laughing, but each one reflected how the solo experience had impacted us in different ways. Together, they reminded us that we had all become part of ‘an Ivanhoe tradition over 100 years in the making’ and shared an experience that was truly special. 

Journey (Sea Kayaking) 

After being shuttled to Lakewood Park Camp with the mountain biking and flatwater canoeing groups, we were greeted by a very familiar sight - the same place where we'd spent our Year 8 camp. It felt strange being back, but this time we knew we were in for a completely different experience.  

Not long after arriving, we headed down to the kayaks to learn the basics, including the different paddle strokes and how to use the rudder. At the time it didn't seem like much, but those skills quickly became essential over the next two days. After a night's rest, we set off for a full day of kayaking. From the moment we launched, we were met with strong winds, rain and rough water. Even though we were paddling with the current, the wind and waves made every kilometre hard work, with water constantly splashing over the sides of our kayaks. It wasn't easy, but everyone kept pushing through. After two long days on the water, battling the weather and paddling for hours, I was exhausted and more than ready to head home. Looking back, though, it was one of the most challenging and rewarding parts of the Year 10 camp. 

Surani, Year 10, Ridgeway Campus

Early this term, the Class of 2028 attended Year 10 camp, marking our final year level camp for our schooling journey. This camp was unique though, over two and a half days we spent in the ‘Retreat’ component where we bonded with our mentor group, got on the giant swing and did the flying fox. We then spent a night on a Solo, alone with nature whilst we reflected on the journey we have had and are about to embark on. For the rest of the camp, everyone participated in a self-selected activity ranging from hiking to sea kayaking making this camp truly tailored to our preferences!

From a hiking perspective, the rain did not stop us from having an awesome time, though the trek was slippery, being able to see the depths of the forests and the life that lives within it up close was beautiful.  On top of that, a personal highlight for me was just sitting around the fire with friends and having a good time! 

This camp taught many of us to step outside our comfort zone through various lenses, whether it was during the solo, going to the top of the giant swing or waking up at 6 in the morning in the freezing cold to go white water rafting. While it was a bittersweet experience, it was definitely unforgettable! 

Ziggy, Year 10, Ridgeway Campus

As a member of Thoresby house, I started my camp experience at Lakewood Park Camp in central Gippsland, where I began my stream of bike riding. After a short session on the first day, my group set out on a 20-kilometre bike ride to the town of Paynesville where we mostly travelled through the picturesque countryside before admittedly struggling through some tricky dirt tracks. After arriving at Paynesville, we proceeded to cross to Raymond Island, I saw around 10 different koalas! On Wednesday we went on an actual dirt bike trail. While many people fell off, I managed to ride it successfully and with great joy, then that afternoon I was bussed over to Coonawarra and our retreat stage of camp.  

I immediately started packing for my solo that day, I was dropped off at my campsite at 5:00pm. Even though the sun was setting I really enjoyed the solitude and the surprising calm of complete silence. I had a great time reading my letters and writing to my Year 12 self, thinking what I would be doing in the next two years. After a broken sleep I was shuttled back to camp and eagerly asked my friends about their own experiences, listening to their own stories of how the solo was for them. After this we started our activities, with my favourite being the giant flying fox and the giant swing. 

The experiences were both exhilarating and terrifying, with my group even convincing our mentor, Mr. Do to ride the giant! All in all, both experiences were both fun and engaging and I do believe that this has been the best high school camp of them all! 

Louis, Year 10, Ridgeway Campus

Year 10 camp was a whirlwind of different activities and experiences, challenges and obstacles. On top of the retreat and the 24-hour solo, I had the opportunity to participate in the white-water rafting program, taking place on the Thompson River. Despite the cold and previous experience on the water, I found that this experience remained largely gratifying. For me, this rafting journey was more than conquering white water rapids and cold climates. It was an opportunity to observe the natural beauty of the Mount Baw Baw area, build on existing friendships within my house and to challenge myself on the water. The Year 10 white water rafting program was a unique and fulfilling challenge that I would highly recommend.