Year 9 Camp

Mr Bonne and his band of bike riders

Year 9 students went to the Rubicon Outdoor School for their camp. I was in the group that went mountain biking for the five days that we were there. Whilst there, we learnt about each other and ourselves, seeing just how well we worked as a team. 

On day one, we got our bikes and gear, rode to our campsite, and set up camp. On Tuesday, we went on a 21km ride through Rubicon Valley. This ride, the ride most connected to the environment, with us pedaling over a nice calm terrain. Then on Wednesday, we went to Buxton, going for a 5km ride over multiple trails. 

On Thursday we travelled to Lake Eildon, going through the difficult terrain which was the most challenging ride for us all. At the end of the day, after every ride, we were allowed to swim in the nearest body of water; whether it was a lake or a river, healing our sore bodies after each ride. My personal highlight was the ride in Buxton. Rubicon is a place very worthwhile going to.   

Max Zelener 9D 

Rafting with Mr Peterson and Mr Sherman

Two weeks ago, the Year 9s went on a five-day journey to the Rubicon outdoor school. We were in the group that went canoeing and it was a thrilling experience. Whilst there, we learnt and mastered new skills such as canoeing techniques, camping and survival basics and we also improved our outdoor cooking skills. 

Our collective highlight of the camp was the chaos and excitement on the water and bonding with each other especially with Mr. Peterson and Mr. Sherman who told us really interesting and supportive things. We had such an amazing time. The instructors were extremely helpful and were able to ensure we had a fun, safe and fantastic adventure. 

Sam Ward, Ryan Sternbergs and Jack Renton 9A

The Luxurious Indoor Camping Experience with Ms Fisher 

You may have heard that the Year 9 students had a rough week sleeping in tents and other such horror stories about drop toilets but our group had a most luxurious time at the residential camp with warm, delicious home-style meals, warm showers and warm beds. It is fair to say the whole week was warm, wild and wonderful. 

Our group spent day one learning basic rock-climbing and abseiling skills, then we tested our strengths and faced our very really fears on the very challenging Sugarloaf Peak in the Cathedral Mountains. On days three and four we rafted down the cool, crystal clear waters of the Loddon River at the base of the Eildon dam under a clear blue sky. After that we hit some faster and more challenging rapids at Big River where lots of us fell out, laughed and screamed wildly as we paddled downstream. It was such a wonderful experience and the scenery was undeniably the most beautiful part of the adventure. 

One night we visited the camp across the road where the unwashed bike riders and Mr Bonne were sleeping out in tents. We made Smores by the fire and left feeling very grateful for our warm beds back at the residential lodgings. 

The staff at the camp were incredibly awesome and patient with us, ensuring all the time that we felt safe and they also encouraged us to reflect on our progress and team-work skills. The last day of camping was spent touring around the Buxton areas to hike to a lookout above Eildon Dam and also visiting a very impressive waterfall called Snobs Falls. 

Many thanks to my group for being amazing and for their families for allowing them the opportunity to experience camp. A very special thanks to our Junior School Administration legend Kelli Lawson for her tireless and thoughtful planning. Thanks also to Mr Peterson, Mr. Sherman, Mr Bonne and former GEC student Alex Leathley (Alex is a superstar and we wish him all the best with his studies at university this year) for supporting the students and making the camp possible.

Rubicon was an experience we will all cherish. So many great memories were made and a fun time was had by all the happy campers. 

Ms Fisher