Horse Riding, Surf & Canoeing Camps

Horse Riding Camp 

On Mon 8 Dec, 28 students and four staff journeyed to Boomerang Ranch in Daylesford for a week of horse riding and camp activities.

We were welcomed by our generous host, Theresa, who warmly greeted us, provided lovely meals and made sure that we had everything we needed for a fun and exciting week.

As the name suggests, Year 9 Challenge Camps, are called that for good reason! For many of us the challenge came in different ways: riding a horse for the first time, fearfully (and excitedly!) holding on while our horses trotted or cantered, socialising all day every day for five days in a row, being away from home and loved ones, relinquishing our phones and minimising screen time… we each felt challenged in some way!

For most of us, the highlight of the camp was the Horse Riding. We were brimming with excitement to venture down to the stables and meet with our horses on the first day before being allocated a horse that would be the horse we rode all week. All the horses were so mild-tempered and beautiful to ride. We loved the experience of getting to know them and riding them through the Australian bush.

As well as horse riding, we enjoyed other camp activities such as damper making, evening camp fires, toasting marshmallows and s’mores, gingerbread making, bush walks and waterfalls, exploring the town of Daylesford. We shared so many new experiences together.

We won’t forget our beautiful horses, our late night conversations, the laughs, the tears at times, our new friendships and the end to our Year 9 at Wantirna College.

Joanne Steen

Camp Leader

Anglesea Surf Camp

Anglesea Surf Camp was an unforgettable week filled with excitement and personal growth. From the moment we arrived, every single person set a goal to achieve throughout the week, whether it was learning to surf, pushing their limits or simply having fun. By the end of the week, it was clear that everyone had achieved what they set out to do. There were many challenges to overcome: surfing in the ocean, a 15 km bike ride and all sorts of games and activities that tested us. Despite the tiring moments, we all walked away feeling accomplished, stronger and with memories that will last forever.

The camp was the perfect mix of thrill and adventure, with everyone embracing the challenges. Whether it was the rush of catching a wave, racing each other on the bikes, or just hanging out with friends, there was never a dull moment. The environment was supportive, and even when things felt tough, we pushed through together. By the end of the week, we had all grown, not just as surfers or athletes, but as individuals who had tested their limits and come out the other side stronger. It was a magnificent experience that truly captured the spirit of adventure and fun!

Thanks to our camp leaders, Michaela Piritidis, Nick Elliott and Gemma Bristowe!

Alannah Stockdale & Matilda Hoath 

Year 9

Torquay Surf Camp

Students on the Year 9 Torquay Surf Camp enjoyed Surfing lessons with Southern Exposure guides, spectacular coastal views to Rocky Point and the Port Phillip Heads on the clifftop walk, a Surf Coast Mountain Bike  Tour and Surf Kayaking!  It was a fun camp!

Murray River Canoeing Camp

The Murray River Camp has been a feature of the Year 9 Camp program for many years. Driving from Wantirna College to Cobram, approximately a 3.5-hour drive to the northern parts of Victoria,  the experience of spending four days paddling Australia’s mightiest river and lightweight camping on its sandy beaches is one never to be forgotten. It requires students to demonstrate planning skills, teamwork, independence, resourcefulness, initiative, tolerance and perseverance. 

A major focus of the camp is to challenge the students in terms of group processes, dynamics, decision making and to provide leadership opportunities over an extended period. Students are encouraged to organise many aspects of this camp and be responsible for much of the decision-making before and during the camp. 

A highlight is sleeping under the stars each night, with the students quickly learning to set up camp.