Rafting, Rivers & Real-World Learning

James Zafiropoulos

Year 12

I really enjoyed this camp and the whole thing is definitely a big highlight of my schooling and VCE-VM in general. 

Camp really gave me a new outlook on life and it opened my eyes to the things we can go out and experience, all while being only a few hours from home. I liked learning things - like how to canoe down rapids, cook a BBQ over an open fire, and learning the white water safety position to swim in the river.

Because I have never really done that sort of thing, I enjoyed it even more. It’s definitely an experience that has unlocked doors for me. I’m thinking about going camping with mates and travelling more, especially now that I have my licence and can go wherever I want. I really like trying new things and this just proves why as I loved every second of the rafting and being out on the river. Even the slow parts - like sitting around the campfire appreciating what we have around us and just living in the present moment.

I think everyone should get this sort of experience during their school years as it creates lifelong memories and opens doors to opportunities to connect with nature throughout life. I hope that the school commits to this camp for VCE-VM every year, because you connect more with the people in your class and it’s such a great example of hands on learning.

Thomas Wilkinson

Year 12

I loved going down the rapids, and working with Gianni to not fall in the river! I learned that I can do something hard if I just try - like jumping into the rapids twice. The camp taught me to appreciate that when you are given a chance to go to a new place, you should stop, look around you,  see the big stuff, and also see the little stuff.

Sophie Stewart 

Year 12

On this camp I had so much fun rafting, learning new camping skills and spending times with my friends. One of my favourite moments was jumping into the rapids with Alex! It taught me to appreciate having a comfy bed and running water, but overall it was a great experience and I had so much fun.

Techin Kaewthong

Year 12

I really enjoyed being away from my phone and spending time in nature. It was great being able to spend more time with all my friends and make more memories together. The camp has definitely been one of the highlights of the VCE-VM program for me this year.

Liam Robertson 

Year 12

My highlight of the camp was the rafting. I forgot how cold it was just from how much fun I was having! Sitting by the fire at night was also up there with the best part.

Jayden Rickard

Year 12

I really enjoyed watching the stars at night. The night sky was very clear and we could see the Milky Way and the Southern Cross. After this camp, I started to really like stars and I was telling my mate how my teachers were telling me about the stars that move, which are really satellites. We then went to look at the night sky, and I was able to show my mate a satellite. 

Gianluca Pulcini

Year 12

I enjoyed many things about camp, but the real highlight was 100% the rafting because it was great to work together in a team and go down the rapids. Another highlight of the camping trip was also the support we got from Rubicon because we could not do anything without them.

Charles Denholm

Year 12

Camp was amazing. A massive highlight was those 2 nights that we just spent talking as a class over the campfire. I feel closer to my friends. I also had fun while doing the rafting. Everyone was having a great time with each other.