Into the Great Outdoors

A little closer to home, our Senior School cohorts embarked on their annual camp experiences across Victoria. Alongside the rite of passage that is taking on the giant swing, camp provides valuable time outdoors in nature.

Spending time in natural environments has a well documented positive impact on young people. Research has shown it can reduce anxiety, support mental wellbeing, improve empathy, and even enhance sleep! Studies have even found that just a few minutes in nature can improve cognitive function and learning outcomes for children.

So while adventure and fun are certainly the name of the game at camp, these experiences offer valuable benefits for student development and learning, often in ways we can’t immediately see. 

Year 8 Camp at Golden Valleys

Lucas Wang, Year 8

"Camp was a memorable experience where I got to try activities like camping in tents and surfing. I especially enjoyed experiencing what it’s like to live in the bush, including cooking our own food, pitching tents, and being more independent away from civilisation. However, the bugs were a downside, especially the large mosquitoes at night. Overall, it was a unique experience that pushed me slightly out of my comfort zone and gave me some great memories.  "

Year 10 Camp at Clifford Park

Charley Johnston, Year 10

"At camp this year, we participated in many activities which we haven't experienced on previous school camps, such as survival skills, kayaking down the Yarra river, obstacle courses, a fire night (shout out to Max), rock climbing, and abseiling off a real rock face! My personal favourite was mountain biking. 

When we weren't participating in activities we had free time, which was just as special as the activities, as they allowed time to catch up with friends, talk to people you might not always talk to, and build upon the connections we'll carry on through school.  The Year 10 camp was an overall an incredible experience and I can't wait to see what the future years bring." 

Year 11 Camp at The Summit Adventure Park

Joseph Nazaretian, Year 11 

"Camp was an unforgettable experience that pushed me beyond my comfort zone. Through teamwork and challenging activities, I built confidence, resilience and stronger friendships. The camp taught me the importance of persistence, communication and supporting others while creating memories that I will always value deeply."

Year 12 Camp at Anglesea 

Toby Smith and Rayaan Bhargava, Year 12 

"Year 12 Camp turned out to be an exciting and memorable experience that gave our cohort the chance to strengthen friendships, challenge ourselves and take a break from our daily stress and routines.  

It was a camp of fun, memories and lasts. The last night staying up way past 12, talking and eating lollies. The last camp meal, chicken schnitzel that was drowned in gravy. One of the highlights was surfing on the second day. While trying to balance on the board and catch a wave was definitely more difficult than it looked but it felt incredibly rewarding once we managed to do it. Many students getting up and falling down throughout the session, being out in the ocean with friends, encouraging each other and sharing plenty of laughs throughout the activity made it a really enjoyable experience. 

Year 12 Camp allowed us to step outside our normal routines, strengthen friendships and create lasting memories together. The games led by leaders and teachers, glow in the dark capture the flag, a dance battle and trivia were great opportunities to get to know our whole cohort and just have fun. We're very grateful to the teachers and student leaders for all the effort they put into organising such an enjoyable experience."