Year 7 Camp

An adventure unfolded last week as our Year 7 students embarked on an unforgettable journey to Camp Marysville. Our camp was a wonderful success – allowing the girls time to develop their friendships and build their resilience. Below, two of our Year 7s have reflected on their time at camp and what they learnt.

On the 6 of March 2024, at the crack of dawn (well, 9:00 am), the greatest Year 7 squad— all 16 of us (plus our teachers and peer support leaders)—embarked on what was bound to be the adventure of a lifetime: Camp Marysville. We piled into the bus like sardines in a can and set off on an adventure.

An hour into our journey, we encountered the notorious Black Spur, turning our trip to Camp Marysville into an unexpected rollercoaster ride. Once we got there, we all stumbled out and met the staff and got our cabins. Our first activity was initiatives. We got to work together as a team and fill up a tube full of holes using sponges. Dinner followed, and then a nice big campfire where we sang songs and roasted marshmallows and went to bed where we fuelled up for the adventures ahead. The next day, we tackled canoeing in a dam and a high ropes course, then ventured on a 2km bush walk, rewarded with sweets from an old-fashioned lolly shop and a mournful trip to a bushfire museum, about a catastrophic bushfire that happened in 2009. In the evening, we showcased our talents in a spirited talent show.

On day three, we packed our bags and learnt bush skills, mastering fire lighting and shelter building. before bidding farewell to our unforgettable Camp Marysville experience. After a short ride we arrived at McDonald’s and got to feast on sundaes and fries – thanks to SPA!

Overall, these 3 days were some of the best days ever.

Laura L

Most of us, if not all, get extremely excited when the topic of camp is discussed. Some may think camp is a time to go crazy and wild, but in my opinion, it is a time when I can bond with many of my classmates and teachers by working and communicating together more often.

On the first day, we were all looking forward to the activities we would complete the following days, including canoeing, high ropes, visiting the candy shop, and the fantastic talent show on the second night hosted by Mrs Juers.

Nevertheless, everyone’s patience was tested, as we had to wait until we arrived at Camp Marysville to find out who our cabin mates were. I can tell you I was thrilled to find out I was in the same cabin with most of my friends, as well as some whom I had not quite talked to before. Luckily, having them as cabin mates enabled us all to bond with each other, making us all closer friends.

The following day, I had not expected it to be quite so tiring. Even though we had a few breaks in between, overall, we had to walk quite a distance from the candy shop and the bushfire museum. Later that evening, all students could perform either in a group or as a solo in the talent show. My group had performed the song ‘Riptide’ by Vance Joy. At first, it was quite nerve-racking, but soon after, everyone began to clap along, boosting the group’s confidence.

Moreover, the last day had come upon us in a flash. After getting ready in the morning and packing our bags, we arrived at the hall ready to eat breakfast. Later that day, we learnt about bush skills: how to light a fire using flint and steel and how to build a shelter using long, thick sticks.

Later, as we enjoyed our morning tea, it was time to check our paper pockets, which we hung on the wall, and see the appreciation notes our classmates might have written to us. This was such a wonderful way to spread kindness around and make everyone feel good about themselves because even the little things can make one smile.

Overall, this was the most memorable camp experience I will ever have. Working with all my classmates and teachers while having fun was unforgettable, a memory I will cherish.

Anastasia V

Estelle Avgerinos

Year 7 Coordinator