From the Leadership Team

Year 11 Melbourne Camp: Building Bonds and Leadership

At Endeavour College, camps are more than just excursions, they’re transformative experiences that foster independence, identity, and meaningful connections. 

In the final week of Term 3, our Year 11 students, accompanied by ten dedicated staff members, embarked on the annual Melbourne Camp, based in the heart of the CBD.

Over three dynamic days, students explored the city through a program designed to cultivate leadership, gratitude, and service. Highlights included:

• The Big Issue Classroom – A powerful session on homelessness, its causes, and community-driven solutions.
• The Shrine of Remembrance – A reflective visit introducing students to the values of sacrifice and service.
• Leadership Workshop with Pastor Chris – A thought provoking session on leadership and followership, preparing students for their upcoming roles as College Seniors.

Students also had the opportunity to choose from a variety of iconic Melbourne attractions, including:

• The MCG (especially exciting during Grand Final week)
• Melbourne Aquarium
• Eureka Skydeck
• Melbourne Zoo
• Botanic Gardens

• Victoria Street Markets

   

The camp culminated in a scavenger hunt challenge, where Village groups navigated the city, answered clues, and captured memories at key landmarks, an activity that tested independence and teamwork.

Student Reflections

“The scavenger hunt was a highlight for me. It helped me bond more deeply with my Village and explore Melbourne in a fun and meaningful way.” — Ryles Ross

“The MCG tour was amazing, and I loved how the whole year level grew closer by the end of the week.” — Annabel Norris

“Year 11 Camp was a great mix of fun and learning. Seeing the penguins at the Aquarium was a personal favourite, and Pastor Chris’s talk really stuck with me.” — Samantha Perryman

“The Skydeck was breathtaking. Looking out over Melbourne was surreal, and learning that the elevator is the fastest in the Southern Hemisphere was a fun fact—though it made a few of us queasy!” — Quintin Phan

The shared experiences of Melbourne Camp left a lasting impact, strengthening connections across the cohort and preparing our Year 11s for the leadership journey ahead.

Planning has already commenced for 2026 and we look forward to continuing this important fixture in our pastoral program.

Michael Vickery

Head of Senior School