Year 7 Camp 

The 2026 Year 7 camp strikes me as the most fantastic snapshot of what our Year 7 students are all about. In the end of Term 1, we travelled to Camp Coolamatong on the Gippsland Lakes to spend 4 days canoeing, raft building, stand up paddle boarding, tubing, swinging around the ropes course, competing at archery, sleeping in tebins (part cabin-part tent) and having a fabulous time. Students had a half-day boat trip to Raymond Island and, to their amazement, spotted around 20 koalas on our walk there. Table tennis, 9 square and basketball were all free time favourites. In the evening we were able to appreciate the beauties of creation through a night hike and outdoor challenges.

What stood out wasn't the activities, though they were fun, but the way the Year 7s approached them. Most of us needed to try brand new things, adjust to some wild, wet weather and spend time outside of our comfort zones. The students did this with a really impressive mix of resilience, good humour, encouragement of others and grit. Some achieved new milestones and some tried activities they'd thought unachievable prior to camp (tubing can seem daunting!). Some felt more comfortable, ready for any challenge, then got alongside friends and classmates who were feeling less confident. The Coolamatong staff shared devotions and encouragements on the theme of Belonging, often highlighting the sacrifices a Christian person made in order to help others in their community belong and be safe. Watching the Year 7s, I saw that in action repeatedly as they found ways to include, support and encourage others. It wasn't easy - we got really tired and had times that were hard, but gosh, they did a great job.

Bindy Albury

Year 7 Coordinator