Middle School

The Rite Journey Camp 2023

Q: How many Year 9 students does it take to change a lightbulb?

A: None. There are no lightbulbs in the wilderness!

The Rite Journey Program is designed to celebrate students’ growth from dependent children towards independent women and men. A key part of this journey is the Year 9 camp where students pack for themselves, cook for themselves, hike on their own two legs carrying all their belongings and finally spend 24 hours alone with nothing but a tarp and a sleeping bag for shelter. This journey, like all of the best things in life, came with highs and lows, triumphs and challenges. Along the way students in groups of 10 to 12 face the challenge of navigating unfamiliar territory to reach camp each night. They also encountered river crossings, faced their fear of heights on a high ropes course and mountain-biked through rough terrain.

We teachers had the privilege of seeing students rise to these challenges and show strength, character and a sense of fun as they supported each other through the week. It was amazing to see students (and some teachers *gulp*) step through their fear of heights on the high ropes, stare down curious kangaroos in the middle of the night on the solo, endure mosquito bites by night and flies by day, and all with a willing and cheerful attitude that made them a joy to be with. Discussion, sharing and prayer times around campfires each night were a great time to debrief, and it was so good to see the openness of the students to God, to each other and to the whole camp experience.

The camp challenged each student in different ways. For some, the hiking was a significant hurdle, others added extra weight to their packs to make the hike more challenging. For some students, 24 hours alone was a real trial, others relished the solitude. Some missed home-cooked meals, and others couldn’t stop saying “these are the best noodles I’ve ever tasted!”. In any case, what made us so proud was that everyone pulled together and everyone made it through to the end.

Well done Year 9s! We pray that the memories, experiences and friendships formed on this camp will powerfully help you in the days and years ahead!

Nigel Eaton and the Rite Journey team