Cathedral Ranges Program 

Melaine Blair

Teacher - Bushwhacked

As part of the Year 9 Bushwhacked Elective, students enjoyed a 2-day camp to the Cathedral Ranges in North East of Victoria this term. 

Unfortunately, due to high fire risk, the camp returned one day earlier than had initially been planned.  

The purpose of this program was for students to identify and learn about character strengths in themselves and in their peers -  and how they can use these strengths to work collaboratively as a team to achieve common goals.  Personal Development is a key learning area in the curriculum, and also provides opportunity for students to get to know each other better, and to share and learn from peer feedback.

Our Year 9 students had been planning for this camp since the beginning of the school year, so although our camp time was cut short they still endeavoured to draw as much from the experience as possible.  The group completed multiple hikes, learned how to create campfires using flint and steel, and many used trangias (portable stoves) for the very first time. 

Students demonstrated a really positive outlook on this camp, especially given the disappointment of having to return home early.  It is this resilience, enthusiasm and 'can-do' attitude that will see them excel in this program.

This was a great first camp,  and we look forward to more Bushwhacked programs later in the year when our Bushwhackers will learn even more about themselves as well as the fabulous outdoor environments that we visit.