Cover Story

Inside Year 10 Camp

Yeagarup Campus, near Pemberton, was our destination for our Year 10s’ final big group camp. Set amongst the beautiful bushland of the South West, this brand-new location owned by, St Hilda’s Anglican School for Girls, provided the perfect backdrop for a camp centred on connection, reflection, challenge and growth.

This year also marked our second year working alongside Growth Hunting, who brought a deeper and more intentional focus to the camp experience. Their program encouraged students to think about who they are, the people who have shaped them, the values they want to live by, and the impact they hope to have on others. Across the three days, students were given the space to have meaningful conversations, honour important people in their lives, and reflect on the kind of person they want to become.

Throughout the camp, students moved through a range of on-site and off-site experiences. One group took on the challenge of Aerial Adventures, where students climbed, balanced and navigated their way through high ropes courses suspended amongst the trees. It was fantastic to see students supporting one another, offering encouragement from below, and celebrating each other as they pushed beyond their comfort zones.

Another group spent time at Big Brook Dam, taking part in a walk-and-talk experience. Students paired up and had conversations about the people, memories and moments that matter most to them. These quieter parts of camp were just as powerful as the adventurous ones, giving students the chance to slow down, listen and connect in a meaningful way.

Back on site, students took part in a team challenge that began with a video message from our Principal, Mrs Campbell. Her message set the scene beautifully, encouraging students to work together, think creatively and “crack the code” to success. Students also participated in a Growth Hunting rotation called My Impact, where they explored the influence they can have on others and began putting these ideas into action.

Each evening, students gathered around the fire to enjoy meals, share stories and take in the atmosphere of camp. The caretakers at the St Hilda’s Yeagarup Campus truly spoilt us with their food, warmth and care, helping make the experience feel welcoming and memorable.

On the first night, students were able to choose from a range of evening activities, including a movie, pickleball and a game of Werewolf. There may even have been an eight-foot werewolf in the room! It was wonderful to see students choosing activities that suited them and finding their own way to make the most of the camp experience. There were plenty of laughs, conversations and moments of connection throughout the night.

On the first morning, a brave group of students elected to start the day early with a morning activity. They were woken before 6.00 am – yes, you read that correctly! Some students took part in boxing with a state representative, others headed out for a peaceful morning walk, and a group joined Miss Webb for some early morning yoga. Everyone else enjoyed a much-needed sleep in.

After the second day of activities, students were treated to a surprise event – a silent disco! With glow sticks, plenty of dancing and staff battling it out to be crowned the best DJ, it was a night full of laughter, colour and energy. It was such a joy to see students smiling, singing and enjoying the moment together.

Our final day brought what was perhaps the most powerful part of camp. Students had the opportunity to read words written by a significant person in their life. It is safe to say there were many emotions in the room. These messages reminded students of who they are, the strengths others see in them, and the fact that they are not defined simply by achievements, results or what they do, but by the person they are.

I am incredibly proud of the students and staff who were part of this camp. Throughout the experience, I saw students open up, show kindness, demonstrate maturity, strengthen friendships and support one another in ways that were truly special. Each student brings something unique and wonderful to our community, and I hope they carry the words, memories and lessons from this camp with them as they move into the next stage of high school.

A huge thank you must go to the Growth Hunting team for their thoughtful planning, energy and care. Their work helped create one of the most memorable and meaningful camp experiences for our Year 10 students, and we are very grateful for everything they brought to the program.

Finally, thank you to the incredible staff who made this camp possible: Ms Sephton, Mr Cotterell, Mrs Evans, Ms Lane, Miss Webb, Mr Hanssen, Ms Day, Mr Maddess, Miss Bakeberg and Mr Heath. Their care, enthusiasm, humour and support helped make this camp such a positive and powerful experience for our students.

Well done, Year 10s. What a way to finish your Year Group Camp journey.

Ms Sadie Yoxall

Head of Service Learning and Camp Programs