Year 9 Adventure Camp
Last week, our Year 9 students stepped into the kind of experience that doesn't just test endurance, but shapes character. Out in the Strathbogie Ranges, they carried everything on their backs; clothes, food, tents, and hiked from east to west or west to east, changing campsites every night. They cooked over open fires, boiled water on trangias, and lived simply in the elements.
It wasn't easy.
There were blisters, cold nights, and steep climbs, including Lightning Ridge. And yet, time and time again, our students leaned in. They kept walking when they were tired. They paddled canoes, they abseiled down rock faces, they encouraged one another. That's where the real growth happened. Not just in the activities, but in the resilience, the patience, and the quiet moments of perseverance.
Huge thanks to Mrs Duke, Mr Boyle, Mr Park, Miss Mason, for walking every step with our students and to the families who cheered them on from home.
This camp reminded us that growth rarely feels easy in the moment, but looking back, what stands out is the strength discovered and the confidence earned.
Tim Eddy
Year 9 Coordinator, Deputy Head of Secondary & Secondary Teacher
Student reflections:
“I surprised myself climbing down that rock. I didn’t want to do it because I thought I was going to die! I succeeded by just doing it. I discovered that I can do stuff.”
“We all helped each other through each hike which let everyone's mental strength stay strong and be able to get through hard challenges.”
“Camp can help me with trying something new, as I can think of all the good times.”
“During part of the hike, I was hoping it would just all be over soon. I was annoyed and was super sore and wish I could just relax. Instead of having a sook, I chose to keep pushing on and finished the hike. I did consider giving up a lot but I know better than to just quit when things are getting hard. My mindset was the main thing that kept going knowing that it will all be over eventually.”
When reflecting on good moments:
“Looking at the stars. I literally just laid down on the ground, in the dark, with nobody's permission, and looked. They were so pretty, and I love astronomy, so that was just so cool, thinking about the amazingly huge, detailed universe which God has created.”
“During the campfires it was really nice and the food tasted better when it was cooked on a fire. We were with everyone and played fun games and it was nice.”
“This is a weird one, but one of my favourite moments was after I had finished my abseil and I was down the bottom watching the others. I think this moment has stayed with me because it was just a lot of fun watching all the others come down, and I was proud of myself for doing it even though I was scared.”
