Year 9 Barrawarn Camp

This term we had another group of four classes of students head off on the wonderful Barrawarn Camp to the marvellous Gariwerd National Park. All students participated in three days of outdoor adventure activities including, canoeing, hiking, high ropes, rock climbing and abseiling. Students also enjoyed camping in tents one night, cooking on trangias and toasting marshmallows on a campfire. Below are some reflections from some of our year 9s. 

“Walking up the rocks, the hush struggles of my peer's echoed through my ears. A sigh of relief when we marked the final step of the hike. Our reward, the breathtaking view of the Grampians. It carried a powerful silence that was broken by the sounds of the cheerful kookaburras calling in the distance. This year's camp was a camp unlike no other. A camp that was filled with leadership, friendship and resilience. We took part in activities that involved courage and stepping out of our comfort zone including high ropes, canoeing, abseiling, rock climbing and a long hike up halls gap. My favourite activity was canoeing even though I was really slow because we had additions of challenges including a game of basketball and a game like tag. The campsite of the place itself was incredible. We stayed in huge cabins one night and tents the other surrounded by the beautiful nature of the Grampians. One of the best parts was seeing kangaroos hopping around the campsite, making the experience feel truly Australian. Waking up to such amazing views each day made the camp even more memorable. This year’s camp was not just about the activities and scenery though, my favourite thing was just being able to spend time with my friends and getting to know new people”- Nimmy McArthur 

“Camp was amazing and by far the best one during our time at University High School. Our favourite activities were canoeing and rock climbing as they pushed us out of our comfort zone and to do our best. The experience we got making our food during the tent night and cabin night was extremely fun. We got to make food with our friends and teachers, and had a great time. The pinnacle hike was quite exquisite. The final view at the top was super unique. Overall, the camp experience was extraordinary.”- Emil Graljuk 

“Year 9 Camp was an extraordinary experience. An experience where you can go rock climbing, abseiling, canoeing, high ropes and a long but beautiful hike up a giant mountain. Each activity was unique to each other but they all had one thing in common. They were all entertaining. You could watch your peers, cheer them on as they climb a rocky landscape and you could do it yourself too. But camp wasn’t only about the activities, it was about living with your friends, making tents, being loud in a cabin and cooking dinner for all the classes. Year 9 Camp in my opinion was the most memorable and had the best activities. We got to explore the town of Halls Gap and reached the pinnacle of a mountain where tourists come all the way across the world. Overall, I am sure everyone enjoyed camp and I hope the future year 9s will enjoy this experience too.” Lucas Nguyen 

Maddie Brown 

Booeegigat Special Program Coordinator