Around the Senior School

Year 7 Camp 2026

The apprehension for Year 7 camp quickly turned to excitement as we stepped off the busses and settled into our accommodation at Great Aussie Bush Camp, Lake Macquarie. Whilst camp provided many social and emotional challenges for our newest Year 7 Cohort, it was a tremendous opportunity for personal and social growth within the Year group. Year 7’s enthusiasm, teamwork and willingness to take on the challenges presented to them made for an enjoyable camp. Burke and Mila have recapped their experiences at camp, outlined below.

Year 7 should be incredibly proud of the way they have approached their first month of High School. Their supportive and enthusiastic approach to School events has allowed a smooth transition into new routines.

From Mr Waterson

What we did at camp

As we stepped out of the bus, we rapidly had to adjust to the humid climate, but we were soon greeted by the splendid snow cones before we started our first activity. With Group 1 starting with the thrilling giant swing, flying through the sky, getting a wonderful breeze with their adrenaline running. Group 2 started with the exhilarating power fan, stepping off a thirteen-meter platform, and as the cord extends, the fan inside slows you down as you fall, letting you have a safe and comfortable landing. For Group 3, camp started with flying fox - soaring over 100 meters, racing and supporting your friends, making the challenge a whole lot easier. Group 4 started with high ropes, climbing over 10 meters high to make the challenge of manoeuvring and keeping balance, to have a safe zip line back to the ground. As the day came to an end, we all shared some amazing stories about each of your days before drifting off to sleep.

As day two began, with an early start, we all had breakfast and got straight to activities. Some groups were introduced to new ones, like archery and canoeing, and others completed the survival challenge. Archery consisted of four teams taking it in turns, with only a handful of people hitting the bullseye. Canoeing was a group of three people trying not to tip!

As the final day arrived, we finished up the activities we had not done and said goodbye to our first high school camp.

by Burke Smith, Year 7

How we felt and what we learned

One of the best parts by far for me on camp was the games night. We all excitedly piled into the hall, where we all got into teams. We had to do different activities, and the most surprising thing for me was the musical chairs. I never thought that musical chairs could be so competitive!

A moment where Year 7 supported each other was when we did the power fan. Even though some people were absolutely terrified, they still got up there and did it. We all cheered one another on and made sure that everybody was included.

Something I learned about myself at camp was that even though I found something challenging, I never gave up and kept going. By the final day, I had met so many new people and friends. Overall, camp helped our year group by bringing us closer together, getting to know each other, and experiencing things that we had never done before.

by Mila Staniforth, Year 7