Grade 3/4 Camp
Day 1
The excitement began the moment we boarded the bus for our very first camp trip. Stop one was the Glenrowan Kellyland Animation and Discovery Hub, where we stepped straight into the world of the Kelly Gang. We faced our fears and joined a dramatic re‑creation of the gang’s final siege. It was loud, intense and incredibly immersive, and we all agreed we were very grateful to live in 2026 and not 1880.
After arriving in Beechworth and unloading our bags at the Old Priory, we walked to the Beechworth Town Gardens before heading to the Bee School. Students were fascinated by how bees live, work and communicate, and especially by how important they are for the food we eat every day.
We then met our guide, Sally, who led us to the historic Beechworth Courthouse for another immersive experience, this time of the Kelly Trials. Students stepped into the roles of judges, barristers and witnesses as they tried to decide who was telling the truth, the Kelly sisters or the policemen. Opinions changed by the minute, and the lively debate made history feel wonderfully real.
Our tour continued through other significant gold rush buildings, helping students imagine what life was like during Beechworth’s bustling past. Inspired by the stories, we even tried our luck at finding our own gold. The day ended perfectly with bushranger tales shared around the campfire, creating a warm and memorable finish to a full day of learning and adventures.
Day 2
Day two began with the challenge of repacking and carrying our belongings down four flights of stairs, an impressive early‑morning effort from everyone. A hearty scrambled‑egg breakfast was a well‑earned reward. We then met Oz, a local cartoonist who taught us clever drawing techniques using simple shapes like letters, numbers, sausages and eggs. Students were amazed at how quickly their drawings improved.
After morning tea back at the gardens, we reunited with Sally for a visit to the Beechworth Telegraph Station. There, students learned about Morse code, early communication and even cracked a few secret messages of their own.
Sally then took us to the Burke Museum, where we were once again immersed in the history of Beechworth during the 1800s. Students explored recreated shops and displays that showed the lives of people who had travelled from faraway countries to join the gold rush. It was a vivid reminder of how diverse and lively the town once was.
Our journey continued as we boarded the bus to Eldorado to visit another museum, this one housed in the old primary school. Students were amazed to learn that the tiny building they were squeezed into once held more than 200 children when schooling became compulsory in Australia. Here, we tried more gold panning, typed on an old typewriter and explored clothing and everyday objects from the late 1800s, deepening our understanding of life in that era.
Our final stop was lunch at the Eldorado Park, a lovely place to share our last meal together and enjoy some free play before heading back to school - tired, happy and full of stories to tell.
