Year 7 Camp

On Wednesday 8th of February, the Year 7s embarked on their journey to Philip Island for camp. With them were a handful of Year 10s and lots of teachers, who were there to help out and also enjoy the time away from school. Members of the 9Life Media Journalism Team, Millie, Fleur, Ruby, Lillian, Jayden and Cal interviewed a selection of students about their time on the camp.  

First, we spoke to BJ, Cooper and Luke from 7A, who all shared very similar opinions of Year 7 camp. They could all agree that surfing was by far the best activity, whether they successfully caught a few waves or knocked over a few instructors. They could also agree that the funniest moment was when, during canoeing, the canoe filled with water and capsized, drenching them all. BJ told us all about how terrible the food was, something that we can definitely recall from our own year 7 camp experience. Cooper and Luke felt very frustrated about the early wake up time and early bedtimes.  

We then had a very entertaining conversation with Cam, Jess, and Willow from 7C, who had a lot more to say than the boys. Cam also loved the surfing, recalling a funny moment when the boys began making duck noises as they walked along the beach. Jess’ favourite activity was the high ropes, because “it was something I was very afraid to do and accomplishing it felt really good”. Going to the pool during free time was Willow’s best memory and getting involved in a fight over pool noodles.  

While most of the year 7s will remain quite tight lipped about their experiences on camp, they all spoke about it in a way that demonstrated how much of an impact camp has on the Year 7 experience. All six of the students we spoke to were able to say that they made some wonderful memories with their friends and bonded with other classmates over a shared excitement or anxiety.  

After interviewing three year 10 students, Daniel Cox, Harry Wall and Paige Johnson about their experiences with mentoring the year 7 students at the 2023 year 7 camp, the year 10 students said they learned how to connect with younger students and put themselves in teachers’ shoes to understand the troubles of leading and learning how to become an even better role model for younger peers. Harry said he felt a sense of achievement and accomplishment, he also mentioned how to be a leader and not just a friend. Paige mentioned she learned new responsibilities and that she built relationships with both teachers and students while also learning how to work with the younger students in many different situations. Harry said he felt senses of accomplishment, achievement, they felt as if they could connect with both the students and the other teachers/camp leaders. Paige said she built relationships with both teachers and students while also being mentors for the young year sevens who will hopefully try to be mentors of themselves for their peers.  

On reflection, we see how Year 7 Camp is a fundamental time for relationships and friendships for students, and a week of memories that will stay with the children forever. 

The 9Life Media Journalism Team 

Please enjoy this video of year 7 camp.