Year 10 Camp

A Great Experience: Cooperation, Solving Problems and Fun

By the Year Ten International or EAL Students​

On 18th of April, we went to our first MGC camp and we spent three days and two nights in Phillip Island. The purpose of the camp was to get to know more Year Ten students, have the chance to bond with them and have fun. As international students, many of us haven’t been on camp before so this was a new experience for us. We didn’t know that camp would be that much fun, a few thought, “This is going to be boring”. Some felt like we couldn’t bond with other students, like little fish in the ocean. However, there were many fun activities such as the Giant Swing, Canoeing, Raft Making and Team Rescue. We also walked to Smith’s Beach and had chips after that. Other Year Ten students, that we didn’t know before, were friendlier than we thought they would be. They were lovely and we had a wonderful time with them and the teachers as well.

We all had to be at school by 8:50AM to head towards the island. Even though a lot of people were sleepy, the excitement we had to go to camp made us forget our tiredness. Soon after our teachers split us up into our house groups, which indicated which bus, we were to be in; the bus was a long hour and a half ride. Finally, we arrived at the camp. Nature surrounded us; there was vast green scenery. Just next to the cabin buildings were paths that led to a beautiful lake surrounded by trees. Everyone met up in the big conference room and got some basic introduction about the camp. Later we all moved into our cabins, which were not too big but comfy and started unpacking. 

At the lake campers could do some activities. We did two water activities on the calm lake, canoeing and raft making. Luckily each day was a beautiful day. Despite this, we were actually really scared that we would fall into the lake! During canoeing, each group carefully put on life-saving jackets and helmets, sat down in the boats and grabbed paddles. We learned how to paddle together and got quite good at it after a while. During rafting we tried to make ships by using eight plastic pipes.  For both activities the most important part was keeping balance with friends on the lake. Fortunately, we already had the skills of cooperation, teamwork and solving problems.

The campsite we stayed at luckily was very close to Smiths beach, so our teachers had planned a walk there in advance. We did not all go at the same time since it would have been too crowded with 218 girls! So, at some point, three groups made their way down to the beach, including a stop at the fish and chips shop which we were all looking forward to.  The time at Smith’s beach was spent with taking pictures, playing games and just enjoying the sun on our faces. Finally, when the teachers said we had to go back soon none of us wanted to leave!

There were fun activities during the night after dinner. On the first night we had the Trivia Night. As soon as teachers came in, almost every seat was taken and the atmosphere was active and joyful. Mr Kazi handed out answer sheets and all the group began discussing the questions with enthusiasm. During the competition, we had accumulated a great number of correct answers and had a great time. On the following night, we watched a movie called “Easy A”. Before the movie started, a group of girls danced in their sleeping bags which was really funny and made us laugh. While watching the movie, our mood changed with the development of the plot. We totally enjoyed the movie! We, the international students especially enjoyed all the slang words.

Finally, the last day of the year 10 camp came. It was time to board the bus. We heard from a student, “I am exhausted.” After three days of facing challenges and stepping out of our comfort zones, everyone was tired and wanting to go home.  However, we are sure that all the Year Tens agreed that this camp was an educational and meaningful camp to them. It gave us a chance to meet other students and to become close with them. Especially as International or EAL  students, we were able to learn more about the unfamiliar culture and language of Australia, and we believe that this camp definitely helped us belong to the community of Melbourne Girls College. Most importantly, we would like to show our appreciation to the teachers, the instructors and every student who came along with us to camp; we hope to see you again at our Year 12 camp.