On Monday 18th July our Year 9 students embarked on a trip of self-discovery and challenge, to Camp Marysville. The first part of this trip involved the biggest challenge of all: sitting on a bus for four hours and entertaining themselves. With scheduled breaks along the way, the students were able to achieve this with aplomb.

After arriving, getting familiar with their surrounds, meeting their group leaders and dodging continuous air raids from an overzealous plover, the students undertook their first camp activity: bush skills.

This involved student’s utilising the local environment and resources to build shelters in case they got caught in the elements. Students learnt to start a fire using flint and steel and to identify the important factors (shelter, warmth and food) when out in the wild.

Students ended their first day with a trivia night with the topics of: Movies, Sports, Geography, Beaufort Secondary College, The letter ‘A’ and Music. Despite arguments over whether “Australasia” was a place, does “anaphylaxis” have a ‘y’ in it and why “The Wiggles” are Australia’s greatest band, The Roosters were victorious by the smallest of margins (a half point, over “Times Up”).

On Tuesday, the groups were split with half undertaking a hike around Marysville, going to Steavensons Falls and learning of the tragedy that struck the region during the Black Saturday Bushfires in 2009. The other group undertook a bike trip through Marysville, taking in the scenery before going down the Michaeldene bike track back to camp, for an afternoon of rock climbing and abseiling, where students challenged themselves to step outside of their comfort zones.

Wednesday morning brought about the purpose of our trip to Marysville; SNOW! So, once breakfast was finished and final checks were done, the bus was loaded up and the climb began. Upon arrival the students were so mesmerised by what they could see that one student, lets call them J. Kerr, remarked “Wow it’s actually snow!”.

After a quick size up and lesson the students were set loose on the mountain to try their hand at cross country skiing. Despite many falls and lots of protests of “I can’t do this”, all the students demonstrated a tremendous amount of resilience and showed that they could in fact do it, to varying degrees. Students were also allowed time to ride toboggans, build snow people, have snowball fights (with literally anyone who walked by) and experience some of the local gourmet cuisine.

Thursday brought about a reverse of Tuesday’s activities but also resulted in one lost football, 3 rolled ankles and approximately $247.50 spent at the local Chocolate Shoppe, over-all a stirring success. Friday was the return trip home, with many weary and tired heads after what had been an action packed, always-on-the-go week, that would’ve resulted in lots of early nights. A big thank you to all the Year 9’s that came along, they gave everything a go and were always up for the challenge!

Once again, thank you to the Beaufort and District Op-Shop for helping to make this camp a possibility for our students.

- Miss Blackburn, Mr. Lindorff and Mr. Tatchell

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