Year 12 Camp Howqua

Camp Howqua

Being the first large scale event for Year 12s this year, Camp Howqua was an extremely memorable and enjoyable experience for everyone. Being in lockdown for the last two years, this camp allowed us to reconnect with our fellow peers and teachers.

Upon arrival, the experienced staff members challenged us to face and overcome our fears through the running of a range of activities to target everyone. For those who fear heights, they were meet with the flying fox or high ropes, for others they were confronted with a survival course tackling their way through mud on their hands and knees, riding horses or participating in going down a waterslide called the ‘wedgienator’. In addition, we were provided with team building activities in the form of frisbee golf, low ropes and a study session. 

After our first day of activities, Ms Tarquinio ran a fun night of trivia for the whole year 12 cohort. This brought out both the competitive and encouraging nature of everyone. Students participated in mini games and we were encouraged to get out of our comfort zones with activities such as balloon stomp, eating, and singing. One of our highlights of the night was the performance by Ms Massarotto and Ms Watkins singing “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” by WHAM. In addition, who could forget the whole cohort engaging in singing the chorus of “I Want it That Way” by The Backstreet Boys. 

The following day consisted of more and more activities that were on a rotational basis. Student leaders ran team building activities such as creating dresses out of toilet paper, the human knot and a balloon race. This allowed everyone to cooperate and work efficiently as a team while having a fun time. To top off the night we enjoyed some of Camp Howqua’s amazing hot chocolate while interacting with everyone.  

Overall, the camp was memorable one and already will be considered by many as the highlight of the year. It allowed us to gain friendships, become a united cohort while enjoying fun and laughter before returning back to the reality of the year 12 program. 

On behalf of the Year 12 Class of 2022, we would like to thank Mr Laganga, Ms Watkins and Ms Massarotto for putting this together for us after what has been a challenging few years. We would also like to thank all the staff who attended and lastly the Year 12s for making this one of the greatest experiences we will ever have during our time at Taylors Lakes Secondary College 

Keira Richardson and Massimo Valerio

Year 12 Community Student Leaders