Year 10 Wollangarra 

In Week 1 and 2 of this term, a group of students and 2 staff (Alexandra Pollitt and Jenni Frank) headed to Wollangarra Outdoor Education Centre for Year 10 camp. Some of the students involved have reflected on their experience and shared some of their highlights below. We encourage all current Year 9 students to consider the opportunity of attending Wollangarra next year, and to reach out if they have any questions.

Meeting the mountains…. By Ralph Nuval

“Walking along the track, the sound of running water grew, 

And just as we turn our heads, we finally knew… 

A flying fox graced its way across the smooth river, 

On one side today’s world, the other Wollongarra, a new endeavour.

The tall wise trees a witness to all, guided our way to the homestead with all our bags we hauled. 

Met with our new homes we unpacked, handing in our phones, money and snacks.

I was excited, I was ready, as I looked around it made me wonder the world had so much more in store for me, it really was my oyster…”

I am so fortunate to have had the opportunity to go on this Year 10 school camp to Wollongarra, it has truly opened my eyes to the importance of nature and the true reliability that humans have on the ecosystem that we live in, recognising that we humans are not separate to nature, but are a vital part at keeping the environment running. I have been fortunate to learn new skills that will stick with me, skills such as how to start fires, the proper form when wearing hiking backpacks, and new skills on the guitar and accordion. 

Above all, I personally believe that the people that I was with truly made this camp memorable, the staff at Wollongarra, the teachers, and the classmates that I now call family.

Marc Tidey-Quigg

We were greeted by a flying fox that stretched over a slow, calm river. As we walked through the front gate to Wollangarra, there is so much that catches your eye. We saw tall, old trees, a homestead with a red roof that stuck out like a sore thumb, a couple of dozen sheep and even a baby lamb that was born that day. 

Hiking Days - We left early after probably the best night of sleep and arrived to start a 3-day hike. We walked for what felt like hours and had lunch in an open area to play a game called ‘camouflage’, which Joseph learned the hard way that second is better than first (being first makes you ‘it’ for the next round). Then it turned out that our camp site was just around the corner. On the second day of hiking, we somehow managed to lug our hiking packs to the look out of Mt McMillan. Oh, my, it was worth it. The third day was a crack of dawn start where we packed up all the tents and completed a walk back to the farm which was uneventful other than the small fact that we started a game of cricket. 

Days following the hike - We decided cricket was how we wanted to spend our day. We played cricket with teachers, Wollangarra staff, Jamie, Lily, Noah, Joseph and me. 

Last day - On our final day at Wollangarra we did small jobs and said our goodbyes. 

Joseph Tilmouth

In Wollangarra, I experienced many different events that have benefitted me in many ways. One being the friends that I have made and the long-lasting memories that I made on this camp. So overall I have enjoyed the experience of being able to come on this camp and I’m sure others would love it as well. 

Noah Jeffery

Travelling to Wollangarra was fun and exciting but very long. I think the best part was the hike up the mountain and the flying fox. 

Rain Trull 

It was a fun time and not so difficult, but I had some challenges. The hiking was fun but tiring since we climbed up the tallest mountain near Wollangarra. We camped for two days and then went back to the farm. Wollangarra was like a time warp having no reception or devices to read the time on. The day went longer not knowing what time of day it was. Having vegetarian meals for the whole time was delicious. It was so calming and relaxing at the farm. The staff taught me how to juggle and carve. We made bread and music in harmony. Having a small group made everyone come closer in the end. I enjoyed this camp and my new friendships. 

Lily May

I thought Wollangarra was a beautiful experience, and I am very happy with the opportunities I got to have on this camp. I made new connections with people; I thought I would never have. I am so glad that I got to go on this challenge and push myself to try something new and get out of my comfort zone. 

Jamie Walsh

I’m grateful for the opportunity I was given to attend the Year 10 Wollangarra trip since it allowed me to see Melbourne, gain hiking experience and most importantly form friendships that will last a lifetime. It was an amazing experience to be able to help run and keep Wollangarra afloat alongside leaders with amazing skills, personalities and knowledge. For these reasons, I highly recommend you take a leap out of your comfort zone and do things that may not be your forte. You may create new memories that you will cherish forever.