Making Memories at the Year 7 Camp by Olivia Simpson 7M2

On the 13th of February, had you driven or walked past MGC, you might have thought there was a herd of elephants dashing onto the buses, not the students of Maris and Melba. Yes, it really was that loud! The loudness continued for the whole hour and fifteen-minute bus ride, probably resulting in a rather large headache for Mr Callegari and Mr Thomas, and there was a distinct air of relief and we exited the metal and plastic tube. That was when camp really started.

We sat down for a lengthy assembly, explaining the ins and outs of the camp, and then the moment everyone had been waiting for: cabin assignments. While I would absolutely love to go into detail about who was with whom and the following activities, unfortunately for non-camp-going readers, I only have so many words to use. Instead, I shall recount to you three of my favourite rotations: The Giant Swing, The Night Walk, and ‘Gold’ Panning in the river.

The Giant Swing stood at a less-than-impressive 15 metres above ground, with the usual safety straps and wedgie-inducing harness. I’m sure most know the drill- strap up, the others pull the rope, wait for the signal -then WOOSH- you’re flying. Some laugh, most scream, several start saying their prayers, but then they all want to do it all over again. If you asked me to describe the Giant Swing in one word, it would be addictive, because that’s exactly what it is.

A walk at night; a night walk. But was it really a night walk? More like a ‘“Quick! There’s another letter,” then sprint over there at full speed’ walk. We had to decipher a code in a very competitive race against time, and once we finished, we got a marshmallow to toast over the open fire. Then we took part in a very interesting talent show of sorts to learn more about each other and do some of that bonding people always talk about. I discovered that one student can blow air out of their eye and that another can speak clearly with their mouth shut – simply incredible.

On the second day, our last activity was going to the (very cold) river. It was very picturesque, and before long we were all in the water splashing our hearts out. However, our enjoyment was not purely idle. We were also busy hunting for ‘gold’ (which was probably pyrite, a gemstone known for its gold-like appearance, and the annoying tendency to show up wherever real gold is). BY the time we left, we had amassed a sizable amount of the shining rocks. I don’t think any of us will be becoming millionaires any time soon, but you never know.

In conclusion, the camp was fantastic, and we all loved getting to know and understand each other on a deeper level. We pushed ourselves and overcame mental blocks and barriers, with memories as our reward. Not to mention chocolate.

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