Year 5 Camp

On Monday the 6th of June Year 5 students ventured off to Ballarat for their 3-day camp. At the first stop, the students realised just how cold Ballarat was. At the Eureka Centre, students learnt about the Eureka Flag, Eureka Stockade and Democracy. After lunch, students visited the Ballarat Wildlife Park where they experienced hand feeding kangaroos and exploring the park to see various animals such as koalas, dingos, a tiger and alpaca’s along with various reptiles including snakes, lizards and “Crunch” the massive crocodile. The first day concluded with the students witnessing the “AURA” sound and light show.

Tuesday the 7th of June saw the student split up into their class groups and partake in Sovereign Hills ‘Living Museum’ Program. Students experienced “Living in the Old Days” where they wrote on a slate board and used a dip pen and ink well to write with before learning about items of clothing and various items used in the 1850’s. Students partook in a mine tour before witnessing a gold pouring demonstration and hearing about different facts on gold. Students finished the day with ‘Gold Fever’ by panning for gold in the creek and finding out what it was like being a miner, trooper or a banker on the goldfields.

On the final day of camp, Wednesday 8th of June, students were given the opportunity to spend their money. With many students purchasing items such as dipped candles (which student dipped themselves), boiled lollies, toffee apples, wanted posters, horse shoes and old-style wooden toys.

Over the 3 days the students gained knowledge and experienced what it was like back in the 1850’s and how unpleasant it was in the harsh cold and wet conditions, many students now have an appreciation of simple things such as lights, heaters and good food.