Big Camp 2023

In the second week of January this year, one of my amazing GOAL students attended Big Camp at Lord Somers. Ashton W, in Year 11, was nominated by a coach at hockey and applied online. Ashton was one of only 100 young men in Victoria accepted for the 2023 intake. From all reports Ashton rose to the challenges he was faced with and we are immensely proud of his achievement. Please see his reflection below.

Ms Simone Hamlett

Teacher

Reflection from Ashton...

Initially I was nervous to meet 99 other people I'd never met before and spend a week with them. By the end of the week, I’d made new friends and done things I’d never thought I’d do in my life. Such as being woken up at 3am to sort smarties under a blue light or going for a beach swim every day at 6am.

 We were split up into five groups of 20, this was our group for the entire week. We were given a mascot, team colours and a team chant (which came in handy when the Dark Blue Demons won). Over the course of the week, we took part in activities designed to build teamwork, communication skills, resilience, and perseverance.

For example, in one activity we had to complete a ‘human wheelbarrow challenge’ from the sand to the water. You’d then swim out to the team leader, swim back, then piggyback carry a teammate across the line for the next group to go. When all the pairs were finished, you’d have to swim out to the team leader and carry him out of the water up to the line on the sand.

In another activity we had to pass a medicine ball under and over in a line. This was designed to build communication and collaboration skills under pressure. 

Volunteers run the activities and the camp; everyone is doing something that benefits the camp. The 'King' and the 'Duke' are at every meal, they will come in and talk about the events of the day or night. 

Sometimes they will pull people up to talk about what they're doing in their life, and their skills. I spoke about what I’ve done as a State-level hockey player. The King and the Duke then challenged me to block a variety of materials, like water and flour!

Are you interested in Big Camp?

Big Camp is for anyone who is looking for the chance to view the world differently. If you are excited by new opportunities and want to create change in yourself by working with others, then Big Camp is for you. If you are adventurous, open minded, interested, and ready to learn more about yourself and others, don’t hesitate to take up this invitation to apply.

Have a look at the Big Camp checklist to make sure you are Big Camp fit. Big Camp is challenging, and you must be ready to accept the challenges and prepared to actively participate in the entire week-long program. Are you……. 

• Available to attend Camp? The Lord and Lady Somers Camps are held in the first few weeks of January. 
• Interested in trying something new? 
• Aged between 16.5 and 18 years in January? 
• Ready to be stretched mentally? 
• Willing to take on physical challenges? 
• Happy to provide one written referee? Preferably someone who knows you who is not a family member or close friend. 
• Able to provide a second referee who we might contact to find out more? 
• Prepared to be challenged and extended beyond your comfort zone?