Year 5 Camp

On Monday the 5th June, the Year 5 students ventured off to Ballarat for their three day camp. The day began with an early start of 7:45am at school before heading to Ballarat on the bus. The first stop was the Eureka Centre where students learnt about the Eureka Flag, the Eureka Stockade and the development of Democracy. After lunch, students explored the Ballarat Wildlife Park where they saw various animals such as koalas, dingos, eagles, alpaca’s, and a tiger, with the opportunity to feed roaming kangaroos. They also learned about various reptiles including snakes, lizards, alligators and “Crunch” the massive crocodile. The first day concluded with the students witnessing the “AURA” Sound and Light Show, at Sovereign Hill.

On Tuesday the 6th June, the students split up into groups to partake in Sovereign Hill’s Living Museum Program of activities. Students tried writing on a slate and using a dip pen and ink well, before learning about items of clothing and various artefacts used in the 1850’s, during the “Living in the Old Days” program. They learned about gold through participating in a mine tour, witnessing a gold pouring demonstration and hearing about different facts on gold. Students had the opportunity to do old style bowling before finishing the day with “Gold Fever”, by panning for gold in the creek and finding out what it was like being a miner on the goldfields.

On the final day of camp, students enjoyed purchasing items such as candles, a dipped candle (which they did themselves), boiled lollies, toffee apples, ‘Wanted’ posters, horse shoes and old style wooden toys with their pocket money.

The camp enabled students gain knowledge and experience life in the 1850’s including 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. The Year 5 students would like to thank all the teachers who attended camp and made it a wonderful and memorable experience.