Kincumber

Students have a great time!

In week 9 this term, 52 students from Year 9 went to the Great Aussie Bush Camp at Kincumber.  After a slightly early start followed by a rather long bus ride, we arrived at camp.  We got straight into activities with a raft building race and the power fan.  Students’ comfort zones were tested when they had to climb up a 15 metre pole and then step off with only a harness and cable to slow their fall.  On Monday night we had a challenge night that showed off the hidden talents of some of the students and the fashion models of the group had their time to shine. 

Tuesday saw the students abseiling down the side of a tower and some more jumping off tall poles.  They spent the morning climbing through the trees on the high ropes course and the afternoon running, sliding and falling over in the mud run.  At night, the students were unable to beat the awesome skills of the teachers in the Commando Challenge. 

The final day once again tested the students’ nerve (and pain tolerance) with the giant swing and their accuracy and skills in archery.  After a long bus ride home, 52 tired students and 3 worn out teachers made it back to Cowra and welcomed an early night in the comfort of our own beds.

Of course it wouldn’t be a true camp experience without some bugs to deal with.  A lot of us turned up to school on Thursday still covered in mosquito bites and I hope one student has now recovered from her traumatic experience with a leech.

The students all embraced this experience and took a lot away from it.  It was wonderful to see the students supporting each other and helping the friends and fellow students to push themselves and overcome their fears.  It was a very fun three days and I am so glad I had the opportunity to spend this time with such a wonderful group.

Some comments from the students:

A big shout out goes to Helga and Balarkay (Blake), the camp leaders, for their ongoing support in all activities.  They made the whole camp enjoyable for everyone.  They even told us that we were the best groups they have had.

The camp showed a different side of a couple of the Year 9 boys who were thought to be tough, “cough cough”,  you know who you are.

We are thankful to the teachers for taking the time to deal with our year group, for taking time out of their daily lives as we are forever grateful for the memories that were made and challenging new experiences.

It was an amazing experience, 21/10 would do it again.

A riveting trip filled with enough heights and scares to impress any adrenaline junkie.

Kincumber definitely pushed us out of our comfort zone.  The trip was full of laughter, tears and screams of pain from boys in harnesses.  We all absolutely loved the trip.