Year 11 Camp

Kinglake Forest Adventures Camp

Student Reflections

After spending a few weeks in Year 11, our cohort realised this year would be much different from any other school year we had faced. We quickly understood that we needed to rely on the community around us, and by creating connections outside of our friendship circles, we would be able to have a more successful, and enjoyable start to our VCE studies. This is why I am so appreciative of this year’s camp because it pushed us to form new bonds and friendships. 

On the first day, it did seem like a shame that we were not put into groups with our friends, but by the end of the camp, it didn’t matter at all. The camp had activities that were meant to challenge us physically and mentally, and by facing these challenges together, we connected with new groups of people in our year level. By playing tug-of-war on high rise platforms, jumping off trees into freefall, or spending time in conversation, the camp allowed us to see past the covers of the people around us and allowed us to see the stories they carry with them. Plus, the food was really good! Ruan Rademeyer (11.14)

Year 11 Camp was an amazing experience. The whole philosophy of the camp was challenge by choice, and we got to live out this philosophy through a whole series of activities, ranging from free falling off a 12-meter platform, to doing a mindfulness activity in the middle of the bush, surrounded by your peers. My favourite part of the camp was the community we created and the relationships we further developed with the teachers and camp leaders. We really connected and encouraged each other to the point where even the teachers were participating in the activities! Mr Van Gaalen also shared part of his story that gave us insight into the importance of connection and not judging a book by its cover. This message really affected many of us and gave us a perspective for VCE and life that we had never really thought of. 

Overall, Year 11 Camp was truly an incredible way to finish up our experiences with school camps, and I know we will all remember this experience far into the future. Sharntai Niemann (11.14)