wild at warburton
Bushwhacked - Warburton Camp
Written by Year 9 Bushwhacked Class 2017
On the 30th of August, the Bushwhacked class went to Warburton for camp. We camped for 3 days, running into September. This camp related to the topic that we were working on - Collaboration.
Our first day started off by getting on a bus and then being dropped off to begin hiking. We had to carry with us everything that we needed for three days, other that what was provided by Rubicon.
When we arrived in Warburton on the first day of camp, we exited the bus at 11am to begin a 10km hike along the O’Shannassy Aqueduct Trail to our camp site. On our hike we were required to carry all our gear for the remainder of the camp. This included: our clothing, tents, sleeping bags and other personal items. During the hike, we got to see the many faces of nature, and how it was still kept alive through the efforts of the people living in and around the area.
After we arrived at camp and set up our tents, we had to put on overpants and a raincoat as well as gloves and a beanie, then take a seat on the bus. We did not know what was in store for us. As we drove up the road, we noticed the cooler weather and it began to make sense why Mr. Haebich asked us to put on extra layers of clothing. The snow was upon us as the road started to turn to ice. When we arrived, we were given the chance to build snow men, throw snowballs at one another and make snow angels. We then had quiet time, remaining still and enjoying self-reflection.
On the second day of the Warburton Camp we all went canoeing along the Yarra River. We started our river journey at Warburton caravan park at about 10am and canoed approximately 5km to end our journey at Dee Rd. We had to wear thermals, wetsuits and fleeces to keep us warm as the river was very cold. During our time on the river we encountered various rapids and beautiful scenery. Due to shallow water and the large rocks everyone kept getting stuck on the rocks and falling into the river. Some of us tipped into the rapids, which meant we needed to protect ourselves by getting into the white-water safety position -
"TOES FIRST, TOES FIRST!"
The canoe activity was a fun and challenging experience.
During our time at camp, we participated in many activities that required us to collaborate and work well in teams. During the hike, we were required to work together by helping others by carrying equipment when they got tired. During canoeing, collaboration was essential to safely make it to our destination. Canoeing requires lots of teamwork and communication to ensure a boat won’t capsize or crash. Some canoes did flip! It was cold, and at times frustrating, however, as a team we still managed to accomplish the course in high spirits, and as friends!
Another activity that required collaboration was cooking. Our class was divided into cooking groups.
Each night, one group was required to prepare, cook, portion and clean everyone’s dinner. This required communication and teamwork to get everything done efficiently and correctly. Sometimes this required for people to step up as leaders, while others had to step down and follow instructions.
The story telling exercise where we had to construct and present stories about Indigenous culture (which was part of our assessment task) was really fascinating. We got to hear other people’s interpretations of stories and they were really good because everyone learned about Indigenous animals and Indigenous people’s culture. It taught us fundamental listening and responding skills which is crucial in collaboration.
It seemed that by the end of the camp, everyone had heaps of fun and had learned a lot about each other and themselves.