Camps

Year 7 Camp

From the 26th to the 30th of April, the Year 7 Cohort attended a three day camp at ADANAC- Yarra Junction. This was the first year that we have taken students to this site and it was a great success. The camp site itself was beautifully situated in the hills of the Yarra Valley and the program was packed with fun, exciting and challenging activities.

Some highlights for the students included stand up paddle boarding, the flying fox, indoor rock climbing and soft arrow archery tag. On Wednesday evening Gary Vella joined us and hosted an epic game of capture the flag followed by story time around the campfire. Students also worked collaboratively to build huts, complete orienteering activities and cook their own damper in the camp fire. The students can feel very proud of how they handled these challenges and contributed to making this a fantastic camp.

Angela Schneider

Year 7 Coordinator

Last week, the other year 7s and I were at the ADANAC Youth Camp in Yarra Junction. At this time last Thursday, I was enjoying dinner (lasagne) after a day of amazing and fun activities that we wouldn’t have got the chance to do otherwise. Some of the most memorable experiences included stand up paddle boarding, cooking damper, the flying fox, and telling ghost stories around the campfire. These activities helped me make new friends and become better friends with some amazing people who have recently transitioned into Coburg High School with me. I went on three camps in primary school and in 2017 I travelled the world with my family for the whole year… but even compared to that, this camp was pretty awesome. After having enjoyed my first camp at Coburg High School so much, I can’t wait for the future camps which I’m sure will be even more exciting, engaging, and fun.

Jo M -Year 7

Year 9 Outdoor Ed Hike

All 32 of us Outdoor Ed students were lucky enough to explore the beautiful landscapes of The Grampians national park for three days and two nights last week.

At eight o’clock on Wednesday morning we met at school, very cold and very excited. We each lifted a pack, our arms shaking with the sheer weight of it and launched them into the back trailer, praying all the food remained contained within their bags and tins. Once the trailers had been filled it was the bus' turn, and so, we all piled through the slim door frame, eager to get into the warm vehicle. Inside however, was just as cold as it was out, so we huddled as we had while waiting, this time wiping the condensation to wave goodbye to our families. The drive had begun and our excitement was not easily contained, it was the first time for many going away since covid had struck and we all shared a passion for nature and adventure. Once the bulk of the drive was over and the freeway was now dirt roads we were no longer surrounded by cars and shop fronts but native animals and trees. The last half hour was bumpy in the hire bus with no suspension but we were distracted by the cliffs and trees passing by. We arrived at the Grampians around midday and all jumped off the bus, breathing in the fresh, country air and admiring the beautiful scenery where we would be camping for the next two nights. After some struggle, all the tents were up and we were ready for the first hike called the Pinnacles. We began full of energy and had climbed up significantly high in the first little bit and it didn’t take long to get a beautiful view of the trees and rocks below. The walk was so much fun and by the end we realised the first view we got was nothing compared to what we saw then, a vast 360 view right down on all paddocks and trees, I even spotted some kangaroos the size of a pin prick. Rock hopping and climbing down the hike was much more relaxing than going up it which was a relief for all of us, and once down the slope we piled into the bus again drinking our remaining water and thinking about dinner. Back at camp the sun was already starting to vanish behind the hill so we got started on our meals. There were a variety of meals being cooked all smelling great, we all ate in a circle in the centre of camp and washed the dishes too. It was dark by now and with no city lighting the sky was covered in shimmering stars, I couldn’t stop myself from looking up at the magical night-scape. After a few games in the dark we were off to bed, ready for an early morning the next day.

Bright and early after a quick brekkie we were off before the sun had reached our camp yet it was shining on the hill behind creating a golden arch. The first walk of the day up Mt Stapylton was mind-blowing and just phenomenal, it was a steep hike up but worth every step. The second walk of the day was different to the first as it was along Mackenzie's Falls, a beautiful waterfall within the national park. Lunch was eaten here where the emus wanted us to share with them but we ate quickly and they didn’t get the chance. The falls were gorgeous, as was the walk that followed and once we had completed this one our legs were in need of rest. However there was one more walk for the day called the Balconies that had incredible views of mountains and it made us feel like we were in another world. It was our last night and with aching legs we rolled into bed after some good chats and quick dinner. We were up at sunrise once again and one last spectacular walk (my personal favourite) up Mt Hollow, that had more rock climbing than the others we’d done and it was a great adventure! Exploring the caves at the top of Mt Hollow was a highlight for most people.

Then, relieved yet sad to be leaving this wonderful place, we hopped onto the bus tired and hungry, ready to see our families and a warm bed.

(This amazing trip would not have been possible or fun without the awesome teachers who led all the adventures!)

Billy B