Year 10 Aqua Camp
We were very thankful that the Year 10 Camp was able to go ahead, and we enjoyed the best weather for this camp in five or so years. An unexpected and lengthy fireworks display, clearly visible from a private function at the nearby Point Leo estate on the first night, was an extra blessing, as were the mild evenings that enabled comfortable time spent outdoors.
The students fully embraced the range of activities in their chosen activity stream, as they encouraged each other when challenged, solidified friendships after a difficult two years, and also formed new friendships through mixing with their peers. Whether it was success in standing on a surfboard, to riding a wave into shore, learning some of the skills of sailing, or handling a power boat, overcoming apprehension in breathing underwater, or in undertaking some other new activity, or just feeling more a part of the year level, I am sure that every student was able to come away with positive outcomes from their time at camp.
It was a pleasure to take this cohort of students away for an exhausting four days and I trust that their experiences will remain strong in their memories. I especially thank all the staff who took time away from their own commitments to accompany the activity groups and assist throughout the week, without whom, this camp would never be possible.
Year 10 Camp students’ reviews
Year 10 Aqua Camp was an incredibly special and enjoyable experience. I had the opportunity to try so many new water-based activities which I may never have if not for this camp, and I loved each of them. Surfing and stand-up paddle-boarding were two of the absolute highlights, with the perfect weather conditions adding to the enriching experience. One of the best memories of camp wasn’t even planned – our own fireworks show on the first night was unforgettable!
Jessica Graham (10.4)Camp was one the greatest experiences. I was able to try so many different things and really get out of my comfort zone. I had an amazing time scuba diving and being able to see so many different things I had never seen before. I was also able to spend time with all my friends and make some new friendships, which was really cool! Eden Shambrook (10.3)
I personally chose to do scuba diving, which certainly was amazing! It was so fascinating to see under water creatures and have the chance to temporarily live through their lifestyle. As well as scuba, we got the opportunity to try other activities, such as sailing, snorkelling, and coastal walks. Overall, camp was one of the best events that I have experienced so far, and I am so glad that I got to undertake possibilities that I most likely would not have outside of school.
Vanda Amin Moayyed (10.4)
I had a really good time on camp and enjoyed most of the activities we did. Overall, it was an amazing camp and it's an experience I'll never forget in my life!
Jimmy Sha (10.4)Overall, the Year 10 Aqua Camp was an amazing experience that I, and I'm sure many of the other students, will remember. I personally chose to do scuba diving and everything about it was amazing, whether that was the diving instructors and how thorough they were with teaching us the several skills to feel safe underwater, or to the actual scuba itself. In the ocean, I never realized how beautiful and vibrant it was, almost like another world, it was simply amazing. I thoroughly enjoyed the camp, and I am sure that everyone else has too. Josh Ho (10.17)
My time at camp was amazing. It all went so smoothly, and any slight issues were dealt with very well. The organisation of the teachers was incredible, making everything work flawlessly. Scuba diving was such an outstanding experience, and I wish I could do it all over again.
Ezra Rickard (10.17)This camp was nothing short of incredible! Especially after not being on camp for the past two years, this camp was amazing. We have such a close cohort and, especially after this camp, we got even closer. Scuba, personally, was an incredible highlight, and the three sessions we participated in for the Scuba course, have encouraged a whole big group of us to go back and officially get our Scuba licenses, so we can scuba dive in places all over the world! I will never ever forget the incredible food, the laughs, the singing on every bus ride and especially the scuba and Merricks Camp instructors. They made this experience even better. Year 10 camp was absolutely amazing! Sharntai Niemann (10.3)
Nicole Latham
Year 10 Coordinator