Week 4 of Term saw the traditional time slot for camp this year with a shift to year 10 due to the interruptions from COVID the previous 2 years. Again, there were multiple options available with students selecting from Adventure Camp at Phillip Island, Beach Camp in Anglesea, Horse Riding in Merrijig, Rock Climbing at Mt Arapiles and Snorkel Camp around the Portsea area. Thankfully the wet weather and flooding seen around the country hadn’t affected the venues and all camps were able to continue as scheduled.
I would like to thank all the students and families who took this opportunity to participate in the camping program, challenge themselves personally and finish their time at Catholic Regional College Caroline Springs. I hope you all took something away from the camp this year whether it be facing a fear, taking an opportunity you might not get again, making new friendships or developing leadership skills. Thank you also to all the staff that participated and the students who attended. The camps could not go ahead without staff attending and allowing these opportunities for the students.
Below are some student responses from the various camps:
"A couple of weeks ago, I had the privilege of going on the Adventure Camp offered at CRCCS. Immediately I noticed how friendly and welcoming the workers at the camp were. They welcomed us right in, often chatting to us and in my case even playing a game of table tennis against me. The food prepared there was also some of the best I have eaten at a school camp so far. All the games were extremely thrilling and rewarding, allowing us to act independently and push our limits. This may have meant attempting the high ropes course without holding on to the pilot bar, going to the top of the giant swing, or channelling our inner Rambo during the outdoor laser tag. I tried my best to face my fears with every activity I did, and most of my friends did too. Although, the best activity by far was undoubtably surfing. After getting fitted into the right wetsuit, given a board and taught all the techniques, everyone was determined to catch the perfect wave. I remember the exciting feeling when I was first able to get up, and then spent the rest of the session desperately trying to recreate it. The only bad part of that day was having to walk back up the hill from the beach after we finished. Overall, it was amazing being able to share such fun experiences with my friends and I am truly disappointed it’s now over".
Luke P – Adventure Camp
"The 3 of us went to Adventure Camp and made a lifetime of memories. We went to Philip Island Adventure Resort and participated in various activities we were familiar with like the giant swing and flying fox which never get old, and some new ones like the chaotic team rescue, surfing, and laser strike. The staff members made our experience so fun by spending their free time with us and getting to know us throughout the different activities. The cabins were clean and cosy, and the food filled us all up. The way the cabins and activity groups were set up ensured that the three of us were always together along with all our other good friends with whom we got to make countless memories. We all had so much fun at camp and it was a great way to make some final year 10 memories and torture our favourite teachers before exams and graduation".
Katherine S, Athena A and Sara G – Adventure Camp.
"Beach Camp was a very enjoyable experience for the students and teachers. With 100% participation in every activity; surfing, stand up paddle boarding, kayaking and boogie boarding, with some epic waves and wipeouts. It was really easy to pick up, with most of us not having a clue beforehand. The Go Ride A Wave instructors were there to teach us how to do these fun activities whilst being safe. We highly recommend Beach Camp if you want to have a fun time with your friends for your last camp with CRCCS".
Layla S and Olivia A – Beach Camp
"The year 10 horse riding camp was definitely one to remember, the three days we spent at Merrijig were full of horse riding, hanging out and most of all, rain. On the way up to camp, we had a 3 hour drive to our destination. There were many winding dirt roads once we entered Merrijig, and each time that we went around a big bumpy bend no one would miss the chance to make a noise with their mouths, which was funny not only for the teachers but also for us students. The rain hit us constantly for all three days we were at camp, even though we got drenched, we found time to get comfortable with our horses and ride them. In our spare time, when we weren't riding horses, we played games, sat by the fire and best of all, roasted marshmallows. The staff at Merrijig were amazing, they put all their time and efforts into making everything perfect and as memorable as possible for us, even though the rain made that extremely difficult. They taught us to saddle up the horses and groom them, as well as ride them confidently - we also learnt how to direct and communicate with them. Overall, the horse-riding camp was a memorable experience that we all will never forget. A big thank you to everyone who went on the horse-riding camp, each of us made a massive effort to make the most of this experience, we all had the time of our lives and made awesome memories that we will be able to hold onto forever".
Renee C and Olivia B – Horse Riding
