The Year 9 camp program in Term 1, offered students the opportunity to find a personal challenge, in selecting their most suited camp from 6 different options. Camps on offer included Bushwalking in the Otways National Park, Beach Camp based in and around Anglesea, Adventure Camp at Phillip Island, Horse Riding outside Merrijig in the Victorian High Country, Snorkelling in Port Phillip Bay near Portsea and Rock Climbing at Mr Arapiles in Western Victoria.
Students were presented the options in term 4 2024 and were encouraged to challenge themselves in their own personal way. For some, this was dealing with heights and scaling 120m high rock climbs while learning to trust the safety equipment. Others were trying the simple looking but very challenging standing up on a surfboard while catching waves at the beach or trying to keep a paddle board straight while keeping balance on top of it.
Some were simply challenged by spending 2 nights away from the comforts of home with sleeping in a tent and cooking on small liquid fuel stoves called Trangias on the Bushwalking camp. These students also lived self-sufficiently in carrying all they needed for 2 days on their backs with them as they hiked along the stunning coastline known as the shipwreck coast. The students at Horse Riding were shown the basics of horse care and experienced some longer rides in the Victorian High Country made famous by The Man From Snowy River.
Students at the Adventure camp participated in a number of activities that encouraged personal growth as well as group challenge. They built rafts out of loose items, worked together in laser tag on the property and completed obstacle courses high in the air on the high ropes course. The snorkel camp observed the unique Weedy Sea Dragon, a small seahorse creature, just off the shore of Portsea. The highlight though was the boat dives at The Pope’s Eye and the swim with the seals.
The Year 9 students conducted themselves admirably throughout all camps and have learnt important personal lessons. The shared experiences with their peers and memories created will last them well into the future. Well done to all students for their participation in the Year 9 camp program, we look forward to continuing the program in 2026.
