The camp started on Monday of Week 2, with everyone excited but perhaps a little apprehensive, for the new adventures they were about to tackle head on. 

After a bit of a delayed start we finally got underway for the two hour drive to Waterslea, Shoalharbour, and in spite of a slight detour to a dairy farm, we arrived at the camp without a hitch. Once there, we divided into our activity groups and got ready for the first of many, memorable activities. For many it was an independent challenge of the abseiling wall, or the team building activity of gliding on the river in the canoes. For others, it was simply the free time in the pool and epic waterslide. Year 8 was tested on their skills and challenged over several different activities including initiative games, ropes course and river rafting. We had begun the week with the intention of improving our resilience and stepping out of our comfort zones. To do this, our year group had to pitch in and cooperate with other students effectively as we tried new things including campfires, setting up a tent, canoeing and a whole lot more.

Despite the fact that our camp-out was cancelled part way through building our campfire due to a lightning storm and our Big Day out hike had to be modified, due to the humidity and stormy weather, Year 8 showed some great persistence and were able to enjoy the alternative activities anyway. Our aims of showing resilience when stepping out of our comfort zone as well as continuing to build our relationships were definitely met! We pushed through the more testing times and had fun with people we don’t usually talk to a lot, which was really nice. At the end of an amazing few days it was sad to say goodbye, but we are ready with newly found confidence and readiness for the year to come.

Special thanks to the Youth Works staff who helped coordinate all the activities and ensured our year group was having fun and were able to experience all the different opportunities. A big thanks to the following teachers for making it all possible and allowing our year group to have a great time and stay safe:

  • Mrs David
  • Mrs Inandan
  • Mrs Low
  • Mrs OMara
  • Mrs Reed
  • Mr Coulton
  • Mr Lane
  • Mr Lim
  • Mr Tran
  • Mr Truong

Your time and care for Year 8 during camp and at College is invaluable and very much appreciated.