Our Year 8 students recently returned from an unforgettable camp experience in Marysville, and we could not be prouder of the way they embraced every opportunity presented to them.
Despite some very wet and rainy weather throughout the three days at camp, students demonstrated resilience, enthusiasm and a willingness to step outside their comfort zones. It was wonderful to see so many students approach camp with positivity, adaptability and a sense of adventure, making the most of every experience on offer.
Throughout camp, students participated in a wide range of activities designed to challenge, connect and inspire. From tackling the high ropes course and learning valuable outdoor skills such as shelter building and safe fire lighting, to making pizzas using fresh produce from the camp garden, students enthusiastically threw themselves into each experience. Many also enjoyed a walk into Marysville township, where they explored the area’s history and learned about the lasting impact of the Black Saturday bushfires on the local community.
Beyond the activities themselves, camp provided valuable opportunities for students to strengthen friendships, develop independence and build confidence. It was especially pleasing to see students encouraging one another, demonstrating teamwork and embracing the spirit of camp life so wholeheartedly.
The Pastoral dance competition on the second evening was an absolute highlight. Seeing the students collaborate to create some seriously impressive dances was wonderful. But better than that was watching them all cheer each other on. The vibes were so positive.
We would like to sincerely congratulate all Year 8 students for the maturity, resilience and positive attitude they displayed throughout the camp. They represented the school exceptionally well and should be proud of the way they contributed to such a successful experience.
A heartfelt thank you also goes to the staff who generously gave their time and energy to attend camp. Their care, enthusiasm and commitment helped create a safe, supportive and memorable experience for our students. Camps such as these are only possible through the dedication of staff, and we are incredibly grateful for all they contributed.
We look forward to seeing the positive connections, confidence and memories from camp continue throughout the year.
Felicia Taine
Year 8 Level Coordinator
Student Reflections:
Camp was a wet and wonderful adventure. It was a time to share memories and lots of food. Even though the weather was rough, everyone stayed positive and had such a blast. At camp, we encountered many challenges like navigating though the high ropes course, a seven-kilometre hike, tackling the crate stack, the importance of food sustainability, and learning how to create a fire and a shelter in the wilderness. Throughout the three days we were there, we learnt the importance of resilience, courage, persistence, teamwork and communication. It was such a fun time, where we were laughing until bedtime, sharing tons of food, meeting and becoming friends with our group leaders and cheering each other on even if we felt scared or uncertain. One of the biggest things that we learnt was that we should step out of our comfort zone from time to time. Despite the constant rain and mud, the camp spirit never faded. Everyone embraced every activity with enthusiasm, proving that a little bad weather could not stop us from having an amazing experience. The laughter, teamwork, and positive attitudes made the camp truly unforgettable.
A big thank you to the teachers, camp leaders, and staff who made this experience possible. Their support and dedication helped create memories that we will cherish for years to come.
Laura W 8F
Camp was like a rollercoaster! The weather was wet and muddy the entire time but even the rain couldn’t dampen our spirits. Camp was an opportunity to meet new people, to challenge ourselves and have heaps of fun. We tackled the challenges together, from embarking on a seven-kilometre hike to climbing up a ten-metre ladder in the freezing rain. However, with our friends cheering us on and making us laugh at the silliest little things, there was never a dull moment. We learnt that even when things seem difficult or scary, looking on the bright side can help us make the most of every situation. Every obstacle became an opportunity to grow, support one another, and most importantly, laugh about later!
Overall, camp was an amazing experience. We made connections with new people, stayed up late, challenged ourselves with exciting activities, survived the harsh weather and shared countless laughs and memories as a cohort which brought us all closer together. Year 8 camp has definitely been a highlight of this year and it will be an experience I’ll never forget.
Charlotte N 8G
Year 8 Camp was definitely one of my greatest highlights of the semester! We all had so much fun bonding with our friends during our cabin time and the evening activities: Trivia Night and the Pastoral Camp Dance Competition! We participated in a range of activities led by our Group Leaders, (shout out to Charlie!😄) and built resilience in areas out of our comfort zone! The hike was amazing! We got to immerse ourselves in the beautiful scenery of a rainforest, even though it was super rainy and muddy and I completely destroyed my white sneakers AND trackies. We also got to talk about food sustainability in an activity called Grow It/Cook It, where we also got to make our own pizzas using herbs and vegetables from the camp’s green garden!
Genevieve D 8B
