Year 9 Camp at Fort Street
Fort Street’s Year 9 students embarked on an unforgettable adventure for their annual camp this week. Their location was Somerset Outdoor Learning Centre nestled in the stunning natural surroundings of the Colo River, the camp provided an excellent opportunity for students to bond, learn, and create lasting memories.
“This Duke of Ed camp experience was really awesome for me and gave me a chance to work collaboratively with a group. I enjoyed nights around the campfire the most, talking with friends and playing games.”
Pranaya Prasath
Throughout the three-day experience, students participated in a range of learning activities in outdoor education as they worked towards their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award. This hands-on learning approach allowed students to gain practical skills while deepening their appreciation for the environment… And have a lot of fun.
“The Bronze Duke of Ed hike was extremely challenging but rewarding experience for everyone. On the practice hike, getting used to the rucksacks (and feeling how heavy they actually were) was one of the biggest challenges throughout camp. Climbing uphill and downhill on the qualifying journey with our rucksacks was tiring and difficult, but as a group we communicated and took frequent breaks to support ourselves. Navigating and taking charge of the group was new for a lot of us, but we took it on and used our skills to push through and get to base. Surprisingly, making our lunches and cooking dinner went relatively smoothly. We kept our motivation and powered through the last day even though our legs were tired and shoulders hurt.
Throughout the camp, I gained many skills like navigating, pitching tents and planning meals. It also taught us teamwork skills such as communicating and being supportive in a tough environment. This experience helped me form closer bonds and new friendships. The camp leaders from Somerset were extremely friendly, and I would like to thank them and the teachers who joined us for making this experience possible.”
Jacquline Chen
Being on camp without their electronic devices for three days was a fantastic way to refocus and be mindful of the friendships and beautiful scenery around them. This prompted some students to unlock their creative sides.
I rest my head up on my shoe,
my eyes cast to the sky.
Mark out patterns in the jewels,
watch them glimmer in the night.
The tide of day has long retreated
revealing the black,
How keenly the sand shines when its light is unmasked.
But really to say sooth,
No beach, no screen, no dream,
Could ever match the beauty that I have just seen.
I trace the gentle smear
of Milky Way across the void.
Realising just how small I am,
And that life should be enjoyed.
We lay in solemn quiet,
Enraptured by the view.
There! A shooting star!
I wish you saw it too.
I’m feeling a little sad,
For my house is not nearby.
Though now when my eyes shut closed,
A billion stars, I spy.
A Poem about Year 9 Camp
By Terance Kang
As the camp came to a close, it was clear that the experience had a significant impact on everyone involved. Year 9 students returned eager to share their stories and insights with their classmates, grateful for the friendships forged and the lessons learned.
The beautiful field sketches by Emily Gao
Field Sketches
By Emily Gao
A special thanks to the teachers and staff who attended the camp; Ms Cho, Mrs Smith, Ms Dooley, Mr Saraif, Mr Feng and Mrs Thompson – They were an excellent and supportive team and camps like this cannot happen without teachers giving up their personal time. Hopefully, Year 9 are keen to continue their adventure into Silver Duke of Edinburgh in 2025!
Mr. Latimer
Year 9 Year Advisor