Year 7 Camp Reflection

Year 7 Camp Reflection – Sara Alessi & Selena Duarte

Last week we had the pleasure of attending camp at Stanwell tops. We  had lots of fun because of the friendships that we made and the fun activities that the camp offered. Our favourite activity of all was the giant swing off a cliff. The giant swing was a favourite amongst all, when going on the swing we wore a harness to get to the top our group pulled us up 15 metres high with a rope. When we felt like we were as high as we could go, we pulled a small rope and went swinging back and forth!  Other than the activities, camp was amazing for making new friends and life long memories. During the day we had day groups with some students we didn’t already know. This was a great way to meet new people and make new friends amongst our peers. The camp offered a wide range of activities such as archery, a giant swing of a cliff, a giant swing over a bush, challenging survivor course, vertical cluster course and high ropes. Year 7 camp was so much fun and we wish to go back again next year.

Our Year 7 Camp Experience – Kendall Kilby and Bianca Berkovich 

Year 7 camp in Stanwell Tops was an eventful and unforgettable adventure that engraved memorable moments in the hearts of every participant from year 7. Not least the kind teachers who offered to join us and embarked on fun activities with the Year 7 cohort. From the time of arrival at school (7:45am), Both Kendall and I, and the rest of our year 7 sisters, were filled with joy and excitement about the upcoming camp. Our bus departed at 8:00am and our fun-filled journey had us reaching our destination by approximately 9:00am. 

The air was alive with excitement as we ventured into a series of intensive outdoor activities. The high ropes course, which many of us got to try for the first time, was particularly exhilarating. Making our way through tricky obstacles was also so much fun. After an exciting 2 hours we went back to camp to fill up our empty tummies with a tasty beef burger and chips on the side. Then, after eating a delicious meal, we trekked back towards the archery area where we challenged ourselves with aim, precision and technique. We got to team up with friends and cheer each other on as we shot our arrows in hope of a bullseye. Once we had an absolute ball with our friends, we had to head back for dinner.  We were lucky to see the sun slowly set and the moon rise into the night sky. 

Staff members of the Stanwell Tops had prepared a hot, appetizing and delicious meal. The hard working staff made hot butter chicken, rice and a bread roll with butter and any other condiments on the side. After having yet another delicious meal, we made our way back to a meeting spot where we sat down eagerly waiting to find out our assigned cabins. From there on we got settled into our rooms and got ready for the night time activities, which all of us were looking forward to. And we were thrilled to find out we were doing trivia! Trivia with friends in the warmth of the auditorium and the sound of laughter and excitement of friends. Questions being answered in groups quietly and prizes to be won. We had a long, energetic, entertaining and exciting night and it was time to settle down for bed with some savoury snacks (biscuits) and warm showers before the lights out. 

On day 2 of the camp we were woken up early to get ready and pack up our suit cases. Breakfast commenced at 7:15am and was well prepared for us. Staff of the Stanwell tops were serving boiled eggs, bacon and toast with a side of butter. We could definitely say this was one of the best meals yet!!! Our next activity was undoubtedly the highlight of the day. The thrilling, scary and enormous high swing towering up to 15 metres over a cliff. Our brave mates took the plunge from levels 1 – 4 (4 the highest, 1 the lowest), screams of laughter filled the air after each person dropped from a tug of a rope. Our excitement was then finished by the nice scenery from the lookout below. 

We had butterflies in our stomachs after descending from the immense drop, but we recovered shortly after and headed onward to our next activity. We took on a long walk to a stunning scene.  We were surrounded by a Forest like, green, nature filled woodland. Whilst admiring the wonderful environment we came across a charcoal tree. Many of them in fact. We picked up charcoal on our fingers and swatched it on our faces. Once we all looked like warriors we were ready to start. Our next activity was “survivor”. There was a series of three challenges that we had to face whilst competing against our opposing team. These challenges gave us the opportunity to work together as a team and bond. Although we definitely wanted to win it was for sure a fun experience to make new friends along the way.

We had a super two days and most of us would say they would rather be at camp! We were very upset to leave. Nevertheless all of us were delighted to be coming back home to our families.