Year 3 Camp
Last week, Year 3 headed to The Tops Conference Centre for an action-packed 3-day camping adventure. On Wednesday morning, we made our way south and within an hour we were surrounded by 200 acres of bushlands in the heart of Stanwell Tops. The Southbound team greeted us with a warm welcome and after some delicious morning tea, we got straight into the camp activities.
One of the most important goals of school camp is for the girls to step out of their comfort zone and try something new. While most girls felt “nervo-cited”, the combined feeling of nervousness and excitement, it was wonderful to see our Year 3 campers embracing challenges and approaching unfamiliar experiences with curiosity, persistence and a positive mindset. It is amazing to see what some of our youngest SCEGGS girls can achieve when given the opportunity to do hard things – like adventurous outdoor activities and living away from the comforts of home for 2 nights. The girls certainly rose to the challenge and grew from their Year 3 Camp experience!
One of the most anticipated activities was the Giant Swing, and it did not disappoint! With a harness firmly in place, each girl was raised up to a height of 15-18 metres only to then grip the release cord and plummet towards the ground until the massive cable takes hold and swings the girl out towards the valley below. Wow! It got the adrenaline pumping just watching! With the girls in Group 3 cheering her on, Miss Jordan-Watt suited up in the harness and was pulled up to the 18-metre mark before being flung through the air and screaming just a little! Well done, Miss Jordan-Watt! The height-defying activities continued over at the Vertical Cluster activity. Here, girls climbed a variety of 12 metre hanging climbs while being belayed by their peers on the ground. Many girls surprised themselves when they reached the top after thinking it looked impossible to do. Anything is possible when you are determined and encouraged by your friends.
“I loved sharing new experiences with people in my day group. During the Vertical Cluster we all collaborated to cheer each other on”.
Sophia Bragg
With two feet firmly on the ground again, the girls had the opportunity to build their teamwork skills through cooperative team challenges. During this activity, the girls had to draw on their learner qualities of collaboration and flexibility, and use their problem-solving skills, to solve a series of group challenges. The girls had their eyes on the target at the Archery activity. Under the guidance of a professional archer, the girls learnt the correct technique as they aimed for the elusive bullseye. Plenty of patience and concentration was needed during this activity. Patience also came in handy during Kite Making. Windy Wollongong lived up to its name and The Tops location provided the perfect launching pad for flying the kites that each girl created. However, some strong gusts saw a few kites become entangled with each other and the trees!
“My favourite memory from camp is making kites.”
Isabelle Tawfik
For the Bush Walking activity, the girls headed out along the escarpment to see some magical views of the Illawarra coastline. One group even caught a glimpse of some whales and dolphins. The girls had an opportunity to play in nature and learn more about bushwalking skills. Cameron, a Darug man and Aboriginal Cultural Educator, ran a fascinating Indigenous Education session. He spoke about traditional differences between the roles of men and women, such as hunting and gathering food and the tools used for each. Cameron also spoke about how the didgeridoo, or “Yidaki” as it is traditionally called in Eastern Arnhem Land, is made and he also played some amazing animal sounds including the emu, goanna, and kangaroo. Cameron also spoke about how a common type of wattle plant can be used to create soap – the girls had fun lathering up with this plant – and the medicinal properties of the lemon tea tree that can be found throughout the Illawarra. The girls also had a go at weaving with Cameron showing them the type of weaving technique used to create a dilly bag. While more time was required to actually create a bag, some girls successfully weaved bracelets.
“I enjoyed the bush walk and connecting with friends in nature”.
Tove Klettenberg
The girls came to the Mountain Bike activity with a wide range of riding skills, from the well-experienced bike rider to the novice rider. The learner quality of persistence was in full peddle for those new to bike riding and it was great to see these girls giving it their best effort. The more experienced bike riders were challenged by an obstacle course across grassland before exploring the perimeter of the camp and navigating the gravel track.
Camp is also about getting to know each other better, to expand friendships and build stronger relationships across the year group. It was lovely to see the girls make new connections and encourage each other as they participated in all the camp challenges. Lots of smiles and laughter filled each day.
“After camp, on the bus ride home, I was feeling proud, accomplished and happy.”
Mia Anderson
Our Year 3 girls are to be congratulated on participating in the camp with enthusiasm, determination and a sense of fun. It was an absolute delight to see them enjoying themselves and making the most of their camp experience. A big thank you to Mrs Joukhadar for organising Year 3 Camp and to Miss Jordan-Watt, Miss Woodcock and Ms Held for accompanying me on camp and for looking after the girls so brilliantly!
Cristi Wilsmore
Deputy Head of Primary School (Teaching and Learning)
