Year 7 Camp

Here are some reflections from our students who attended Year 7 camp earlier this term.

What a way to start your high-school journey on a three-day Year 7 camp in the beautiful wilderness with your peers and teachers! There was bike-riding, cooking, raft-building, high ropes, giant swing, game challenges, dancing and more! These were all the fun activities we experienced at camp, showing us that education is not only about lessons within the four walls of the classroom – we learnt so much about ourselves and each other at camp. Camp allowed us to explore our own capabilities, strengthen our emotional skills, develop confidence and learn about respecting others and stepping outside of our comfort zone. It was a safe space for personal growth and exploration, problem-solving, developing independence, negotiating risk and developing stronger social and emotional skills.

“There is no Wi-Fi in the mountains, but I promise you’ll find a better connection.” This quote summed up how we felt about Year 7 Camp as it refers to the connection we had with nature and the beautiful clean air and countryside at Wombaroo as well as the connections we developed with our peers.

There were a lot of ups and downs in those three days: some rain, a lack of sleep, smelly toilets and plenty of mud, but truly, we will laugh about them in the future. The best part about camp was the new experiences and creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Evelyn Li

We went on a muddy path towards the high ropes, our harnesses dangling between our legs. As soon as we got there, we were briefed on how to belay properly. The instructor made sure we got plenty of time to practise before doing it for real.  We all got strapped into the harnesses and began climbing. There was fear in the air, but we all faced it head on, climbing carefully across logs and tightropes. Then it was my turn! Going up the ladder sent shivers down my spine. When I finally got up, I made the mistake of looking down. I was terrified. Once completed, I felt very happy to be on the ground and began to help the rest of my team belaying. One lucky person got to do the high ropes twice. It was so much fun to face my fear of heights and help others to get over their fears too.
Alice Fleming

Camp is one of the most memorable experiences of school life. You make lifelong friends, explore your capabilities, and make memories that will last for years to come. We all set off on the bus early in the school day.  I remember singing on the bus (and being told to stop singing) eating a lot of candy and connecting with the people around me. When we got there, we were handed our rain gear, also known as the notorious “blueberry suits” because of their bright blue colour. I remember being on the giant swing, one of the main attractions. I felt like I was flying. Everything was peaceful and serene and it felt like all my worries had left me. At the beginning, I felt like camp didn’t really meet my expectations, but as the day went on, I began to realise it didn’t need to be a five-star attraction to have fun. To conclude, if I were to sum up my camp experience in a few words I would say “a character-building experience.” If you ever get the opportunity to camp, or to go on camp, take it up, because you never know what might happen.
Juliet Luschwitz

Year 7 Camp was a great way to start Secondary School. Students were able to connect with each other while engaged in various activities.

First, we went on a bus ride which was so much fun that we didn’t even notice how quickly the time passed! Once we arrived at camp, we were served tacos which everyone seemed excited to eat! We were then arranged into House groups and had a quick getting to know you game before moving on with the physical activities. 

In my opinion, the best part about camp was the performance night held on the last night of camp. Perhaps the teachers decided to save the best part of camp for last! It was fantastic, students were dancing and singing. I never knew the Year 7s could dance like professionals! Once the event ended, we were sent to our tents to sleep for the night and we had to wrap up in lots of warm clothes! I thought it might be a bit daunting for us to leave our parents for a couple of days but trust me in the end it was all worth it. The girls cared for each other and the teachers supported you and gave you a hug when you need it! Before you knew it, we were on the bus back home. I thought about what a lovely time I had had at camp.  
Eva Litosh