Year 7 Camp Reflection
The anticipation. The excitement. The thrill. Otherwise known as Year 7 camp! We left our typically busy lives to spend three days together in the wilderness.
Our first activity was a surprisingly fun bushwalk. We packed our bags and headed out, huffing and puffing along the winding track. We climbed on top of rocks, explored nooks, jumped from twig to twig, all the time laughing with our friends. The Bush Turkey “Mercury” kept us company along the way.
At dinner we met up again with all our year group before the night’s entertainment began – trivia. Armed with only our wits and House teams – which I hoped was enough – we furiously scribbled down answers. The final rankings would be known back at school. We headed back to our cabins – it was a beautiful night as the constellations shimmered against the dark sky. Without a doubt, I knew this was our best camp yet.
The next day after breakfast, we ran down to the lake ready to start our canoeing adventure. It was much easier than we all expected and before long it was time for the big race! Our canoe swiftly pulled into the lead, others challenged; we showed grit and determination, attempting to hold our ground, but we just lost at the finish line!
Next up it was the flying fox. When we arrived, we put on our harnesses and were talked through the rules. Then one by one, we headed up the hill, the nerves starting to brew inside of us. Honestly, it was such a rewarding experience. Some were fearless and zipped down over the lake with ease, others had a harder time, and it took a couple of attempts but regardless I am glad to report everyone in our group had a go, no matter how strong their fear. And once you get off… wow. The wind tossing your hair as you fly like a sparrow gliding, it was truly magical. After this exhilarating experience we were eager for a second round, but our time was up, so with our hearts still racing we headed back to camp.
After a big morning, we got to do the perfect activity to calm us down, some traditional Australian weaving. Our knowledgeable and talented leader taught us the method and provided us with materials guiding us with tricky mistakes or flimsy knots. Everyone was crafting such beautiful bracelets and anklets as we chatted, joked, and chuckled with each other. It was a strong bonding experience and was the perfect way to spend our afternoon.
It was then time for what we had been waiting for… that is right folks it is the Form talent show! The dances, costumes and spirits were incredible, I think we were all in awe of what we managed to pull together in the limited amount of time. The Spice Girls dance won the Form Spirit award and the Trolls Dance won best overall performance. Grace Katekar comments, “All the dances had a unique feature about them that made them all special. Every single one of them deserved a prize, because we all had fun doing it and put as much effort in as we could.” What a tremendous night indeed!
We dragged ourselves out of bed the next day before the sun even hit the sky, and our group had a pleasant surprise. It was pool time! We were a jolly lot, all wide smiles, and sparkling eyes as we headed down to the pool. Then we got in… I think getting in the pool might rival the flying fox for hardest challenge. It was icy! Some stayed in (I can’t possibly imagine how) and braced the temperature whilst others got out and chatted or read in the sun’s warm embrace. Straight after our swim we played mafia whilst feasting on fruit and snacks. After a couple of rounds and some truly bonding moments we got our bags and ate our last meal at camp, before getting on the bus and heading home.
This was an immensely enjoyable and thrilling camp, full of precious memories of challenging comfort zones and laughing with friends. After that I think we all got to know each other way better and still joke about canoes crashing into bushes (looking at you Ms Craddock!) and getting lost whilst hiking (still looking at you Ms Craddock…). We all can’t wait for next year’s camp!
Nina Fitzgerald & Susanna Brown
Year 7 Students
