Year 8 Camp
On 17 March, the whole of Year 8 went camping for three days in Biloela, a bush campsite 20 minutes from Bowral, NSW. When we got to the campsite, we were first introduced to and welcomed by our OEG camp leaders, before being split into groups of approximately 15 or more people. They had set up small tent-like tarpaulins and mats to sit on as it was raining. On the mats there were big hiking bags that we had to first line and waterproof with plastic garbage bags, and then transfer all our belongings into. As we did that, we had time to get acquainted with our group and SCEGGS teacher and camp leader.
To get to our cabins, from the drop off point, we had to walk at least 5 km, which doesn’t sound like that far, but it was raining and we had to carry really heavy bags on our backs. It felt like the elements were plotting against us! The hike began on a wide dirt road which was the easy part, but the hills got steeper and more slippery, and after a while we started feeling absolutely exhausted as we weren’t used to hiking in these conditions.
The purpose of the Year 8 Camp was to make new connections, build our characters, and learn some new skills, so within our groups we were each given designated roles, such as leaders, cooks and navigators, which were switched around every day. It provided us with a chance to work together with different people and learn how to cook a camp meal. All the meals food at camp were made from scratch. From tasty burritos to a vegetarian pasta dish, the Year 8 girls chopped, stirred and cooked up the most scrumptious food. Most people’s least favourite food item was the powdered milk that we used for breakfast. We mixed the powdered milk with water some water and then stirred with a spoon and…you’ve got milk! If having powdered milk with cereal wasn’t bad enough, the camp leaders bought out a single small can of Milo. Now the fact that we had Milo should have filled our hearts with joy yet that joy diminished somewhat when we realised we had to use the powdered milk – yuk!
We were up at the crack of dawn each day to begin the day’s activities. Throughout the three days each group did their fair share of exploring the Biloela site bushwalking up to around 10kms each day. We also fitted in abseiling, mountain biking, low ropes and canoeing and all done in the rain and mostly done with a smile on our faces. Each girl’s indomitable spirit shone through when things got hard. Whether it was standing and looking over the edge of a mountain about abseil down, slipping around in the mud on the mountain bikes or capsizing whilst canoeing in the river, every girl persevered through every challenge with positivity and a few laughs.
Year 8 Camp, with all the challenges and unexpected obstacles faced (the torrential rain for 3 days, the spiders in the canoes and the leaky cabins) was amazingly fun and a great opportunity to make new friends, learn new skills and experience all the wonders of the outdoors. We will all have the most amazing memories to reflect on in the future.
Here are some of the comments made by the Year 8 girls about our Camp:
Lots of FUN and EXCITING, a great experience, and to give everything a go.
The activities were good for building teamwork and expanding our skills.
There were a lot of things that will push you out of your comfort zone, however they will build your confidence when facing new challenges or the outdoors.
Challenging, wet, tiring, fun, beautiful, interesting and eventful.
Hebe Zines, Savannah Wechgelaer-Eyssens and Eleanor Lawrie
Year 8JW
