5 minute read
Middle School Camps
Year 6 Camp: Manyung
I was slowly wound up higher, and higher. I was petrified of heights. The wind blew in my face, rocking me as I hung there. ‘3 . . .2 . . .1!’ counted my peers, what seemed like hundreds of meters below me. I yanked the string holding me in place. For a split second I just floated there, I thought something might have gone wrong. Then, with a sudden drop, I felt like my lungs were in my mouth. The wind blistered against my frozen cheeks. Down I went. I was flying over the ocean and just when I thought I would be flung out, lost somewhere in Port Phillip Bay, the swing pulled me back in. I am so glad that I overcame my fear of heights. That was one of the best activities, the Giant Swing. Later, we had the most delicious food. It was tender, juicy, and even crunchy. All of the meals were different and fit for kings. Our time at Camp Manyung involved Bike Riding, Archery, Crate Climbing, Leadership Challenges, Tree-top Zip-lining, and a gnarly Flying Fox through the trees. The staff comforted us when we were scared and even had a go themselves. We all made new friends and had the most amazing time.
Maxwell Cai, Tom Robertson-Brown and Arjun Chaal Year 6J
Year 7: Kangaroobie
While the rest of Middle School were going about their usual business, the Year 7s were at Camp Kangaroobie, trekking through mud, playing in the waves at the beach, and learning how to bush dance! Camp was a fun-filled week full of bonding and life experiences that I will never forget. Spending time with different forms created many opportunities to make new friendships along the way. As the camp progressed, people from different forms began to mingle with each other and form friendships. One highlight throughout my form group was the farm tour, viewing the endless spanning fields filled with livestock. Another important highlight of the trip was the beach day as we were welcomed with mouth-watering fish and chips for lunch and had the opportunity to entertain ourselves in the cold and salty ocean with waves towering above our heads, only to crash down on us. It was quite amusing watching some of my fellow friends being drenched by the merciless ocean.
Taj Sivapalan
Year 7G
Year 8: Surf Camp, Anglesea
Forging friendships and enjoying the experience together were the highlights of Year 8 Surf Camp for myself and many others. We set off early on a warm Wednesday morning, and after a bus ride spent talking and laughing with friends, we arrived at the beach in the early afternoon. There, we participated in activities including sandcastle competitions and, after hopping into our wetsuits, we set off down to the beach. At the beach, we met instructors who taught us how to get up on our surfboards and what to do if in trouble. Then, with our surfboards by our sides, we excitedly ran into the water. Surfing was amazing, and after falling again and again, we continued to persevere and really got the hang of it. After our time at the beach, we arrived at camp for the first time, where we were welcomed with snacks to eat. After dinner, we participated in games, ranging from Cricket and Football to playing more organised activities run by the teachers. The next morning, as our last activity, we headed to the beach for the final time and learnt all about water safety, and how to perform rescues in different ways. Overall, Surf Camp was an amazing experience that helped us to bond more with our class and learn all about surfing and safety.
Year 8: Lake Eildon
During the last week of November, Year 8 students made their way to Lake Eildon for Year 8 Camp. Situated at the end of the year, the camp facilitates students’ transition from Middle School to Senior School. On camp, groups are arranged according to the School Houses, rather than by class, so that students have the opportunity to get to know their Senior School Head of House, Tutors, and Student Leaders.
While on camp, students participated in a range of fun, but challenging, activities including Bushwalking, Team Initiatives, Mountain Biking, High Ropes, and Orienteering. These opportunities allowed students to develop their navigation skills, gain an appreciation of the natural environment, a deeper understanding of themselves, and focus on being self-reliant.
At times during the camp, many students found themselves in new and challenging situations but all students are to be commended for the way they managed themselves and supported each other throughout the camp.
Students returned to school full of stories about their time away and excitement for their transition into Senior School in 2023.
Ms Kirsty McDougall
Head of Co-Curricular Activities
