Outdoor Education

We were very fortunate to have been able to complete all planned Outdoor Education activities in Term 1 for Year 7 to 10 students. The activities provided new and challenging experiences which catered for all abilities and ages.

Year 7 students completed a three day orientation camp at Rawson. This challenged them with new experiences and developed a tight bond within the cohort. Year 8 students participated in day trips including snorkelling and swimming with seals at Portsea, as well as indoor rock climbing. For the Year 9 cohort, an overnight surf camp was held at the start of the year, where students were taught open water safety and basic surfing skills.

Year 10 also managed to complete their four-day program before lockdown commenced. This comprised of a twoday adventure camp, off-site driver education training, and a personal development day within the College. The adventure activities gave the students a chance to perfect some of the skills learnt from previous camps or try their hand at new ones. Students could choose from surfing and stand up paddle boarding, kayaking around the waters of Phillip Island or the Yarra, caving in Warburton or mountain bike riding along the Bass Coast Rail Trail.

Dee McDonald and Mike Pearson

EducationOutdoor

‘The orientation camp was a great experience for all of Year 7. We got to participate in fun activities such as rock climbing, swimming, canoeing, a night mine tour and much more. The camp food was so delicious, especially the desserts! We had some fun nights like a trivia night and a movie night. One funny moment was when Mr Riley was the undefeated champ at table tennis. All in all, the camp was a fantastic experience and I would love to go again if I had the chance.’ Brandon Battaglia - Year 7

‘In March we went down to Portsea on the Mornington Peninsula and went snorkelling in and around Pope’s Eye before swimming with seals. We even saw a stingray in the water.’ Xavier Petti - Year 8

‘In Term 1, the Year 9 cohort went on a two day camp experience to surf. Our group went to Phillip Island and had to set up our tents within a designated area. After this was done, the group headed out to the beach, where we were guided by the surf instructors on how to ride the waves. We surfed for the rest of the day and again on the following day. It was a unique and fun experience that allowed us to experience the thrill of surfing.’ Anthony Khuu - Year 9

‘For the Year 10 multi activity camp, over the course of two days, we went underground climbing and exploring through tight caves, river sledding on inflatable sleds, often dodging rocks and moving through mini rapids and took a relaxing kayak down the Yarra River. It was a very adventurous but fun experience that I would recommend.’ Jack Baptist - Year 10