In week 4 of term, our Year 9 students embarked on their camp program. Meeting their own personal challenge, the students had chosen their camp from 5 different options.
Summit Seekers
A small group of students visited the small town of Natimuk and nearby Mt Arapiles, a world-renowned rock-climbing venue, to participate in the climbing camp.
Students participated in ‘top-rope’ climbing to become comfortable with the gear and process of climbing and progressed through to ‘multi pitch’ climbs. Meeting the challenge of slightly easier climbing but with a mental challenge of dealing with height, some of the climbs reaching up to 130m high.
Camping in tents and cooking on small liquid fuel stoves, the students learnt about responsibility, preparation and working together. They all faced the challenges brilliantly and should be proud of their participation.
Wild Tracks Adventure
Cape Otway has long been a venue for camps at CRC Caroline Springs. This year, a small group visited the area and learnt about living self-sufficiently. With hiking packs on their backs and everything they needed for a couple of days away, the group walked along the coastline of the Shipwreck Coast and taking in the stunning views on offer.
While the walk was challenging for the group, with sandy ground, a couple of significant hills, and the added challenge of carrying gear, the group got through the hike together and learnt about what they are capable of.
Beyond the Break
Anglesea was the venue for the Beach based camp again this year. Students stayed on the outskirts of Anglesea in the Eumeralla Scout Camp, near both the Beach and Anglesea River.
All students approached the activities with energy and a willingness to experience new things. They worked well together in paddling the Giant Stand up Paddle Board together as well as individual paddle boards. Other activities included sit on top kayaking, body boarding and surfing. While it would be great to say everyone managed to stand up, this wasn’t quite the case, however, every student gave it their all, learned some skills and had great fun on this camp.
Depths Unchartered
The Depths Unchartered camp visited Portsea on the Mornington Peninsula to see some of what lies beneath the surface in Port Phillip Bay, including the incredible Weedy Sea Dragon.
Students learnt the basics of snorkelling including preparation of masks and snorkels, equalising ear pressure, clearing a snorkel and correct duck diving technique. Some students were comfortable wearing a weight belt to make it easier to move around under the water while others were happy to spend more time on the surface of the water looking down.
All students had a great attitude throughout, engaging in all the activities and handling adjustments to the itinerary without complaint.
Great Island Challenge
The most popular camp as always was the Great Island Challenge at Phillip Island. The students enjoyed a range of activities designed to develop teamwork, resilience, problem solving and most of all, engage a sense of having fun.
Students participated in surfing, high ropes courses, raft building, team initiatives and the always popular laser tag around the property. Students really embodied the school motto of Live Fully, Act Justly by engaging in all the activities, working well with those around them, and representing the College in a way which makes us all proud.
Across all the camps, students displayed resilience, a willingness to learn and a great sense of community. They have made friendships and memories that will last for years to come. Congratulations to all year 9 students and thank you to the staff that attended. We look forward to doing it all again in 2027.
