Year 8 Camp
Our Year 8 students and 20 staff have spent the first week of Term 3 attending the Lake Dewar Lodge Adventure Camp. It was a jam packed four days and three nights, with students engaging in a range of activities. The students were challenged physically and mentally to step out of their comfort zones and embrace new challenges. From racing peers on the flying fox, tearing it up mountain biking, coordinating strokes with peers whilst canoeing, familiarising themselves with maps whilst geocaching, to embracing the survivor challenge, students spent their days fully participating in outdoor activities.
For one of the three nights, students spent the night sleeping in a tent and engaging in all aspects of camping. The camp out started with a 10km hike along the Centenary Trail, during which students shared stories and sang their way up and down hills to get to the glorious Island Lookout. Students familiarised themselves with a trangia stove in order to make their own dinner for the night. Although it was very “fresh” air with clear skies and starry nights, it was a beautiful sight to fall asleep under. Students are commended on their approach to the camp out night, embracing the experience whilst demonstrating care for others.
Whilst the weather was unpredictable during the camp it did not seem to hinder us. Despite arriving in the rain, we were frequently greeted by beautiful rainbows, sunrises and sunsets over Lake Dewar. It was fantastic to hear students commenting on the beauty in the elements, being grateful and mindful of their surroundings.
We, as staff were very impressed with the Year 8’s approach to camp, their resolve to step out of their comfort zone and make the most of the experience. The camp was fantastic and students have taken away memories and learnings for life. After many interruptions to school life over the last two years for our Year 8 students, how fortunate we have been to have shared a wonderful first week of Term 3 at school camp.
Rowena Thomson (Year 8 Coordinator)
and The Year 8 Camp Staff
Student Perspective:
Camp; an experience we will never forget!!! From the minute we walked in smiling faces greeted us.
On this camp we were pushed out of our comfort zone and encouraged to try new things. Although the weather challenged us we powered through and kept a positive mind set. This camp helped us branch out and meet new people throughout our year level and create new and deeper friendships. It was a time away where we lived in the moment without technology and took time away from people and just being able to focus on the present moment.
We take away some key learnings such as making the most of the opportunities that are given to us.
Alexia, Aprila and Ava from 8LTI