Although it was a hot week the Year 7 students were excited as they embarked on the buses to Kerem Adventure Camp. The girls went from Monday to Wednesday and the boys from Wednesday to Friday.
The theme of the camp was Awe and Wonder. Mrs Spurgeon spoke to the girls on being true to themselves, Mrs Crump spoke to the girls on courage and Mr Ellis spoke to the boys on a similar theme. The intention of the camp program was that, by the end of the camp, students would begin to recognise that they are wonderfully made individuals who have the capacity to overcome some of the barriers or anxieties they may have formed.
Some of the camp activities included: Frisbee Golf, Treasure Hunt, High Ropes, Water Works, Colour War and much appreciate pool activities. Both camps experiences ended by going to Outback Splash.
The Year 7 girls camp was full of new experiences and challenges for both the girls and staff. Although it was hot, the girls adapted easily to the change in program without complaint and participated in all activities with enthusiasm. The girls consistently displayed beautiful manners and filled our mealtimes with joy and conversation. It was a wonderful and memorable camp to be part of.
The Year 7 boys thoroughly enjoyed themselves and participated wholeheartedly in all the fun activities available. The boys showed courage on the high ropes and strong competitiveness during all the team sport activities. We saw great character in some boys, reflected through their compassion, care and encouragement towards their peers. The camp was also an amazing opportunity for the students to develop friendships with other students and get to know their teachers better. A highlight of the camp was when they went to Outback Splash where the students went on the slides and navigated the mazes.
Students came back from the camp challenged and exhausted but ready to settle into Middle School and continue developing their new friendships.
A big thankyou to the camp leaders Mrs Gurney and Mr Woodbine and all the staff who were involved, without them the camp would not have been the success it was.
Some highlights for students were:
- “The high ropes because I had to face my fears, but it was really fun.”
- “Being with my friends and getting to know new people”
- “The Mad Hatters night, there were some really great creations”
- “My highlights were the food, the high ropes, the pool activity and playing cricket with my mates.”
- “Outback Splash because of the big slides; my favourites were The Wall and The Wedgie and Blackout”
- “Making new friends”
Junnetta Spurgeon
Dean of Year 7
