Year 7 & 8 students recap their memorable camp experiences

Year 7 – Stanwell Tops

By Macauley and Jonzel

We arrived at school, all excited to hop on the bus. This was our first camp since last year. After getting a few hints about what we were doing, we headed off to the campsite, confident that we would have a wonderful time, but not so sure if we would make it back.

After a decent 50 minutes of singing, talking, and yelling, we arrived at the campsite, impatient to see who was in our rooms and which rooms we were in. We dropped off our bags, set up our sleeping bags and wandered around the room. Outside were trees and climbing structures, and God’s beautiful nature was in every view we had. After some exploring, we met up with our camp leaders. Our favourite was Garrick. We had morning tea, which was biscuits; Group 1 went off to our first activity, the vertical climb.

In the vertical climb, one person climbed while 3 friends belayed and pulled the climber up. There were 6 climbing structures we could do. The hardest course was the high rope. After having done all the climbs, we went back to eat some lunch.

For lunch, we had a delicious meal of chicken skewers, bread, and crunchy noodle salad. We all sat at different tables with around 6 people at each table. After licking the plate clean, we went to the giant swing, with bellies full.

This course was a team effort. The goal was to harness yourself into the swing, and when the instructor Chloe yelled “GO!” everybody else pulled on a rope which brought the person swinging up. When they were ready, they pulled a green cord which released them over the mountain to see a breathtaking view. The cord was a bit sketchy, taking a couple of tries to release you, but that’s what made it enjoyable and thrilling. Everyone who wanted two turns went on the swing a second time. It was less scary than the first time.

After walking back, we were craving a yummy dinner. Butter chicken was on the menu, served with a side of naan bread. It was mouth-watering. For dessert, we had apple crumble and ice cream. It was delectable. We then headed back for the night activities.

There were a bunch of night activities. For starters, students had a 1v1 in putting a sleeping bag back in its case and assembling a Mr. Potato Head. Then, we split off into groups of five or six for other, 1-minute challenges, including moving Smarties with chopsticks, wall sits, hula-hooping, bottle flipping blindfolded, and putting pegs in your hair. Once that was finished, we settled down and headed to our cabins to hang out before we went to bed.

We woke up at around 6:30. Mac woke up 7 times because Jaxson would not stop coughing. Mr. Craft even heard it when he went for a midnight walk! Jonzel, Mac, Jaxson, and Jonah first awakened. It was time for another day.

Off to breakfast we went, eyes barely open. On the menu was sausages and baked beans with a side of toast. Conversations about yesterday blasted the room. Eager to go to our last activity of the day, we quickly finished and got into our group.

Survivor. In the rain. We did teamwork challenges like the maze that you moved, and balancing on a bunch of wood. Then, we met up with the other group and did a challenge where you had to swing like Tarzan and land in tyres. It was so much fun.

We cleaned up our cabins and then packed up our bags. We were sad to go home, but we knew that we would never forget Year 7 camp. We actually survived. We headed back to school wishing for another day at camp.

Year 8 – Kiama to Killalea

Year 8's camp saw students hike from Kiama to Killalea, camping overnight at Killalea State Park. According to students, highlights of the camp included:

• Participating in 'The Amazing Race' from Bombo to Killalea
• Watching the dolphins, a whale and the Black Hawk helicopters
• Spending time with friends
• The Beach
• Camping
• Nine-square
• Surfboarding and catching waves
• Going on a boat ride

Here's what some Year 8 students had to say about their experience at camp:

"Year 8 camp was great! we started the day off at the Kiama blowhole and hiked up the coast, passing many checkpoints and completing activities at each one.
When we arrived at the campsite, we unloaded and enjoyed great burgers cooked up by the teachers. The night activities and playing nine-square at night were lots of fun.
The next day, we ate delicious bacon egg rolls and then we went and had fun at The Farm learning how to surf. It was really great fun, although I was very tired by the time we got home."

"Year 8 camp was a highlight for many! It was an adventurous and great bonding time for creating cherished memories with friends.
On the first day, students hiked from Kiama to Killalea, participating in various activities along the way. We walked through Kiama's beaches including Bombo Beach, creating lasting memories.
On the second day, students enjoyed an exhilarating surfing session, making it an unforgettable experience."