The weather forecast was for 100% chance of showers, but that did not deter 72 Year 7 students, 13 Year 11 Peer Support leaders and 9 staff heading to Crosslands. The 6km hike (thankfully mostly downhill) challenged some, was a new experience for others, while others were keen to jog ahead and leave the rest of us behind. We made it to the river crossing and caught the barge across the creek to go and set up our cabins. There was an afternoon swim in the pool, a game of volleyball and a yummy dinner to satisfy hungry bellies. Then, out to the big flying fox at night. Squeals and shrieks echoed down the valley til 9.45pm when everyone - who wanted to - had zipped down the hill to a safe landing. Canoeing, abseiling, crossing the Burma Bridge, high ropes and leaps of faith were among the activities that challenged students and teachers alike.
We held the camp early in the year, we made some activities challenging, others for just pure fun. We did this for a specific reason. We want the Year 7 students to feel like they belong. To belong to their Check-in groups, to their class groups. They have built relationships with the Year 11 students as well, so their bonds extend beyond the junior cohort. They are now part of us. Connections were made between students, and between students and staff. The benefits flow back to school, into the classroom, into the sports teams, into friendship groups. They have faced challenges, as well as had fun together; this creates a common bond, a shared experience. Year 7, you belong!
Type on the line above then press the Enter/Return key to submit a new search query
