The weather forecast was perfect for 84 Year 7 students, along with 16 Year 11 Peer Support leaders and nine Staff who headed out to Crosslands on Monday morning. 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 with the tide going down, but the barge still made it across. Not quite so for the Year 11s who had to brave the mud and sand, and walk across. There was an afternoon swim in the pool, a game of Observation Deck and a yummy dinner to satisfy hungry bellies. Then, out to the big flying fox at night. Squeals and shrieks echoed down the valley till 10.00pm when everyone - who wanted to - had glided 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 earlier in the year and 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 and 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, and 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!
A big thank you to the Out and About crew who ran our activities, the Peer Support leaders and staff who help make the camp a success. This was one of our biggest groups but also one of the best. We are looking forward to the Canberra Trip later in the year. Bring it on!
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