Year 7 Camp

It was a lively, excited atmosphere as students keenly boarded buses on Monday, 29 April for our Yr 7 Anglesea camp. On arrival, students were given a tour of the campsite and facilities before heading to their bunk room and familiarising themselves with their surroundings, especially knowing where the dining room was located as the rumour was that the food was amazing. The bushland setting and glimpses of rolling waves make this an ideal venue for students to connect with each other, have fun, be brave in taking on challenges and working collaboratively. There was a vast array of activities and each one was a challenge by choice, thereby allowing students to test themselves to the extent that they wanted.

I was fortunate to join Chaise Scott and Ms Edmonds in the canoe for the water activity and we gradually gained control as we paddled around the wetlands, narrowly avoiding hitting the bank and others’ canoes. At one stage, others kept crashing into us and Chaise was feeling a little worried we were going to capsize but fortunately, we managed to stay afloat. To Indie Soall’s dismay, her canoe tipped and all were soaked although there was some debate as to whether Blake had been deliberately rocking too hard. A few also got themselves quite wet when their raft-building exploits didn’t quite go to plan and with ropes loosened and drums separating, the inevitable spills occurred but there were still plenty of laughs. Not all were sent into the water, however, as some skilful people ingeniously managed to secure all their materials well enough to successfully float their raft. It was a great exercise in problem-solving and teamwork!

So many students pushed themselves out of their comfort zone, encouraged by peers and teachers, to scale the Vertical Climb, experience the Giant Swing or pedal hard up many steep inclines during Mountain Biking. The satisfaction felt on attaining their goal was exhilarating and much high-fiving could be heard when feet hit the ground. Well done to all our students regardless of how far up one climbed or how fast one biked! It was all about participating and trying new activities, never forgetting to have self-belief and to be persistent.

On the second night of each camp, Mr Exton visited and spoke about the values that are important at our school and invited the Yr 11/12 School Leaders to share their memories of Yr 7, their journey over the last five years and how St Ignatius has shaped them into the people they are today. Their lasting message for Yr 7s was to take up opportunities on offer, be grateful for the experiences and to get involved in school life beyond the classroom. It was wonderful to have them warmly welcome the Yr 7s and encourage our youngest students to seek these leaders out in the yard on our return if they ever needed any help. The other evening activities were games and a film, both of which were fun, before heading to bed. We all slept well despite the chilly nights and the food was terrific, particularly the chicken rice and garlic bread. Before long, Fri quickly came around and our camp experience drew to a memorable close.

Students are to be commended on the exemplary manner in which they participated in this camp experience. They were kind to each other, showed superb manners in the dining room, followed the expectations around bedtime and just had a really great time. It was a joy to be around them and watch them have fun! Most importantly, it was affirming to see them reach out to new people and welcome them into a group, fulfilling our camp theme of “New Beginnings, New Opportunities “. Huge thank you to staff for caring for our students and ensuring they had the best experience possible. We know you had to leave your own families behind and are very grateful for your involvement. It is this generosity and commitment that enables the camps to run and to do so without any hiccups. Special acknowledgement to Ms Anderton, Assistant Level Coordinator, who was instrumental in organising the bunk rooms and activity groups, and to Ms Jackson/Ms Doble, our First-Aid Officers, whose thoroughness and competence in managing all medical issues meant students were always well cared for. To Mr Exton, Mr Lewis and Mr Timms, we thank you for coming to visit and meeting the newest additions to our College Community. It was lovely for the Yr 7 students to get to know you in this relaxed setting.

We will continue to develop the Ignatian spirit of courage, hope and compassion that was so frequently on display at camp and which is such an integral part of our identity. Thanks to parents for embracing the camp experience and to our students for their enthusiasm, great attitude and friendliness. You were phenomenal!

Deb Hodge

Yr 7 YLC

Here are some memories of camp from our SRC & Ignatian Leaders.

“Year 7 Camp in Anglesea was a blast! It was a great opportunity to make new friends and to strengthen existing friendships. There was a wide range of super fun and engaging activities that tired us out during the day, such as: canoeing, the Giant Swing and mountain biking. The Games Night was a spectacular night where we participated in activities to earn our group points, such as Trivia and Baby Photos, which had us guessing who the teachers were based on their baby photos. The camp was filled with lots of laughter, fun and smiles and everyone had a great time. Thanks to the teachers who came along with us and a massive thanks to Ms Hodge and Ms Anderton for organising the camp and cabins.”

Will Santuccione- Madden

“Camp was filled with lifelong memories that I'm sure everyone who went will remember, whether that was capsizing while canoeing or playing Gaga with all of your friends.

The giant swing was perfect for those people who were looking for a good scare. It took you up 18 meters and then dropped you.

I also participated in Radio Rogaine; the main idea of radio was to find a yellow sign that had a number and a letter, and then you would contact the base and say something like “IDK to base IDK to base, do you copy? Go ahead IDK We have found 6 November”. We also got to learn the Phonetic alphabet.

We had an amazing welcoming dinner on the first night and got to dress up as a mighty Hero or evil Villain whilst participating in activities like charades, trivia, or a group chant. Next morning, my group did mountain bike riding, which was definitely for the strong. After this, it was the vertical challenge, which was the tallest structure at camp. It was a massive obstacle course that you climbed, including a tyre climb and a ladder climb.

For the water activities, we did canoeing in the estuary and had to build a hopefully floating raft. If you were lucky (I was not) you would not capsize, otherwise you would end up drenched.

That night we watched an episode of Wallace and Gromit, then it was off to bed.

The last two activities were Archery and Crate climbing. Archery was a fun experience and probably one of my top three favourite activities. We played a few games with the bow and arrow.

Then we had Crate climbing which was exactly as it sounds. You would have 12 crates that you would have to climb and stack without falling of. There was a harness, of course.

After that fun camp, I am very much looking forward to the future of my Year 7 experience. I would like to really thank Mrs Anderton and Ms Hodge, as well as the teachers who attended camp, for making it possible. Without them, I wouldn't have had such a great experience! I would also like to thank the YMCA camp staff as they worked hard to make everyone's experience an amazing one.”

Ruby Cadwallander

“Year 7 camp was an unforgettable experience; from the moment we got there, the air

buzzed with excitement and nervousness. From trying new activities, like raft building

and team building games, to hanging out with friends on movie night, it was all incredible. There was even a little late night chit chat.

Camp is a thing I would never miss because of the friendships I built and the strengthening of existing friendships.

After coming back from camp, I wish I could go back. I loved it so much and I’mvery excited to go on my next one.”

Jade Dalton

“My camp experience was heaps of fun! There were so many activities to do and that helped us work on our teamwork, collaboration and commitment. We were learning new things along the way without even knowing it. The Giant Swing was by far my favourite because the whole time we were doing something, whether it was pulling the rope to make the person go higher in the air, or you were the person being pulled up on the Giant Swing. Everyone showed a lot of bravery and courage when they were a part of that activity.

The food was beautiful and well put together; every meal we had was delicious and made me want seconds. I’m not going to lie, I think I had about 20 apples a day at camp; I kept going back for more because they were so good! I’d like to express my appreciation to the teachers and YMCA staff for making the camp possible. I’m so glad I went to camp!”

Alice Dodds

“On April 29, the Year 7s split into two groups to go on camp. I was on camp one, and so we headed off to Anglesea first. The camp was spectacular. Some activities were challenge by choice which meant you could choose how far you wanted to push yourself. I pushed myself harder than usual and had the best time. I mainly enjoyed it because I had an encouraging group by my side for every activity and loved the compliments of how brave I was. Overall, the camp was awesome with the new friendships I made and the new experiences I had!”

Ellie Rundle