02 March 2026
There is something about being away from the familiar that brings out the best in young people. Earlier this term, our Year 7 cohort packed their bags and headed to Phillip Island Adventure Resort for three days of outdoor adventure, challenge, and connection. What they came home with was far more than tired legs and muddy shoes.
The program was packed with activities designed to build courage and teamwork: the Giant Swing, High Ropes Course, Twin Flying Fox, Archery, Canoeing, Raft Making, Ball Games, and the Initiatives Course. Each activity was chosen not just for the thrill, but for what it asks of students; to communicate, to persevere, and to back themselves when things feel uncertain.
Camp is one of the few experiences that asks students to sit with discomfort and push through it. Whether it was dangling at the top of the Giant Swing, clipping into the High Ropes Course, or stepping into muddy water for Raft Making, students were constantly faced with moments where they had to choose between staying safe and having a go. Time and time again, they chose to have a go.
One student described the feeling honestly while at camp: The fear hasn't disappeared, but it is fading (Aaliyah – 7A). That is a powerful insight for a twelve-year-old, the understanding that bravery is not the absence of fear, but the decision to act anyway. For many students, the encouragement of teachers and peers was the difference between holding back and stepping forward. As one student reflected, I was scared our boat was going to flip during canoeing and I felt nervous… but encouragement helped me get through it (Cassandra – 7J).
Raft Making and the Initiatives Course were real tests of collaboration. Without clear communication and a willingness to listen, the tasks simply could not be completed. Students had to negotiate ideas, delegate roles, and trust one another's contributions, often with classmates they did not know well before camp. These are the kinds of skills that could be worked on in the classroom, but come naturally when a group of students are knee-deep in water trying to keep their raft afloat!
One student noticed something important during the initiatives: One student brought everyone together and cooperatively listened to everyone's ideas on how to get through the activity. That showed the true power of leadership (Ameerah – 7P). What stood out to staff was that leadership at camp did not always come from the loudest voices. It often came from the students who made sure everyone felt included and heard.
For many of our Year 7 students, camp was their first extended time away from home. Managing their own routines, looking after their belongings, and navigating social situations independently were all part of the learning. These moments may seem small, but they build the kind of quiet confidence that stays with students long after camp is over.
As one student put it simply: I learnt that I can make the right choices and be independent (Vinay – 7M). Another left camp with a newfound appreciation for what connection looks like: I saw people encouraging others which made me also encourage that person. I also saw people making new friends so I thought I should give it a try too (Alia – 7D). Camp has a way of breaking down barriers and providing students with opportunities to try things they have always wanted to.
As teachers, we know that some of the most important learning happens outside the classroom. Camp gave our Year 7 students the chance to discover what they are capable of when the safety net of routine is taken away. They learned to trust themselves, to lean on others, and to cheer each other on, even when things felt a little scary.
Perhaps one student summed it up best: I struggled in some of the activities, but I quickly got better the more I tried and with the help of my team. I enjoyed going on camp and I am happy that I made a lot more friends (Oscar – 7D).
Three days at Phillip Island. A lifetime of memories. We could not be prouder of our Year 7 cohort.
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