On 3rd August, Year 9 classes 9.4, 9.5, and 9.6 made their way down to Camp Mornington so that we could enjoy the embrace of nature. For three days, we were to participate in activities and work together in order to complete them. These activities included: high ropes, abseiling, mountain biking, crate climbing, and raft building.
High ropes was an activity that helped some of us overcome or lessen our fear of heights, as well as challenge us by persuading us to climb a ladder up a tall pole which would then lead to several obstacles that were 10m above the ground. This activity involved one person doing the obstacles and the other being the supporter on the ground, once the first had finished it would be the second persons turn to try it. Although it was quite frightening at first one, everybody had a go and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Abseiling included using a 10m high platform that was available to everybody to try, but once some more confident members of the group were ready, they were able to try abseiling from a 20m high platform.
Mountain biking made different impressions on different students; the sporty students enjoyed the challenge and loved the ride, while the rest were not too keen. The ride consisted of plenty of steep up hills, some decent down hills, and lots of ditches in the ground that some were unfortunate enough to be unable to avoid. Even if some of us were worn out by the trip, it enabled us to have a clearer and more up-close view of the beautiful nature that Mornington had to offer.
In order to pursue the aim of crate climbing, we were to collect 30 crates that were provided for us and build them in stacks until the person climbing them was able to reach the roof of the gymnasium. The aim was to work together to get the climber to the top without falling. It was great fun and enhanced teamwork and communication skills.
Raft building was a very tough activity to do because of the bitterly cold water. The aim was to build a raft using two different methods of construction, all the while using team skills to work together and listen to each other for their raft to float.
At night we were given the opportunity to roast marshmallows by the fire outside and drink milo, which almost all of the students were more than happy to do!
On our last night, we were given the choice of watching a movie under a blanket and relaxing, or going on a long bushwalk to see the peaceful nature under the moonlight and glowing stars. Both activities were successful with the students and once we were finished with them we went back to the fire pit to roast marshmallows and drink milo for the last time.
The teachers and parent helpers were a important part of making our camp enjoyable. They kept everyone in line, but at the same time they had fun and could have a laugh with all of us. I’d just like to take the opportunity to thank all of the teachers and parents on behalf of the entire year 9 for making our camp happen and for making it as enjoyable as it was. Camp Mornington was the perfect place to escape technology for a short while, helping all of us to appreciate the beauty and purity of nature.
Written by Skye Sam (Year 9)