As part of the VET Sport and Recreation course, Year 10 students were responsible for planning a camp at Torquay on 20-21 October. Students were given a budget and needed to negotiate with relevant stakeholders to work out where they were going, what activities they were going to participate in, book accommodation and plan meals. They also had to investigate a range of work health and safety issues and work out how to minimise or eliminate these. Students allocated themselves to different roles to plan our surf camp to Torquay, booking in surfing and sea kayaking sessions.
As well as having a lot of fun and learning new physical skills, students developed their ability to plan, organise, work collaboratively, manage their time effectively and work within a budget. These skills will assist them in the short term of meeting specific work requirements along with developing life skills and leadership. These and other attributes are also the reason that such a large number of VET Sport and Recreation students move into Year 12 leadership roles, and why many continue into careers within the field after leaving secondary school.
Below are some student reflections of their camp experience:
Overall the camp was amazing. We had such good teachers and people on the camp which made it even better. I would definitely do it again and I would recommend doing it.
— Sarah Frazzetto (Year 10 Jade)
The highlight of the camp was definitely surfing on the first day; it was a great experience and super fun. I just wish that the camp was longer so we had more time in the ocean and more time around the beach. I played heaps of games like spikeball and watched the sun set on the beach. This is one of the best camps I’ve been on. It was a great atmosphere where the students got the opportunity to organise and take charge at camp.
— Kate Wicks (Year 10 Orange)
The highlight of camp was being able to surf. The camp was packed with fun. Cleaning the barbecue wasn’t very fun. I tried to help out those who haven't surfed before with the limited things I knew, I also got help from the ones that had done it multiple times. I really enjoyed the camp and it was a good experience because of the activities and people that were there.
— Jai Jackson (Year 10 Purple)
My highlight was the gnarly waves we surfed and just being in the Torquay waters. Cooking together and being with the best class on the planet was also a good thing. The people and things we did made it the best thing in my life.
— Amy Wicks (Year 10 Purple)
