As part of the Year 10 VET Sport and Recreation program, classes travelled to the Grampians, or Gariwerd as it is known to the Djab Wurrung people, from 11 to 13 May. For three days students were self-sufficient and carried all their camping and hiking needs over 35km. There were strong links to curriculum — work health and safety, organisation of personal work priorities, provision of first aid, responding to emergencies, participation in recreation activities. I would argue the sense of accomplishment, resilience developed and the friendships built supersedes the academic progress. Furthermore, I strongly believe that these experiences hold the participating students in good stead for the future, whatever it holds, and will provide memories that will remain with them for decades to come.
Students faced challenges from the weather to the unstable terrain, including rocky trails and hiking to over 1000m in elevation, as well as the psychological and emotional strain of doubting their ability to successfully complete the journey caused by the physical duress. By the end of the week, students overcame all of these obstacles to become stronger young men and women, physically and psychologically. Thanks to the staff who accompanied us on the hike and who made these experiences possible.
Below are some student reflections of their camp experiences:
Before entering Halls Gap, I was excited but also a little nervous. When I stepped on the track my fears immediately went away. The experience was beautiful with once in a lifetime views. The class made all the difference combined with the amazing feeling of hiking and then the relief of getting up ‘the last hill’ which was pure happiness and joy.
— Amy Wicks (Year 10 Purple)
Camp was a really different experience to what normal school camps are and I enjoyed the fact that we got to choose our groups and cook and prepare our own food. I highly recommend it to all students.
— Christian Phillips (Year 10 Green)
Before the camp I was really excited but also a bit nervous about all the walking. Once we started it was fun but a bit hard, but by the end it was so good and to look back on what we had done and all the memories we made.
— Sarah Frazzetto (Year 10 Jade)
