Weeks of preparation in class on topics such as navigation, meal planning and preparation and packing were put to the test when the Year 9 outdoor education class headed to Wilsons Promontory on Tuesday 29 May for three days and nights of hiking and camping in the outdoors. Preparation also included non-curriculum themes such as personal responsibility and leadership. The 36km journey required students to meet all these requirements, and more. The unofficial mantra for the camp was “always be bothered” and hopefully this can carry through into other aspects of the students’ lives — be it academic, sporting, social or community service.
Here are some of the reflections from the students on their experiences:
The main purpose of the camp was to put the skills we had learnt in outdoor education classes into practice in a real situation. We planned to trek the 36km loop track from Telegraph Saddle over three days. The overall theme was getting out of our comfort zones and experiencing the great outdoors. The hike was a great learning experience for all of us. I learnt to be the best prepared as you can for rain, as it can totally ruin your hiking experience. The most important lesson was the one said originally by Mr Murray and then drilled into us by Mr Beard: “Always be bothered”. This was quoted every time someone had to do something or said “I can’t be bothered”. The hike was a great one — we got to see some of the great Victorian outdoors and also experience beaches that have barely been touched by tourists. I would most definitely revisit Wilsons Prom. Alex Renouf (Year 9 Bronze)
On Tuesday 29 May, the bus got loaded and off we went to Wilsons Promontory for a spectacular camp/hike that I enjoyed very much. It was a camp that I will probably never forget because of the feelings that I expressed as we approached the car park symbolising the end of the walk. I may have felt 'iffy' halfway through, but when we finished I knew it was all worth it. Jack Hendrie (Year 9 Bronze)
Everyday got tougher as more and more waste was filling up our packs and blisters were arriving — as was the good weather. But I had started to realise how beautiful the park was, realising everyday to stop and appreciate such a beautiful place. One thing I took away from the experience I had at camp was to never give up. There was always another mountain to climb, another storm would appear, but if we worked hard and supported each other we would all reach the end of the track together — and that was the best feeling. Mikayla O’Brien (Year 9 Orange)
After all of the preparation and build-up, the big day was finally here. We were going to Wilsons Prom for three days of hiking. I was excited to be finally going, as I had heard so many different experiences from lots of people — I didn’t know what to expect. I wanted it to be good and I wanted to enjoy it, but I was scared that I wasn’t going to like it. But it was amazing and I would do it again. Wilsons Promontory is such a beautiful place and I am so grateful that I was able to experience a place like that. Jaimee Strachan (Year 9 Jade)
