From the Monday 22 - Wednesday 24 March, all Year 8 students attended 'Weekaway Recreational Camp' in Benloch. The cold, wet weather didn’t stop them from jumping in the canoes, playing outdoor laser tag, or running around in the rain during their spare time. For some, it was a blessing as it provided students the option to remain indoors and spend some quality time with friends.
A visit from Ms Penelope Monger on Day 2 brought about some much-needed sunshine, allowing staff to run a range of evening activities such as arts and crafts, a bonfire (with way too many sweets), volleyball, cricket, soccer, bush walks and the list goes on. All staff who attended the camp worked very hard to ensure the students had a great time and I am so grateful to all of them for their support over the course of the three days.
I would like to thank Melanie Brooks, Rosa Sfameni, Daniel Smith, Athanas Zivave, Pia Salvatore, Sarah Lang, Kaye Elvin, Gerard Collins, Michael Smith, Justin Reimers-Smith, Maxine Runting and Jyothi Varkey for helping the camp run as smoothly as it possible could have. I would also like to thank the students whose overall behaviour was exemplary and were always willing to assist staff and other students. Year 8 Senators Zoe and Sohan have shared their reflections below.
The weather only dampened our clothes, not our spirits, at the Year 8 Weekaway Recreational camp. Over the course of three days, the Year 8s enjoyed canoeing, bush laser tag and the flying fox amongst a range of other activities. Our time at the camp was interspersed with sightings of wildlife, most notably the kangaroos, which were dotted around the area. In our downtime, we watched movies, played numerous team sports (volleyball was a hit) and toasted marshmallows around a campfire. Camp was a great way to get to know everybody and have a few laughs along the way. - Zoe Triantafillis
The weather may not have been great during this year’s camp, but we had loads of fun anyway. The activities were great and had lots of variety, these activities ranged from the flying fox to canoeing. These activities helped us build survival skills and team building/working skills.
Personally, my favourite activity was The Maze. It was where you enter a maze (obviously) to look for certain signs or items that have been placed there by the teachers. I certainly wasn’t good at it, but I had fun, nonetheless.
The food at camp was great, it was nutritious, and it was gentle with our tastebuds. It was great how the teachers and the camp workers accommodated people with dietary requirements like me for example.
My favourite part was the second night at camp. It was sort of a chill out zone with activities ranging from chess to a bonfire with marshmallows. Being a chess enthusiast myself I stuck with the chessboards and had tons of fun. - Sohan Kodlapura
