In Term 4, all Year 8 students attended a camp at our lovely venue on Hervey Range, Camp Gedling. They were scheduled to attend earlier int eh year, however, due to the COVID disruption, this was held over. They were very fortunate to be able to get to complete a variety of team-building activities unlike several other year levels. The first group saw Putney, Rice and Treacy venture up the range to complete a variety of activities. In the second half of the week, Baillie, Carew, Nolan, and Reid made their way to complete the same activities.
The next day they completed some good oldfashioned physical challenges, learned some bush tricks and some indigenous hunting skills. The ever-popular obstacle course greeted them on their second morning and as a group, they had to complete it as fast as possible using teamwork. They then learned some skills around leather work from some special presenters. Finally, they were fortunate to have some of our indigenous community members teach them how to throw a spear.
First, and most importantly, the boys were briefed and trained on snake bite first aide. Thankfully, this skill was not needed this year! Houses and smaller groups completed some team problem solving activities with their Pastoral Leaders and Homeroom teachers which further consolidation their relationships. They navigated a special course throughout the campsite using their orientation skills to solve a puzzle.
That night, they had a special House Activity and the evening concluded with a special Camp Concert. Using the phrase ‘entertainment’ would not exactly describe what occurred that night!
Reflection time was provided to allow them an opportunity to connect with nature and get them to start gaining a better understanding of who they are as a person. Going from some personal time to a group activity, they completed an African Drumming Circle session where they had to get in time with each other. A rhythmic beat echoed over the range that night!
By Day 3, they were well and truly tired and ready for home. Before that, they held the Obstacle Course Grand Final. A few quick games of T-Ball and a clean up of Camp Gelding and packing their tents away followed. By the time they got back to the College, there were some tired and weary Year 8 students! A very big thank you to the Year 8 Homeroom Teachers who attended. The Pastoral Leaders who led many of the activities and the Year 10 boys who helped on the camp. Craig Brown | Dean of Wellbeing
Ignatius Park College 2020
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COMMUNITY AND CULTURE
Outdoor Education - Year 8 Camp
