Production

Burn Bright was the theme for the Year 11 Leadership Camp. Despite many things being interrupted by Covid-19, the camp managed to go ahead with some modifications. We returned to our mystical camping site, Camp Gedling. From the start, the Year 11 students did indeed…burn bright. The camp started with ‘The Why and the White’. It was explained to them the purpose behind the camp. They were also given white bandanas which represented the white shirts they have the privilege of wearing next year as Seniors. From the get-go, the Year 11 boys took on the responsibility willingly. Without asking, they sorted their own sleeping arrangements and set up our communal meeting space. With an open mind and an open heart, they participated in a variety of activities designed to challenge them, get them to reflect and prepare them for next year. Working together, be it in pairs, small groups or as a whole cohort was the theme of the day. Some highlights were each House crammed together on a 1m2 piece of tarpaulin. The boys now know how close they should be! Balancing a container full of water whilst on their backs and having to remove shoes and socks replicated the delicate act of handling a variety of commitments and responsibilities, they will have next year. As dusk approached, they ventured on a very long hike. Along the way, they had to collect a stick to take back. However, due to fading sunlight, they had to turn around a mere 200 meters from their finishing point. That gave them something to ponder in terms of failure. There was a small group of injured boys who were not able to do the hike. Instead they had cooked up some very tasty burgers for the whole group, proving that regardless of circumstance, everyone can contribute. After dinner, Mr. Deer shared some hard to hear truths that put life into perspective. The night concluded with the sticks collected from the hike being used in a bonfire. This illustrated the point that regardless of how large the stick, it contributed to the fire so it could ‘burn bright’. As they had previously experienced on numerous camps, some rain started to fall. By the sound of people running to their tents, it was if they had experienced rain for the first time. Excited chatter ran over Camp Gelding and torches flicked on and off like a strobe light for a while as they settled. Finally, the day caught up with them and the place went dark and silent.

The next morning some early risers helped with setting up breakfast and we were on our way. We revisited a very popular activity from their younger years and they completed the obstacle course… but with a twist. The group completed some very valuable planning for 2021. They narrowed down their Year 12 and College Theme. They worked on their House culture and goals and completed a ‘slingshot on steroids’ activity that gave them the perfect opportunity to reflect on mob mentality. After lunch, they listened to the wise words of Shannon Seabolm, Coach of the Townsville Fire who had to overcome some very big obstacles in his career. The day, and camp, concluded with taking their white bandanas and completing an activity together to symbolise the group dynamic needed moving forward. They proved that they were well and truly ready to take over as Seniors of 2021. Craig Brown | Dean of Wellbeing