All Year 10 students had the opportunity to attend class camps held at Boyle River Outdoor Education Centre.

All those who attended really enjoyed themselves and the challenges they chose for themselves. Camp activities revolve around learning to work as a cohesive team. We also use this camp to spot the talent we have for our student leaders of the future.

Students go on a “Journey Day”. This is not so much a journey of distance but rather a journey of learning. This day links to so many areas of school curriculum – coordinate geometry and map reading, maths, geography, outdoor education, natural history, science, biology, social studies to name a few.

Accommodation is in the warm comfortable lodge, which has a central dining, lounge, socialising area with bunkrooms to either side. We are at the limits of cell phone reception and internet, a chance for the students to disconnect to reconnect with each other. One of the popular challenges is the night walk/solo where students have the chance to be alone with only their own thoughts for company for approximately 45 minutes – many use this time as the inspiration for lots of creative writing when back in English class.

A huge thanks must go to many people for making these camps possible : the staff at BROEC, Hornby High School staff both at school and on camp, the senior student leaders who come and help on camp, and especially the senior hospitality students who challenge themselves by cooking all the meals for us on camp.

Because of the strong cross curricular links to all subject areas, we expect all students to go. The cost is extensively subsidised to keep the student cost to an absolute minimum, and we have support in place to help those who may still struggle – so camp cost should not be a barrier to attending.

This year we had only a 70% attendance – this is disappointing as we aim for at least 80%. While we understand that there are genuine reasons for some, there are still many who simply don’t go. We cater for all dietary needs and cultural and religious needs are met to the best of our ability too.

With the increasing connectedness of the curriculum, the students who were not on camp have missed out on a lot of extremely valuable learning. I’m sure that in the future many will look back and appreciate the opportunities they gained from their time on the camp.