From rain-soaked beginnings to thrilling challenges, this year’s Woodend Camp was an unforgettable experience. Students embraced adventure, teamwork, and plenty of laughter along the way!

Our journey to Woodend Christian Camp began with a scenic walk from Pegasus Beach all the way to camp. Even a patch of heavy rain couldn’t dampen our spirits as we marched on, excited for the days ahead.

Once we arrived, the fun truly began! Students and parent helpers alike enjoyed a variety of field games, including touch rugby, football, cricket, gaga ball, and 9 Square in the Air. The campground was alive with laughter as children bounced on trampolines, tackled mini golf and disc golf, and immersed themselves in the many activities on offer.

Some of the biggest challenges were found in the camp’s adventure activities. The zipline had students soaring through the air, while rock climbing tested their endurance and determination. The aerojump pushed them to new heights, and orienteering put their navigation skills to the test. Meanwhile, the air rifle and go-kart activities added an extra layer of excitement. One of the standout moments for many was the waterslide, which sent them speeding down at thrilling speeds—right into a muddy splash at the bottom!

A highlight for many was the Campers Cash system, where Mr Madigan strategically drip-fed the coveted currency throughout camp. With the ultimate goal of earning a pool party, students eagerly sought opportunities to demonstrate responsibility, teamwork, and positive behaviour—including getting to sleep in a timely manner(?!?). The competitive yet fun challenge added an extra layer of excitement to camp life, as everyone aimed to maximise their earnings.

Evenings at camp were just as thrilling as the days. Spotlight was a huge highlight, as it’s a game that isn’t always guaranteed due to the time of year. Luckily, the conditions were perfect! The students had so many incredible hiding spots that they managed to outsmart both their peers and even the parent helpers—a true test of stealth and strategy.

Another special moment was the campfire, a cherished tradition made possible by our amazing parent helpers. They went the extra mile by purchasing marshmallows, whittling branches, and gathering firewood, so students could enjoy the timeless joy of roasting marshmallows over an open fire. The warmth of the flames, combined with laughter and storytelling, created a magical atmosphere that capped off a fantastic day.

Throughout camp, students demonstrated many of the PYP Learner Profile attributes. They showed courage when taking on new challenges, communication skills when working together in activities, and caring by looking out for their peers. Reflective thinking also played a role, especially during our "Major Biff" moments—when students shared stories of embarrassing or forgettable experiences from their personal lives. These moments led to great laughter but also reminded us of the importance of self-reflection and learning from our experiences.

On the last morning students woke up much later than the previous morning, we kicked off the day with Rotation Madigan, where students took part in Kick the Wicket. Despite plenty of tired faces, the energy remained high. With bellies full from delicious home baking and the hearty meals provided by the Woodend Christian Camp kitchen, it was finally time to pack up and head home—bringing with us incredible memories and maybe a few extra items of lost-and-found clothing!

A Huge Thank You!

A very special thank you goes out to our wonderful parent helpers: Emmet, Mark A, Robert, Blair, Aaron, Mark F, Christina, Sarah, Sharon, Halee, Liz, and Ashlie. Their tireless efforts in supervising bunk rooms, supporting children in their activities, and lending a hand in the kitchen and during clean-up made all the difference. Whether it was helping find a lost sock or encouraging a student to take on a new challenge, their support was invaluable.

A huge thank you also goes to our fantastic teachers—Mel Borgman, Kirsty McGowan, and Royce Madigan—who ensured the students were well looked after and had an amazing experience.

A special shoutout to Lisa Chubb, Team Rock Solid leader, whose months of planning made the camp run smoothly from start to finish. From helping students get organised, managing medications, creating the camp booklet, and juggling countless behind-the-scenes tasks, her dedication ensured everything ran without a hitch.

Coming Soon: TRS Student Voice!

While this article gives a glimpse into our Woodend Christian Camp 2025 experience, the best voices to capture the magic of camp are those of the students themselves. Stay tuned for the student edition, where we’ll share their reflections, favourite moments, and personal highlights from camp!

As we return to school, we’re already looking forward to the next Team Rock Solid camp—after a well-earned rest, of course!

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On the climbing wall I was feeling scared and excited but I kept going and got to the top! I felt very proud. As I calmly and slowly got lifted down by the belayers, I could smell the sweet scent of the pine trees. Woodend Camp was so fun especially because it had such great activities! – Quinn S

My favourite activity was the zipline. I loved it because I was so scared at the start but once I did it, it was awesome! As I climbed the steep stairs (of the tower) I had to crawl on all fours. From the top I could see everything and the smell of the pine was everywhere. As I leapt off the tower I was scared and happy at the same time – Stella H

My favourite activity was the air rifles because it was a new challenge. It was so nice that the camp leaders always encouraged me like crazy! I felt like a superstar when I hit the target – Jonty M

We all went one by one jumping off the zipline and running back. I jumped off the tower, feeling the cold air whizzing through my face. I could hear crackling because of the friction and see people hitting bulls-eyes below. I ran back to my activity group feeling relieved and excited – Vihas M 

On the aero-jump the sun was shining bright and I jumped on a black and white trampoline. People were screaming excitedly and I could smell fresh air. It was so exciting! - Olivia E

When I took a nibble, the roasted marshmallows were so sweet and tasty! I tried to go to the edge of the smoke because that was best spot to cook them. It was very hot and smoky there but I stayed, and that didn’t stop me from catching another marshmallow on fire! – Ella B

One of my favourite parts of camp. The waterslide! The water sprayed at your eyes so you couldn’t see till the bottom and at the end of the slide was a big, deep, wet puddle!...One of the parents pushed me so fast I felt like I was flying. I screamed so loud and it was so funny! - Mackenzie W

At Woodend Camp we got to go Go-Karting. You could smell the burning rubber of the tyres and the speed of the go-kart gave you so many exciting emotions – Finn M

Spotlight was my favourite activity. It was pitch black, you could smell lots of pine, and we heard lots of whispering and chattering. My favourite hiding spot was the little hut! – Wilbur A

My favourite part of camp was the aero-jump because it was really bouncy, fun, and exciting! It was my first time going on a zip-line and it was really fun. I liked feeling the wind blow through my hair. - Lucie E

As we looked around during the game of spotlight, all we could see were disguises running around while our lights flooded the field….(The next night) The fire was crackling and making an almighty sound and kids were wolfing down marshmallows at an alarming rate! – Hannah B

My favourite activity was ziplining. There were clicks of the helmets and the shining wire gleaming in the sun. It was so fun flying through the air like Superman, then the soft thud of the tyre at the end – George C

The sun was setting when we started the game of spotlight. We heard sprinklers spinning, aeroplanes humming, and gravel crunching as people came to find us. Their light was flashing. On the second time me and Olivia held hands so we wouldn’t get lost and guess what? We won! - Lila A

As I raced around the go-kart track, I could smell the grass and rubber, and feel the soft pillow and grippy steering wheel. As I raced and stomped the accelerator, I felt amazing like a formula one driver. After I had raced, I felt as if I had accomplished a new challenge. – Oscar B