From Head of Green House, Scott Coleman
Between 19 and 24 November, Year 10 successfully completed their outward bound learning experience at Somerset camping grounds. The students were met with some outstanding weather, and while there was some slight drizzle, the evenings were perfect as students sat around the campfire to discuss the daily activities and to laugh with friends. Our theme for our camp was ‘Stepping up, Stepping out’ and it was overwhelming to see the cohort take this on board with each activity. Students managed to step up into leadership and step out of their comfort zone, lessons we hope for the cohort to take into their senior years.
The students took part in a variety of activities, ranging from high ropes, to kayaking and canoeing, with everyone being provided with a chance to overcome adversity and face hardship along the way. The highlights were varied and many, from the groups that paddled 30km along the Colo river, to the group that trekked close to 100 km, each opportunity created a great sense of achievement for all the students involved. Several of the camp leaders and teachers commented on the way the students collaborated together in difficult situations and developed an understanding about respect towards others as the week progressed.
In 2017, Waverley College introduced a Duke of Edinburgh program under the guidance of Ms Brown, Ms Alborough and Mr Brophy. We had one group endeavour to complete part of their bronze award during the year 10 camp. When visiting the Duke of Ed group, it was great to see them working together as a team in planning the activities for the next day. Each student was required to map their trek using only the coordinates that had been provided. It was fantastic to see the leadership and drive by each of the students involved in the program as they pushed towards completing their Duke program for the year.
As groups sat around the campfire on the last night, they reflected and commented on how they had achieved things they didn’t think possible, and it was that moment for them when they began to understand the importance of participating in the camp. I would like to congratulate the year 10 cohort, who demonstrated incredible resolve and character throughout. Each student faced their own difficulties on camp and hopefully the lessons they learnt will be lifelong and rewarding.
I would like to thank all the Waverley families for allowing the year 10 students to take part in such an important part of their learning experience. Some lessons can only be taken outside the classroom and camp provides those. I would also like to thank all the staff that attended the camp. Without the teachers giving up time away from their families, it would not be the fantastic experience that Waverley currently offers. It is the drive of our teachers that enables students to face the challenges from the camping program and come through successfully on the other side.
Camp Leaders
- Sam Rowlings
- Damien Thompson
- Glenn Mosna
- Greg Elliott
- Stephanie Boyce
- Paul Cornish
- Richard Bryant
- Matthew Barr
- John McCoy
- Thomas Smith
Duke of Edinburgh Leaders
- Gemma Brown
Support Staff
- Olivia Kite
