NEWS
YEAR 9 OUTDOOR EXPEDITION CAMP : CHALLENGING BUT REWARDING
The first camp of the year is always a big challenge , especially when you have spent the past two years in lockdown . The Year 9 Outdoor Expedition camp ( 6-8 April ) was no exception . After two months of preparation in which we learnt how to set up a tent , cook in a Trangia stove and swim while fully clothed , along with other necessary camping knowledge , everyone was excited .
On the first day , the bus dropped us off at Cape Otway . With a 5.3km hike ahead of us , we had to make haste , yet despite the elements being against us , we managed to make it to the campsite with enough time to set everything up for our first night ; and after a questionable night ’ s sleep and a quick breakfast , we were off again .
The second day started with an unmistakably beautiful hike along some of the Great Ocean Walk ’ s most scenic locations , starting with spectacular ocean views and ending at the mouth of the 148km-long Aire River .
The weather couldn ’ t have been nicer for the final night . The moon was bright , and the wind had died down , so after some lovely supper and majestic music provided by Monsieur Marquet , we were off to sleep .
The following day concluded our hike in incredible fashion , as a sunrise cruise on inflatable canoes tested our muscles . After that we almost all fell asleep on the four-hour bus ride back home , after an unforgettable trip with a fantastic group . WILLIAM HAYWOOD – YEAR 9
SCOUT ADVENTURE CAMP – TEAMWORK , RESILIENCE AND MATESHIP
The Scout Adventure Camp was a muchneeded break from the monotony of the pandemic . All the boys got out in nature and I think that they all enjoyed the fresh air . Not only were the grounds of the Elliott Lodge facility near Healesville beautiful , but we also experienced independence and leadership . Through many activities that involved teamwork and resilience , not to mention the Scout skills such as knotwork and cooking , we all formed bonds of mateship .
This culminated in a giant rope bridge which the Year 7 and 8 Scouts built over the creek . All new Scouts then crossed the bridge in a symbolic act that evening as a part of their investiture to Scouts . This was followed by a most enjoyable bonfire . The next Scout camp at the end of Term 3 is something I ’ m really looking forward to ! MATTHEW CHEN – YEAR 7
24 Great Scot Issue 166 – September 2022