NEWS
RICHLY REWARDING EXPERIENCES FOR OUR YOUNG MIDDLE SCHOOL BOYS
YEAR 7 CAMPS : EXPLORATION , CAMARADERIE AND EXCITEMENT
This year ' s edition of the annual Year 7 Camp at Cowes proved to be another resounding success , brimming with exploration , camaraderie , and excitement .
Over the course of four consecutive weeks , each Monday morning we bid farewell to two form groups as they ventured to Phillip Island for a week-long journey of discovery , education , and enjoyment .
Year 7 Camp is purposefully designed to foster stronger bonds among boys and their teachers through engaging activities and meaningful discussions , both of which were abundantly present .
Witnessing boys step beyond their comfort zones to take part in activities such as sailing , snorkelling and boogie boarding was truly encouraging . Some of the sailing was particularly impressive , with boys self-navigating around a course directly in front of the property , tacking and jibing with playful dolphins in tow .
Many boys learned a lot about indigenous flora and fauna during visits to the Koala Sanctuary , rock rambling , and the inspiring shearwater bird walk along the nesting cliffs of Cape Woolamai at dusk . The days were long and warm , filled with fun , games and laughter .
Form teachers took advantage of the time spent together , whether walking up and down the beach or playing mini-golf , to get to know the boys better , discuss expectations , set standards and emphasise the importance of mutual respect .
Without exception , the Year 7 Camps proved to be immensely rewarding experiences , leaving boys returning home tired but happy , and perhaps with a heightened understanding and appreciation of their peers and school . FORREST FU provided his impressions of the Year 7 camp : ‘ Year 7 began with some loose friendships and two dozen unfamiliar people in a form taking lessons together . However , camp changed all of that , helping us build many new relationships with our fellow Year 7s and even the supportive teachers .
The spectacular environment at Cowes built long-lasting memories , from staying up late in the generously-sized cabins to meeting huge stingrays while snorkelling .
One experience that I won ’ t forget is sailing on a day of perfect weather with just one problem : no wind . The distant land on every side of us corresponded to Phillip Island , the Mornington Peninsula and French Island . Because of the lack of propulsion , my boat of five boys had to resort to paddling with our hands .
A fin emerged out of the sparkling water and our arms shot back into the boat , shocked by the appearance of such a large fish in shallow waters . To our immense relief , it wasn ’ t a fish at all . The friendly dolphin followed us for quite a while before we returned to shore , drenched and exhausted .
That was just one of the numerous highlights that made camp at Cowes an unforgettable week of my life .’ ROB BLACKMORE – DEPUTY HEAD OF MIDDLE SCHOOL
MIDDLE SCHOOL BOYS WENT
BEYOND THEIR COMFORT ZONES
IN SAILING , SNORKELLING AND BOOGIE-
BOARDING
40 Great Scot