Year 8 camp, exploring identity and creating lasting memories!
After an exceptional excursion organised by the Art department, exploring the fine art of the Art Gallery and the impressive street art around the city, we packed the buses and headed to Guilderton for the first of two one-night Year 8 camps.
As we arrived at the campsite and started setting up tents, the wind decided it would be a great time to arrive too. For many students, it was the very first time setting up a tent, and they were troopers! Skills were learned, frustrations were managed, and we were victorious…eventually. While the wind managed to break a few tents, it didn’t break our spirits and after a well-earned sausage-sizzle dinner (sorry about the missing sauces, kids), bedtime beckoned.
As the night progressed, the wind subsided, and we woke to a truly glorious morning. For those students up early, we went for a walk up to the lookout to be shown a magical sunrise, followed by a walk along the beach. Returning to pack the tents and enjoy bacon and egg rolls for breakfast, we were ready for the rest of the day. The chaos of ‘Beach Pictionary’ was enjoyed by all as students tested their drawing and guessing skills.
After lunch, we had a quick bus ride to True North Church, where their incredible True North Youth (TNY) team ran an afternoon of crazy games and activities spaced around sincere times of unpacking the concept of ‘identity’. Thought-provoking videos were shown, followed by small-group times where students could share and explore their ideas about their own identity and labels that may have been put on them, or that they’ve put on others. It honestly was an amazing afternoon hosted by the TNY crew.
While the camp officially finished then, a large group of students chose to stay at the church and attend the ‘Sunglasses and Spaghetti’ night that the youth group was holding that night – a perfect way to end the first Year 8 camp for the year.
