As Term 3 kicked off, the Outdoor Education class embarked on Northshore’s inaugural hiking camp, sparking a mix of anticipation, excitement, and nerves among the students. The 16 students from Years 9 and 10 had spent their holidays meticulously preparing their meals and gear, readying themselves for an experience unlike any other—a personal growth adventure rather than the typical cohort camp.
The journey began with Day One, featuring a challenging 14 km trek from Cape Naturalist to Yallingup Caravan Park. Students faced the full force of nature, navigating boulder-strewn hills and soft beach sand. Just in time before 30 mm of rain hit, they arrived at their destination, feeling a mix of relief and accomplishment.
Day Two, a gruelling 22 km stretch from Yallingup to Moses Rock Hikers Campground, started off with clear skies but soon transformed into a downpour. With no shelter in sight, students found relief in the compacted sand, making their trek slightly easier. This day was marked by resilience and teamwork, a true “proud teacher moment.”
We were fortunate to have on-road support from our Principal, Stuart Chisholm, whose dedication was evident at each major break stop. His wife joined us on track for day two, while his eldest son walked the track and provided support and encouragement for all students.
The nights were cold, windy, and wet, further testing the students’ endurance. On Day Three, Mr. Perrett checked the weather forecast: a chilly 11.2 degrees felt like 2.0 degrees. This day was a test of mental toughness as students carried their full packs for another 22 km to Ellensbrook Beach, relying heavily on each other for encouragement and strength. The weather improved slightly with only two brief showers, making the final stretch from Gracetown to Ellensbrook a reflective 5 km journey.
By the end of the hike, the Northshore Outdoor Education students had covered an impressive 58 km of the Cape to Cape track in just three days. The journey concluded with a well-deserved treat at the Margaret River Chocolate Factory, where students enjoyed ice cream and chocolate, reflecting on their achievements.
In the evening, students had the opportunity to discuss their challenges and triumphs, sharing how they overcame obstacles to complete their remarkable adventure. Mr Perrett expressed his immense pride in each student, emphasising that this experience will be a stepping stone in shaping their futures into those of great men and women.
Congratulations to our pioneering Outdoor Education class—your resilience and camaraderie have set a high bar for future expeditions.
Thank you to Mr Perrett and all the supporting staff and volunteers for making this memorable adventure happen!
