Year 9B 

Santa Monica Camp 

Experience

Our Year 9B students recently returned from their 4-week camp at Santa Monica along the Great Ocean Road. This camp is a fantastic opportunity for them to step out of their comfort zones, connect with nature, and develop essential life skills. From camping under the stars to surfing and hiking, they embraced every challenge with enthusiasm and teamwork. 

One of our students, Mannix, shared the following report from his experience at camp:

'Our Santa Monica experience was an unforgettable adventure filled with a wide range of activities that not only challenged us physically but also helped us grow as individuals. The camp was an incredible opportunity to step outside our comfort zones, connect with nature, and develop a greater sense of responsibility.

One of the most exciting parts of the trip was the overnight camping experience. Sleeping under the stars and waking up to the sounds of nature was both peaceful and exhilarating. It required teamwork to set up camp, manage our gear, and maintain our surroundings, teaching us the importance of being reliable and contributing to the group's success. It wasn’t just about camping, but about learning how to support one another and work together in a setting far from home.

Surfing was another standout activity. It was a challenge to catch the waves at first, but it was also incredibly rewarding. The experience taught us the value of perseverance, as every wipeout made us more determined to try again. The positive spirits among the group were evident each of us cheering for one another as we tried to ride the waves. It wasn’t just about who could catch the most waves, it was about learning something new or possibly stepping out of our comfort zone.

The day hikes through the beautiful trails offered a different kind of challenge. It was physically demanding, but it also allowed us to appreciate the beauty of our surroundings. As we trekked up the hills and navigated the rocky roads, we learned to rely on each other’s strengths and support one another when it got tough. 

A particularly impactful part of the experience was Tangaroa (picking up microplastics) on the beach. This hands on activity not only raised awareness about the environmental issues facing our oceans, but it also gave us a sense of responsibility. We learned the importance of taking initiative to protect the planet, understanding that small actions like cleaning the beach can make a significant difference.

We also had the chance to try mountain bike riding, which was a pretty funny experience for many of us since Jacob kept us entertained by stacking it the most. Riding through the rugged trails required focus, balance, and confidence. It was a fun way to challenge ourselves while also embracing the importance of having a positive attitude when facing obstacles.

Throughout all these activities, the importance of being reliable and maintaining a positive attitude stood out. Whether it was during the hikes, surfing sessions, or in the moments when we needed to encourage each other, having a positive mindset and being dependable were key to making the experience enjoyable for everyone. This camp wasn’t just about learning skills it was about maturing as individuals and growing as a team.

In the end, the Santa Monica experience was a mix of adventure, teamwork, and self discovery. We learned that taking initiative, supporting others, and embracing challenges are essential qualities that will stay with us until we are older.'