By Ms Tracey Markovic, Assistant Head of Junior School Operations

Last week our Year 5 students and staff had the opportunity to spend three days at the Tallong Outdoor Education and Retreat Centre in the Southern Highlands. Under the guidance of staff from The Outdoor Education Group (OEG) students participated in a variety of challenging and engaging activities including kayaking, low ropes, high ropes, flying fox and abseiling.

With the OEG’s underlying philosophy of ‘challenge by choice’ students were given the necessary agency to decide their own level of participation in each activity. They were able to decide how far they would push themselves at all times. OEG’s facilitation style focuses on safety, skill-building and communication to empower and support students in making informed decisions regarding their safety and personal wellbeing, at a level right for them.

Over the three days students were part of a ‘working group’ and rotated between activities. When asked, each student had a different favourite activity, but all in all the responses were quite similar: ‘Camp was fabulous!’

Kayaking

Whilst gliding through the water students discovered the tranquillity and beauty of nature that is available in the Tallong Retreat on the Santa Sabina campus. They also discovered the ‘tricks of the trade’ when it comes to paddling with a partner! Kayaking not only tested everyone’s physical prowess but also instilled a deep appreciation for the environment in all that took to the water.

‘The scenery was spectacular when we were canoeing.’

It was soooo tricky to steer! The wind made it very difficult. We really needed to use good communication skills or we ended up in the reeds!’

High Ropes

Conquering fears and reaching new heights . . . the high ropes course challenged students both mentally and physically. Through encouragement and support, students learned the value of teamwork and perseverance as they navigated the ladder and the ropes high up in the trees.

‘I thought the high ropes were the best as my group really cheered me on telling me I could do it.’

Low Ropes

With ropes just perched above the ground students relied heavily on collaboration and communication to achieve success. The low ropes course encouraged students to work together and stay in constant communication with each other to ensure they remained upright and on the ropes.

‘It was really hard to balance as our groups had low ropes after the rain. The spotters had to work hard to keep us safe!’

Flying Fox

Soaring through the air with the wind in their hair, the flying fox provided students with an exhilarating rush of adrenaline. As students embraced the thrill of the descent, they discovered the importance of courage and trust in themselves and their peers. Mr David Goebel’s video footage of sailing through the sky is something to behold!

‘Going on the flying fox allowed me to conquer my fear of heights.’

‘I like how relaxed I felt before I let myself go on the zip line. Dawn from OEG made me feel so calm.’

Abseiling

Students geared up, listened carefully to the safety briefing and then made their way to the abseiling site. From here they encouraged each other to reach the edge and sit down into the ropes and then make their way down the rock wall.

Abseiling made me feel great! At the beginning I was scared but then I watched everyone else having a go and I did it! The encouragement from my friends was amazing.’

At the end of each day students looked forward to showering and snuggling into their beds. Nestled amidst the tranquil surroundings of the campsite, students slept in cabins which provided them with a place to rest and recharge after a day filled with adventure. Bunk beds adorned the cabins which students shared with their fellow campers. It didn’t take long until the floor of each cabin resembled a busy looking ‘floordrobe’! (Think wardrobe but all over the floor). As morning broke the familiar sound of the kookaburras was heard throughout the camp and students woke to prepare for what the day had to offer.

Year 5 camp would not be Year 5 camp if we did not mention Chef Jeffrey, or rather, Cheffrey. Whilst students were able to enjoy the camping experience with ‘cook out meals’ where they chopped, stirred, and sauteed their own meals, they were also treated to eating in the dining hall. It was here that Cheffrey shared his culinary delights with all that visited. Pancakes, chicken schnitzel burgers and pasta with sundried tomatoes were on the menu and Cheffrey did not disappoint!

School camps do not just happen. A heartfelt thanks must go to each and every one of our dedicated staff who attended Tallong and guided our students through their journey with patience, enthusiasm, and expertise. An enormous thank you must also go to our Year 10 Service students who joined us. Each of our student working groups was fortunate to have a service student be part of their team for the duration of the camp. Their companionship and willingness to undertake any task they were asked to do, was greatly appreciated.

Students and staff will bring their Tallong experience back with us to the College. Our adventures have woken a little piece of us up and we will hold onto it each day as we travel down our path of learning.