By Year 7 student Nanthana Subaharan
Welcome to the Year 7 camp adventure. Get ready to dive into the endless beauty of the bush and acres of open land, fresh air, and unforgettable activities enjoyed by our Year 7 students.
DAY 1
The bus rolled to a stop in front of the campgrounds as our campers pressed their faces to the windows, taking in the acres of open land stretching ahead. One by one, we hopped off the bus, grabbing our luggage before heading toward Kangaroobie’s home base, accompanied by two friendly, jolly dogs named Echo and Chizzle. The group gathered in the middle courtyard, buzzing with excitement for the days ahead.
After the group of students finally settled down, the owner of Kangaroobie, Matt, introduced himself, the staff, and the history of the land. Soon after, we were assigned our cabins, where we unpacked, met our cabin mates, and started forming new friendships.
Once everyone was ready, we gathered again at the far end of the hall in the dining room area to receive our activity group assignments. We were split into three groups – Group A, Group B and Group C. Matt then explained the activities planned for the day.
Group A: Canoeing and obstacle course
Group B: Obstacle course and canoeing
Group C: Farm activities and Life or Death
Then we rushed back to their cabins to get changed based on our assigned activities. When the large bell next to the barbecue rang, we hurried outside, lined up in our groups, and were escorted to our first sessions. Once we finished our initial activity, we enjoyed some yummy cookies and biscuits for afternoon tea.
After everyone returned and had a short break, we set off for our second activity of the day. Some people came back soaked while others stayed completely dry, depending on what they had done.
To finish off the afternoon, we enjoyed a nice hot shower before heading to the dining hall for a delicious serving of spaghetti bolognese. The warm, rich smell filled the room as the teachers delivered their speeches about how fantastic the day had been and, honestly, every word was true.
Then we all gathered back down the hall to learn the bush dance. Everyone threw themselves into the steps, spinning, stomping and laughing through the music. Some people even earned small pieces of candy for their amazing dance moves, which definitely boosted the energy in the room. And to top off the day, we changed into our PJ’s and headed to bed.
DAY 2
The sun slowly lifted over the horizon, casting a warm glow across the campsite as the campers began to wake. Some stepped outside, chilly from the morning air but amazed by the elegant, peaceful nature surrounding them. Behind the cabins, they could see the river where they had canoed the day before, shimmering in the early light.
After taking in the scenery and the calm of the morning, everyone headed inside to get ready for breakfast. Once the bell rang for breakfast, everyone headed inside and were greeted with a range of options: cereal, hot chocolate and delicious toast topped with butter, jam or Vegemite. The campers dug into their meals as the warm morning sunlight filled the room, making breakfast feel extra cosy.
After a few minutes, the teachers quietened everyone down and explained how the day would run. Once breakfast was finished, the campers lined up in their groups and were given their next activity before being sent off to get changed. Then campers left with their group for activities.
Group A: Kangaroobie Survivor and GPS adventures
Group B: GPS adventures and Kangaroobie Survivor
Group C: Obstacle course and canoeing
After everyone returned from their activities, we enjoyed baked potatoes with lots of different fillings to choose from. Once we finished eating, the teachers surprised us with a big announcement: “The bus picking us up to go back to school will be late. We’ve decided to move the rest of today’s activities to tomorrow because today we’re walking to the beach!”
The room exploded with excitement as everyone jumped around, buzzing with energy. We were quickly sent off to grab sunscreen, bug repellent and maybe a change of clothes.
Once we lined up, we followed a staff member down toward the beach. First, we walked to the canoeing river, moving group by group. Some people hopped onto a large raft to cross to the other side, while others stood and tugged the rope to pull everyone closer. We waited until the whole group had crossed, then continued walking for miles toward the beach.
Halfway there, we paused to let the back group catch up and enjoyed some yummy biscuits and water before setting off again. When we finally reached the beach, everyone celebrated.
We played all sorts of fun games, sliding down the hills, rugby and sandcastle building. The sandcastle teams even won prizes because the teachers couldn’t choose a single winner. We also spotted a strange door built into the side of a huge rock, which was the size of a hill. Matt told us it was supposedly pirate work, which made the whole place feel eventful.
There was both a lake and a beach area, but because of the strong waves, we stayed near the lake. After everyone finished having fun, we sat in our class lines, did roll calls and headed back to camp.
Once we arrived, we all had hot showers and got ready for dinner. For dinner we had sausage sizzles, boiled eggs, and leafy greens. Then Matt took everyone on a night bush walk as he told scary stories (fictional ones).
DAY 3
The sun began to rise as the students woke up and got ready for the day. The teachers instructed everyone to pack their bags and clean their cabins. Once finished, the students carried their bags into the dining hall and stacked them neatly together. Then they headed to the breakfast tables and began to eat. When everyone had finished the endless breakfast, they all walked outside and lined up to hear the final activities of our time at camp.
Group A: Farm activities and Life or Death
Group B: Life or Death and farm activities
Group C: GPS adventure and Kangaroobie Survivor
After everyone returned from their last activities, the buses arrived. Students dragged their bags over, loaded them onto the bus, and said goodbye to Kangaroobie.
