Last week Year 9 travelled into the chilly Southern Highlands for their overnight camp at Camp Wombaroo. With two days filled with adventure and challenges, hopefully it was an experience that has left a lasting impression on Year 9.

Camp started on Thursday morning with Year 9 gathering with anticipation at the school gates waiting to board the coaches to take them to Camp Wombaroo. The journey was eventful as Macquarie Pass was closed and the coaches had to travel via Picton, taking nearly two hours to arrive. This journey was a bit too long for some with a quick bathroom break needed halfway!

Once Year 9 arrived they were given the lay of the land, assigned rooms for the night and divided into their groups for the next two days. Activities ranged from pulse-pounding adventures to thought-provoking initiatives. Raft building put students' engineering skills to the test, while canoeing allowed them to navigate the tranquil waters as a team. The vertical challenge and high ropes courses had hearts racing and provided an opportunity to conquer fears and support one another.

After dinner, each group retreated to their own campfire sites, where laughter, stories, and the warmth of the fire brought them even closer together.

Friday morning brought a new set of challenges as the weather had turned as it started to rain and the temperature dropped even further. Luckily the rain cleared up for the students to enjoy their last two activities for the camp.

Student Reflections:

• I believe that Year 9 camp was a wonderful learning experience. Not only did we learn life lessons, but we also learned how to work as a team. - Mondre Gella, 9 Keira
• Year 9 Camp is a highly anticipated annual event that brings us closer together through teamwork and individual challenges. Our group 'Shazam,' led by Miss Power and Matt, tackled each challenge with a positive outlook, fostering strong bonds amidst tough weather and stepping out of our comfort zones.  - Mia Tarlinton 9 Kembla
• Year 9 camp was a really good experience and we got to participate in lots of fun activities. - Amelia Dimitrievski, 9 Kembla
• I had a fun experience getting to be with my mates away from school for 2 days doing plenty of fun activities with the group. The lasagna was pretty good too. - Tristan Denmeade 9 Keira
• Year 9 camp was a great experience and was really fun. The instructors were nice and helpful and created fun activities for us to do. I would definitely go back. - Bethany Campbell 9 Kembla
• The camp staff were really kind and compassionate. Camp was a good place to bond with peers and share new experiences together. - Kelsey May 9 Marshall
• Year 9 Camp was a highly positive experience for all. The activity that I enjoyed the most was the vertical challenge as it was great to see many people get out of their comfort zone. I enjoyed spending time with my friends and making memories.  - Lauren Kotevski, 9 Macquarie
• Year 9 Camp was an amazing experience. I thoroughly enjoyed the Campfire and spending time with my friends. - James Billett, 9 Macquarie.

The success of the Year 9 camp would not have been possible without the dedication of our teachers, the support of parents, and, most importantly, the enthusiastic participation of our students.