Year 11 students set off to Bendalong for a two-night camp during Week 5. This was in place of Senior Retreat which has been postponed to 2021 and Year 7/11 peer-support camp which unfortunately, under COVID rules, could not include Year 11 students. The camp came together in just over two weeks and proved to be a great time away together as a cohort for our senior students.

Thursday evening entertainment included Origin Game 2 on the big screen in the media room and some hilarious games of charades between staff and students. As students made their way to tents at about 10.30pm, the rain began. It then proceeded to rain and rain and rain for the next 30 plus hours with virtually no break. Did this dampen Year 11 spirits? Absolutely not! Some were flooded out and had to move tents but all showed great resilience and just got on with things with a smile.

Most of our planned activities had to be cancelled in the face of wind and rain, so instead we went bowling in Ulladulla. Students and staff alike laughed at each other's successes and failures on the alley.

One activity that the rain actually helped with was the beach “slip n slide” kindly organised by Meg Phillips. Students constructed a 50m slide down the beach with black builder’s polythene and then attacked it in style on body-boards. Despite the consistent rain, many also enjoyed a swim.

After a hearty meal to warm everyone up, a talent show and Mr Mulally’s silent disco proved most entertaining.

Friday dawned to sunshine at last! We enjoyed a beautiful beach walk followed by swimming and surfing. All too soon it was time to break camp and head home.

Well done to all the Year 11 students for rising to the challenge of a very wet camp and also big thanks to the staff team of Jon Brady, Sean Mulally, Hailee Nugent, Cassie Johnston, Deb Enfield, Nathan Mansfield and Jane Garland. A good time was had by all!

Tim Hodges
Wellbeing Coordinator