Year 9 Sunshine Coast Camp
DAY ONE
After an early start and 3-hour drive from the Gold Coast to the Sunshine Coast, the Year 9 cohort arrived at the beautiful surroundings of the Kenilworth Homestead. Once they unpacked their gear the camp started in earnest.
Students met their Higher Ground leaders and were briefed on the week’s activities. After playing several initiation and introduction games, they then dispersed amongst the Higher Ground property to take part in their daily scheduled activities. Half the group left for their trek and overnight stay in the forest setting of Kenilworth Campgrounds whilst the other half set up their tents scattered around Kenilworth Homestead.
The weather was perfect with sunny conditions and a light breeze. After an action-packed day students sat around campfires entertained by students and staff playing guitars and singing.
Andrew Sole | Head of Outdoor Education
DAY TWO
On day two of the camp, students awoke to a blanket of mist covering the hills surrounding their tents. The heat from the early morning sun soon cleared the mist to reveal students cooking their breakfast and starting preparations for the busy day ahead.
The sun continued to shine for the entire day as groups of students engaged in the various camp activities on offer to them. This included various high rope challenges such as the ‘crate stack’, ‘leap of faith’ and ‘giant ladder’. Also popular during the long hot days were water activities of canoeing and raft building.
As the sun began to slowly set in the sky, students returned to their respective tents to prepare their evening meal and get ready for bed and enjoy a well-deserved rest.
Andrew Sole | Head of Outdoor Education
DAY THREE
Despite a light shower of rain in the morning, the students eagerly awoke to another exciting day of action-packed entertainment and fun. The focus of the camp is for students to develop leadership skills, independence and self-resilience in a challenging yet safe environment and supportive environment.
Opportunities for students to engage in new activities and ‘have a go’ are forefront in the planned itinerary - and as per day 2 and 3 the students embraced the chance to try new things and support their peers.
All activities involved team building initiatives focusing on goals with a community emphasis. Those not engaged in an active participation role performed important supportive roles.
Andrew Sole | Head of Outdoor Education
DAY FOUR
The final full day has finally arrived with students participating in the last few activities as per their busy camp schedule.
Half the group are heading out for their overnight stay at Kenilworth Campgrounds whilst the remainder complete their activity itinerary.
The weather for the whole duration of the camp has been a welcome change to the heavy rain which impacted the Gold Coast last week. Sunny bright days with little wind have been perfect conditions for students to thrive and challenge themselves in the beautiful hinterland of the Sunshine Coast.
After one last night sleeping in tents students will pack up, have breakfast and depart for home after an immensely enjoyable Year 9 camp. Once the buses depart Kenilworth, the College will be notified of an estimated arrival time for parents to collect their tired but thoroughly contented children.
Andrew Sole | Head of Outdoor Education
DAY FIVE
Students awoke to another beautiful morning at Kenilworth. They excitedly packed their bags in preparation for loading onto the buses ready for departure and coming home to share their stories of the camp with family and friends. Smiling and waving to the Higher Ground staff the buses drove down the dusty Kenilworth Homestead drive for the trip back to the College.
Andrew Sole | Head of Outdoor Education
