The first unit of work for Year 7 students in English is entitled Writing for Secondary School. This unit is designed to get students writing about their high school experience using new vocabulary, and different conventions of writing. This week students learned about language of evaluation and substantiation, and tried their hand at writing reviews. The subject of their reviews is none other than their recent trip to Phillip Island Adventure Resort for their Year 7 camp. We hope you enjoy reading about their experiences!
On 12th February, Year 7s went to Philip Island for the first high school camp. It only takes three words to describe it: Chaotic, wondrous, and awesome!
The camp took place at Phillip Island Adventure Resort. The place was pretty awesome and spacious, complete with a pool (that we weren’t allowed to go to), basketball courts, and most of the activities that we were going to do in those three days. The bus ride to the resort took a while, and it felt even longer with all the singing and shenanigans going on where I was sitting; at the back of the bus, but it was the good type of chaos. We stopped at San Remo for a break from the stiff positions that we were forced to sit in on the bus, where we ate recess and had a relaxing view of the pristine water and soft sand (which we were also not allowed to go to).
It’s challenging to pick my absolute favourite activity of all of them, but I’ve narrowed it all down to the trip to Amaze’n’things. The illusions were incredible, mind-boggling and spectacular, and the drop was tremendous, if not terrifying. Along with all that, the maze was a wonderful way to end the trip to Amaze’n’things. Complicated, yes, but also fairly unbelievable to look back to.
On the other hand, I wish that we could have a bit more of a say in the cabin and activity groups we were put in. Me and my friends were all split apart, and I feel like I would’ve had more fun with them in my cabin and activities.
Something I will always cherish in my heart will probably be the Trivia. It’s not the finest thing I experienced at camp, but it will definitely serve a place in my stash of memories. Our brave peers performing for the rest of the grade were entertaining, making us all laugh ourselves silly. Me and my friends, along with some new people from their cabin, worked through the questions with many difficulties, even though we probably nailed the food one, and absolutely failed the sport one. We’re rather good at our stuff.
I’ve got some good advice for our next year campers: try everything! All the activities and games are worth it!! Face your fears, embrace your inner you, get a little messy! Make your short time at camp last: Time flies by when you’re having fun, and camp was undeniably a highlight of my year.
by Grace 7F
Phillip Island Adventure Resort provided a phenomenal introduction to Year 7, taking place from February 12th to 14th. This camp was a fantastic opportunity to forge friendships, challenge yourself, and create long-lasting memories.
The moment we arrived, we dove into an array of activities. One of the most exhilarating moments of the trip was the giant swing. As I was gradually hoisted into the sky, the view of the surrounding landscape became mystical and alluring, drawing me into the expansive beauty of nature. I felt an incredible sense of freedom as the wind rushed against my face, billowing through my hair. The anticipation mounted with every meter I ascended. Once released, I was thrust into the air, feeling a rush of excitement followed by a brief weightless sensation before swinging back and forth. The impact of the swing jarred my senses, and the force of the motion was both intense and invigorating, leaving me with a heart-pounding adrenaline rush that lingered long after the swing slowed down. This experience bequeathed me with a profound memory of the thrill of the moment.
Another standout part of the trip was the bus ride there and back. The movie night and trivia were equally entertaining, offering some lighthearted fun and a chance to unwind after a day of action-packed activities. These moments concocted an atmosphere of camaraderie, resulting in the ultimate camp experience.
While the camp was an exceptional experience overall, there were areas for improvement. The food was somewhat inconsistent, some meals were scrumptious, while others did not quite meet expectations. The quality of the meals, in particular, was a slight letdown and could benefit from more consistency. For future camps, I would recommend implementing preference sheets for both cabin assignments and activity groups to create a more enriching experience for all the students.
In conclusion, Phillip Island Adventure Resort was astounding. It was a journey that tested my limits, expanded my horizons, and left me with memories I will cherish deeply. My advice to future campers would be to embrace every challenge, savor every moment, and know that the memories you create will shape you in ways you never expected. It is an experience that will truly stay with you for a lifetime!
by Harjas 7F
