Class 7 Camp News
The Class 7 Walpole camp was a wonderful success, offering students rich and exciting adventure-filled days that challenged them both physically and mentally. Set in the breathtaking Walpole-Nornalup wilderness, students were able to immerse themselves in a variety of outdoor activities while building their independence and confidence.
Our base camp at Coalmine Beach Holiday Park was the perfect home for exploration. Over the four-day camp, students participated in a bushwalk through the majestic Karri and Tingle Forest, kayaked up the serene Franklin River, and took in the stunning views of the Walpole-Nornalup Inlet on the WOW boat tour. Sailing lessons added another layer of excitement, with some challenging conditions and cold water to push through. Despite a few initial grumbles, the students' complaints quickly turned into laughter as they relished the experience—many even wished they could capsize the boat more than once!
One of the camp's key focuses was to introduce the class to sailing ahead of their full-week sailing camp in Term 4. We were fortunate to work with the Walpole Yacht Club, where under the careful guidance of instructors Kayla, Sarah, and Craig, students got a great taste of what sailing has to offer. Their expert instruction helped build the students' skills and confidence, setting a strong foundation for the upcoming sailing camp.
Evenings were just as lively, with students enjoying campfires, competitive games of table tennis and foosball in the rec room, and epic games of spotlight around the campground.
The camp’s goal was to foster the students' growing independence and encourage them to challenge themselves in new environments. From the first morning’s surfing session to the final day’s sailing adventure, it was inspiring to see the students step out of their comfort zones and fully engage in each activity.
A highlight of the camp was a fun afternoon spent with Kristi McMullan, where students learned essential survival and bushcraft skills. Around the fire, they honed their knot-making skills, crafted ash pottery, and practiced making bows, showcasing teamwork and creativity throughout the process.
I’m incredibly proud of how the class embraced each challenge and supported one another during this rich camp experience. It was an amazing opportunity for personal growth and to develop stronger connections between the group. A big thank you and special recognition to Georgia Maclaren for her incredible support and positive presence throughout the camp. Her encouragement and attitude played a key role in making the experience so rewarding for the class.
