Year 9 Camp

Students need new experiences that allow them to challenge themselves beyond their perceived limits. The Camp Experience in term 4 is designed to provide students with the opportunity to do this in a safe and secure environment.

Students choose from one of four adventure camps or a base camp. In most cases the camp is a journey, with students starting at one point at the beginning of the week and finishing at another point later in the week. As a result they are self-catered with students responsible for setting up and packing up their campsites each day. Each camp focuses on students becoming proficient at a new outdoor adventure activity throughout the course of the week. All adventure camps are closely supervised by well-trained instructors and Wantirna College teachers.

There is also a base camp offered for students who would like to try a range of adventure activities and who would enjoy the creature comforts of catered meals and bunkhouses.

See Below for details of each camp…

Camp #1 – Snowy River Rafting

This camp covers around 80 kms of the Snowy River in rafts from McKillops Bridge to the junction of the Snowy & Buchan rivers. Students on this camp will need to be fairly team oriented as a good deal of timing and cooperation is needed to get the rafts through some of the rapids (there are about 96 rapids of varying degrees of difficulty in this stretch of water) Students will also be responsible for cooking, cleaning, loading of rafts and the erection of shelters.

All guiding is done by experienced rafting guides to ensure the safety of the students at all times. Cooking is done on campfires under appropriate supervision. The trip takes us through some of the most amazing scenic gorge country in the state and is a real test of teamwork and initiative.

Camp #2 – Mt Arapiles Climbing & Bushwalking

During this camp it is expected that students will rock climb and abseil under the guidance of qualified staff at one of the world’s premier rock climbing sites Mt Arapiles. Students will also get the experience of bush walking through a number of challenging but rewarding walks, getting views from the top of some of the Grampians highest peaks.

The camp is self-catered with students taking a communal approach to meal preparation. They have the opportunity to work together as a team as they experience beautiful landscapes and interact with wildlife.

Camp #3 – Murray River

Students on this camp are self-sufficient as they canoe/kayak along 80km of the Murray River (from Cobram to Morgan’s Beach near Strathmerton). Students seek out appropriate sandy beach camping spots along the river’s edge for each evening’s rest.

They are responsible for selecting food for and cooking their own meals and will carry all equipment they need during the week on their water craft. Teamwork and resourcefulness are essential ingredients on this camp as students paddle one of the most beautiful sections of Australia’s mightiest river.

Camp #4 – Gippsland Bike Tour

Students will ride to Dandenong Station, catch a train to Bairnsdale and ride along the East Gippsland rail trail, other bike trails through state parks and minor roads. Accommodation will be caravan park cabins, old shearing quarters and camp accommodation. The catering on the camp is a mixture of students purchasing lunch to all other meals supplied.

It will include a bike ride and tour across the Gippsland Lakes from Lakes Entrance to Paynesville. Mountain bikes are available from the College if students do not have a suitable bike. The total distance of the tour is about 160km, so students need a reasonable level of fitness and skill.

Camp #5 – Horse riding in the Howqua Valley

This camp offers the students a chance to become familiar and comfortable with horses and experience some of the best bush and mountain scenery in Victoria. By the end of the week all students will have experienced the joy of trotting and cantering through the countryside.  No previous experience is required but a love of horses is a must!  Accomodation may include bunkhouses, tents or swags.  All food is provided.

Base Camp: Karoonda Park

Experience of bit of everything on this camp in Gelatipity.  Students will experience bush walking, white water rafting, horse riding, abseiling and cycling.  Accomdation is in bunkhouses with hot and cold running water and indoor plumbing.  All meals provided.