School Camps
School camps or tours for students are a valuable aspect of a fully rounded program of development for children. The aims of our Camp program are:
Every effort is made to keep costs down while providing safe, interesting and suitable opportunities. Details are provided well in advance so that they can be budgeted for over a period of time.
- to provide educational experiences unable to be catered for at school, eg, visit to local industries, places of historical interest, etc.
- to help instill an appreciation of the natural environment of the area being visited.
- to provide opportunities for physical development, eg, hiking, general fitness, outdoor activities.
- to provide opportunities for social interaction and to give experience in living and co-operating in a group.
- to help build each child’s sense of independence.
- to provide the challenge of coping with different surroundings and the opportunity of displaying initiative and responsibility in different settings.
- to provide children with a range of experiences that can be a focus for classroom curriculum activities.
Every effort is made to keep costs down while providing safe, interesting and suitable opportunities. Details are provided well in advance so that they can be budgeted for over a period of time.
CAMP MANYUNG
In June, the Year 3 and 4 students and teachers went to Camp Manyung, which is located in Mt Eliza. The purpose of camp was to get outside, enjoy some activities together, make new friends, build on our independence and overcome our fears.
When we first got to camp, we gathered in the Recreation Room and Sam and Ellen (the instructors) talked to us about Camp Manyung and their values. They took us on a tour in our minds about where things are located. We found out where we would be sleeping for the next two nights, and who was sleeping in our rooms with us. Everyone was buzzing with excitement!
We did a lot of fun activities. The activities were Giant Swing, Flying Fox, Bike Education, UHF Radios, Initiatives, International Games, Frisbee Golf, Tree Rolling, Bush Cooking and Low Ropes. The most popular activities for 3K were Giant Swing, UHF Radios and Gaga (International Games).
On the Giant Swing, when you pull the rope down you get a big fright and adrenaline rush as you fall down and do a GIANT swing! Some children said they even saw some animals like dolphins and whales while they were up there!
The UHF Radio activity was really fun. Firstly you get split up into groups and each group gets a walkie talkie with a sheet of questions to solve. One of the questions was ‘what is the speed limit at Camp Manyung?’ The children had to walk around the campsite to find the answer. Once you know the answer, you press the side button on the walkie talkie and speak into it. You need to tell them your team name, the answer and then say “over” at the end.
In Gaga, the game starts by throwing the ball in the air and everyone says “GA, GA, GA!” Then the game starts. It is like dodgeball. The ball needs to be hit with an open hand so it knocks another player in the pit below the knee. If you hit it twice, you are out.
In June, the Year 3 and 4 students and teachers went to Camp Manyung, which is located in Mt Eliza. The purpose of camp was to get outside, enjoy some activities together, make new friends, build on our independence and overcome our fears.
When we first got to camp, we gathered in the Recreation Room and Sam and Ellen (the instructors) talked to us about Camp Manyung and their values. They took us on a tour in our minds about where things are located. We found out where we would be sleeping for the next two nights, and who was sleeping in our rooms with us. Everyone was buzzing with excitement!
We did a lot of fun activities. The activities were Giant Swing, Flying Fox, Bike Education, UHF Radios, Initiatives, International Games, Frisbee Golf, Tree Rolling, Bush Cooking and Low Ropes. The most popular activities for 3K were Giant Swing, UHF Radios and Gaga (International Games).
On the Giant Swing, when you pull the rope down you get a big fright and adrenaline rush as you fall down and do a GIANT swing! Some children said they even saw some animals like dolphins and whales while they were up there!
The UHF Radio activity was really fun. Firstly you get split up into groups and each group gets a walkie talkie with a sheet of questions to solve. One of the questions was ‘what is the speed limit at Camp Manyung?’ The children had to walk around the campsite to find the answer. Once you know the answer, you press the side button on the walkie talkie and speak into it. You need to tell them your team name, the answer and then say “over” at the end.
In Gaga, the game starts by throwing the ball in the air and everyone says “GA, GA, GA!” Then the game starts. It is like dodgeball. The ball needs to be hit with an open hand so it knocks another player in the pit below the knee. If you hit it twice, you are out.
CAMP CAMPASPE
On the way to Campaspe Downs Adventure Resort we stopped at Hanging Rock and luckily no one disappeared! :-) We climbed to the summit which had an amazing view. After that everybody was excited to jump back on the bus and arrive at camp, which was another 20 minutes away. On the way back from camp we stopped at the Organ Pipes National Park to eat lunch. There were awesome rock formations there that are over 1 million years old! We continued the bus trip back to school and a lot of people were trying to sleep but everyone was still chatting with excitement!
Rock Climbing
Rock climbing is a fun activity. We all tried our hardest to get to the top of the wall and for some of us it was our first time participating in an activity like this.
Possum Glider
We were harnessed up and ready to FLY! The team was lined up on a big rope ready to pull me up. I had to make a split second decision, do I go straight up? Spin up? Or fling up? I chose to be flung up!
Abseiling
Abseiling is the mystic sport that defies gravity. This sport was introduced to the Year 5/6 Donburnians at Campaspe Downs. Many people conquered their fears, strolling down the tall abseiling tower.
Campfire
At the campfire, we all settled down on logs around the flames. Clarrice and Stevie, our instructors, taught us some songs that we sang altogether.
The Giant Swing
The Giant Swing was a thrilling adventure that everyone got to participate in. You went on the swing in pairs and you could see an amazing view of the lake and beautiful greenery.
Flying Fox
The Flying Fox was an activity which 4 people came down a zipline at a time. Everyone was harnessed up as they flew down the 100m zipline at lightning speed. Everyone was feeling a little nervous but that soon turned into excitement.
Organ Pipes
It was a long walk there and back. We had to walk down a really steep hill. Exhausted, when we reached the viewing point, we were astounded to see the natural wonder in front of our eyes.
Sports Night
On the first night of camp we had a sports night. There were 4 games that we would rotate to play: Soccer, dodgeball, basketball and Flinch.
On the way to Campaspe Downs Adventure Resort we stopped at Hanging Rock and luckily no one disappeared! :-) We climbed to the summit which had an amazing view. After that everybody was excited to jump back on the bus and arrive at camp, which was another 20 minutes away. On the way back from camp we stopped at the Organ Pipes National Park to eat lunch. There were awesome rock formations there that are over 1 million years old! We continued the bus trip back to school and a lot of people were trying to sleep but everyone was still chatting with excitement!
Rock Climbing
Rock climbing is a fun activity. We all tried our hardest to get to the top of the wall and for some of us it was our first time participating in an activity like this.
Possum Glider
We were harnessed up and ready to FLY! The team was lined up on a big rope ready to pull me up. I had to make a split second decision, do I go straight up? Spin up? Or fling up? I chose to be flung up!
Abseiling
Abseiling is the mystic sport that defies gravity. This sport was introduced to the Year 5/6 Donburnians at Campaspe Downs. Many people conquered their fears, strolling down the tall abseiling tower.
Campfire
At the campfire, we all settled down on logs around the flames. Clarrice and Stevie, our instructors, taught us some songs that we sang altogether.
The Giant Swing
The Giant Swing was a thrilling adventure that everyone got to participate in. You went on the swing in pairs and you could see an amazing view of the lake and beautiful greenery.
Flying Fox
The Flying Fox was an activity which 4 people came down a zipline at a time. Everyone was harnessed up as they flew down the 100m zipline at lightning speed. Everyone was feeling a little nervous but that soon turned into excitement.
Organ Pipes
It was a long walk there and back. We had to walk down a really steep hill. Exhausted, when we reached the viewing point, we were astounded to see the natural wonder in front of our eyes.
Sports Night
On the first night of camp we had a sports night. There were 4 games that we would rotate to play: Soccer, dodgeball, basketball and Flinch.
SOMERS
February 2020, 160 children got together from 10 different schools from around the district community for a massive nine day camp in Hastings.
The 14 Donburn students that attended Somers camp had a great time.
WOORABINDA
I was lucky enough to attend the Woorabinda camp with twelve Year 4 & 5 students. We had a fabulous time even though the weather did not live up to our expectations, being the beginning of Summer! Despite the wet and cold conditions I can still say we all had a wonderful time. The children made new friends with students from all these schools - Templestowe Valley, Doncaster, Northcote, Rosanna Golf Links, Reservoir, Reservoir West and Bell Primary.
I highly recommend you try to go if you are in Year 4 and/or 5 in two years time (2021). Below are reports from the students themselves.
Zip-lining & Hut Building
The zip line was really epic! It was some students favourite activity. You could do whatever move you wanted. Some people did T pose down the whole way but everyone hit their bottoms, but it was really exhilarating and exciting!
High Ropes
The high ropes course at camp Woorabinda was one of the favourite activities throughout the whole camp.
Canoeing
In the activity of canoeing, we canoed across Lake Narracan in pairs. The views were amazing. We had to sit in the middle of the seats otherwise you would capsize into the freezing cold water.
The Quest
On the last day of Woorabinda, we had a quest. The 5 groups (orange, yellow, red, green, blue) had to try and win the quest by using the 3C’s (Courtesy, Cooperation and Consideration). There were Marines, Hunters and Gatherers and Early Settlers. They all had different missions.
Night activities
On the first night at Woorabinda we played some games to get to know each other with Karen and Diamond Jim and it was fun!! On the second night we did some games to see which colour team won. It was very competitive. On the third night we did a comedy act with our colour groups.
February 2020, 160 children got together from 10 different schools from around the district community for a massive nine day camp in Hastings.
The 14 Donburn students that attended Somers camp had a great time.
- “I made lots of new friends!” said Dakota S.
- There were lots of amazing activities such as the challenge swing, high ropes course, surfing, orienteering, indoor archery, flying fox, boating and many more.
- “My favourite activity was the flying fox because it felt so cool going really fast in the air with my new made friends!’’ said Gia A.
- “BMX track was my favourite because we were free do go as fast as we wanted’’ shouted Dereson K.
- Each night we did different cool activities like the bush dance where we had to dance with the opposite gender. But the most favourite night for everyone was the Disco night because we got to have a dancing competition. The best Donburn dancers were Dakota S, Dereson K, Matthew H and Brodie W.
- Every night there would be a group that would get to see amazing nocturnal animals with the red lights in a giant cage. It was spectacular! The food was great because we had a different meal each day for lunch and dinner ‘’ I loved the dining room food the best part was the fish and chips on Friday” said Matthew
- There were a lot of people that unfortunately got homesick but the fantastic visiting teacher helped the sad homesick people cheer up to their bright and cheerful selves.
- On the last day people said goodbye to their friends and some even asked for their contact details. Finally we got on the bus, desperate to see our loving families again.
- By Dereson K, Gia A and Dakota S
WOORABINDA
I was lucky enough to attend the Woorabinda camp with twelve Year 4 & 5 students. We had a fabulous time even though the weather did not live up to our expectations, being the beginning of Summer! Despite the wet and cold conditions I can still say we all had a wonderful time. The children made new friends with students from all these schools - Templestowe Valley, Doncaster, Northcote, Rosanna Golf Links, Reservoir, Reservoir West and Bell Primary.
I highly recommend you try to go if you are in Year 4 and/or 5 in two years time (2021). Below are reports from the students themselves.
Zip-lining & Hut Building
The zip line was really epic! It was some students favourite activity. You could do whatever move you wanted. Some people did T pose down the whole way but everyone hit their bottoms, but it was really exhilarating and exciting!
High Ropes
The high ropes course at camp Woorabinda was one of the favourite activities throughout the whole camp.
Canoeing
In the activity of canoeing, we canoed across Lake Narracan in pairs. The views were amazing. We had to sit in the middle of the seats otherwise you would capsize into the freezing cold water.
The Quest
On the last day of Woorabinda, we had a quest. The 5 groups (orange, yellow, red, green, blue) had to try and win the quest by using the 3C’s (Courtesy, Cooperation and Consideration). There were Marines, Hunters and Gatherers and Early Settlers. They all had different missions.
Night activities
On the first night at Woorabinda we played some games to get to know each other with Karen and Diamond Jim and it was fun!! On the second night we did some games to see which colour team won. It was very competitive. On the third night we did a comedy act with our colour groups.
