Last week our Year 5 students had their longest camp yet. From learning about our gold mining history, to experiencing our magnificent landscape on hikes, Year 5 students had an excellent adventure, aided by our wonderful staff and Year 10 student helpers. 

Here are three students’ reflections:

“This year I went to the best camp ever, Year 5 camp. On the first day of camp, we took a two hour bus ride from Caulfield Park to Sovereign hill. Some of my favourite things we did there were going to the lolly shops and getting lollies then making a colourful candle. After that, we got to go gold mining like how the gold miners used to do. I got a little bit muddy and numb in my fingers from the freezing cold water but it was worth the fun! The first day at the campsite we had to go on a three hour hike, it was very tiring but still fun! On the third day, we got to have a year five trivia night with all sorts of questions, my group even won! One of the challenges I faced in camp was falling asleep, especially on the first night!. My best memory at camp was being able to hold 370,000 dollars worth of gold at the gold pour. I had a very fun time at Year 5 camp and it was a nice adventure away from home. I can’t wait to go to Canberra in Year 6.”

Tali, Year 5

“Last week, I went on Year 5 camp at Sovereign Hill. My favorite part about Sovereign Hill was exploring all of the shops and trying new types of candy I didn’t even know existed! However, my favorite activity at the campsite was the three hour walk because of the feeling of being surrounded by nature while chatting with my friends. One of the biggest challenges at camp was the three hour walk because it was up a steep mountain, this led to some people forming groups with one bag and all of the water bottles inside of it. Then they would all take turns walking with the heavy bag. My best memory of camp was panning for gold because of the excitement you get when you find gold, even if it isn’t worth anything. And for all these reasons, Year 5 camp was an unforgettable experience.”

Gabe, Year 5

“Camp SunnyStones is on top of a mountain overlooking thousands of trees and fauna. There were kangaroos, rabbits and a few mountain goats near us at all times. Everyday we had the option to go on an early morning walk and watch the beautiful sunset, and on the second day we went on a long three hour hike up the mountain. There were so many different activities to do on the campsite. Some of my favourites were low ropes, geocaching and hut buildings where I tried dampa for the first time. Oded’s food was one of the best highlights of the entire camp. My favourite meals he made were chicken wings and fried rice for dinner, macaroni bolognese for lunch and waffles for breakfast. All this makes me want to go back to the campsite all over again.

Camp was all fun, but there were still some challenges I had to face. Most of the time I felt either a bit or very homesick, yet thankfully the staff, especially Ganit and Sophie, helped me feel much better. I told myself I would be ok and I was. I also pushed myself on the walk, made it to the end and enjoyed it so much I wish I could go again. My favourite things I did on camp was free time at Sovereign Hill and geocaching (P.S I won). This camp has been my favourite so far. I wonder what next year has in store. I can’t wait! Canberra, here I come!”

Juliette, Year 5