Camps are an important part of the educational program offered at the College. The Middle School Camps Program enables students to further enhance their learning and social skills development in a non-school setting. The focus on self, others and the natural world and the interaction between these three elements is a core component of the College’s Camps Program. Students are exposed to a wide range of experiences, opportunities and environments, which has a curriculum, cultural, environmental or outdoor emphasis. Middle School camps are part of the sequential College Camps Program, and all children are expected to attend.
The Middle School Camps Program aims to provide students with a sound foundation for future experiences within the College’s Camps Program through the development of sequential knowledge and skills.
The Middle School Camping Program aims to:
Year 5 students attend Sovereign Hill (Ballarat) for two nights/ three days. This experience supports the Australian Curriculum History Inquiry Unit: Colonisation of Victoria.
Year 6 students attend the YMCA Anglesea Camp for two nights/ three days. This camp includes an overnight tent experience. The focus of the camp is on safety in relation to water activities. It supports and extends student learning in relation to Australian Curriculum Health and Physical Education program and is the beginning of students’ outdoor education experience in Middle School.
Year 7 students attend either the YMCA Lake Dewar Camp (Myrniong) or the Scripture Union Camp Coolamatong (Paynesville). Both camps build on the previous years’ experiences and include an overnight bushwalk, as well as a range of outdoor education activities. These camps support and extend student learning in relation to the Australian Curriculum Health and Physical Education program, and outdoor education.
Year 8 students attend the YMCA Howman’s Gap Camp. Students experience a variety of activities including: an overnight bushwalk, half day canoeing, half day mountain biking, climbing wall, abseiling, high ropes and orienteering. It supports and extends student learning in relation to Australian Curriculum Health and Physical Education program, and outdoor education.