Apollo Bay Camp

On Monday 16 March, forty-six Year 9 students eagerly stepped aboard the bus at 7.00am, bound for Apollo Bay. We arrived in damp conditions; however students were able to pack their backpacks for the 4-day hiking adventure along the Great Ocean Walk. Students visited Blanket Bay, Elliot Ridge, Shelly Beach and Parker Hill before returning to Bimbi Park to board the bus and return home on Thursday 19 March. Students were able to challenge themselves, hiking through the Great Otway National Park, navigating the way, carrying their own equipment, setting up camp and tents whilst cooking food for their group. There were many examples of resilience, with groups able to support each other and complete challenging walks. There were laughs, tears, blisters and new dining experiences. Well done, to all who took on the challenge of walking (some of) the Great Ocean Walk.

Apollo Bay Gallery

Grampians Camp

Our 4‑day hiking camp in the Grampians was both a physical challenge and a memorable opportunity to appreciate one of Victoria’s most striking natural landscapes.

Each day brought a new stretch of bush track, weaving through valleys, forest, and exposed ridgelines. Although the hiking was challenging, it was still a wonderful opportunity. We made new friends and were able to bond with each other in ways that a classroom cannot offer.

One of the highlights was the ascent to the Pinnacle. The steep, rocky sections tested our endurance, but reaching the lookout was well worth the effort. Standing above the sheer cliff edges, with panoramic views felt incredibly rewarding. We also visited MacKenzie Falls, but unfortunately there wasn't any water flowing. On the last day, some groups were able to cool themselves with water from one of the streams along the walk, which was very refreshing, especially after a long hike.

Camping each night allowed us to unwind and reflect. Cooking together, sharing stories, and watching the stars helped build a strong sense of teamwork. Although the hiking pushed us beyond our comfort zones at times, the experience strengthened our resilience and deepened our appreciation for the natural beauty of the Grampians.

Grampians Gallery

Falls Creek Camp

On Monday, over 120 students and eleven CMCB staff headed to our newest Year 9 camp venue with great energy and enthusiasm, however on arrival at our meeting point our groups’ mental toughness was immediately put to the test. As soon as students and staff exited their buses the heavens opened and we were confronted with constant rain, as we busily scrambled to put on our waterproof gear and pack our backpacks. Our first day and night were certainly the toughest challenges we would face on camp, however our students demonstrated excellent resilience and showed great support for their group and one another. Over the course of the four days, students hiked along their journey exploring the huts, grand vistas and unique landscapes of the Victorian Alps. Along the way students worked as a team, built strong connections, developed their navigation and problem-solving skills and had plenty of practice preparing meals, washing dishes and setting up and packing up tents. Night activities included taking in the full night sky without light pollution, games, funny stories and the occasional funny joke, but ultimately the best part was the time students and staff had to relax, unwind and enjoy each other’s company.

After completing twenty to thirty kilometres across the four days and with more rain on the way, it came time to do a final pack up, as we awaited the arrival of our buses. Our students had met every challenge thrown at them thus far, but as Murphy’s law would have it, we were subjected to one final downpour of rain before the buses arrived. Taking this final challenge in their stride, our students huddled together under tarps and found any other shelter they could, all with a smile on their faces.

Overall, we could not be prouder of the way our students and staff performed on our Year 9 Camp, and we would like to thank all our students for their wonderful participation. A big thank you also goes out to all staff who attended camp – the camp could not have gone ahead and been so successful without your hard work, encouragement and leadership.

Falls Creek Gallery

Mr Stephen Evans, Mrs Jo Tobin and Mr Dean Carmody, Year 9 Leadership Team