The season of Djilba brings a mixture of cold and clear nights and days, alongside heavy rain and wind, and if we are fortunate, also the occasional sprinkling of sunlight. Class 8, led by our knowledgeable and dynamic Outdoor Education Co-ordinator Josh Huitson, certainly experienced all facets of the season on their camp to Nanga Brook in Dwellingup last week. Fortunately, this also included one day of some much-needed sunshine! For the most part, the persistent rain was in, over and under their tents. But with some soggy shoes and socks, Class 8 persevered and did not let the weather dampen their spirits or sense of enjoyment on their five-day camp.

On the first day, Class 8 set up their tents next to the beautiful Nanga Brook, and many students explored the water and hillside. The following day they walked the area and learnt about the local history, including how plants are utilised in the environment by the Noongar people, the extraordinary age of the grass trees and the long history of the zamia palms. Class 8 also learnt of the history of early European logging in the area, including stories of Nanga Mill.  

Class 8 were presented with new challenges each day, which pushed them to the edge of their comfort zones, built resilience and gave each student new skills for enjoying the outdoors. Students climbed through dizzying heights on the Treetops Adventure ropes course, consisting of flying foxes, swinging logs and stretched nets across trees - depending upon which difficulty level ropes course they chose. 

In the latter half of the week, the two groups took turns to mountain bike on local trails and canoe in pairs. On their mountain biking adventures, they learnt how to balance at low speeds, use their gears, safe braking, taking corners on switch backs, whizz downhill, and make some considerable splashes through muddy puddles on parts of the Munda Biddi trail! Canoeing saw some adventures in the rapids of the Murray River, where they started the day with a skills session and canoeing games. This was followed by paddling in some exciting rapids across rocks and some calm scenic sections for 6km as they made it down to Bob’s Crossing.

If students were lucky, they even managed a hot shower after their long days - or even a cold shower if they were willing to brave it! No August camp would be complete without a warm group campfire each evening, which was lit even in the soggiest conditions with thanks to our Outdoor Education teachers Josh and Jack. Around the fire, students shared their tales from the day over a cooked dinner that they prepared for themselves in groups each day. With a cosy evening fire, naturally there were then new culinary skills to be learnt with some s’mores and toasted marshmallow creations under Siobhan’s guidance, which all students willingly took part in! 

 
All-in-all, it was a wonderful week exploring Dwellingup through a range of activities each day, which cultivated new skills with which to to utilise and enjoy the natural environment. The camp tested and pushed the limits of all students, but what was notable was the commitment and steadfastness of the group as a whole in soggy and windy conditions. Class 8 worked as a team through their hurdles, bringing light and humour to each other, and lifting the group with a noticeable focus upon the positives of their new experiences. There were moments of quiet reflection and personal growth as students brought together the physical and mental stamina required to complete a fulfilling and memorable week in Dwellingup. 

Alisha Watkins

English and Humanities Teacher