Year 5 camp stories

Year 5 experienced their first Dominic camp last week when they spent three days at Far South Wilderness Lodge.

The theme of the camp was “Let your Light Shine” and the children explored how they could let their inner selves shine in order to be more like Christ. The many and varied activities that took place on camp included bushwalking, beach activities, campfire talks, toasting marshmallows, sketching, Red Faces, swimming in Hastings Pool and taking a guided tour through Hastings Cave. For many students it was their first extended time away from home.

Although some approached the camp with a little trepidation, the students returned full of joy and pride knowing that not only had they achieved a special milestone, they had thoroughly enjoyed their time away with their friends!

When we got off the bus on the first morning we had a photo, and then walked down to Hastings Pool. We got changed and stepped into the pool. It was a thermal pool, which means it was warm. It felt nice and cosy. Everyone was swimming round and jumping up and down with their friends. The Year 5 students were really excited. It was fantastic! Brooklyn Albiston 5B

I thought Hastings Caves was a magnificent experience because we got to see some fascinating structures. Inside the caves it was freezing, but luckily I was wearing a warm jumper. We were on a tour and there was a guide who told us how the structures were formed. I think it was an experience I will treasure. Zoe Swan 5A

On Wednesday night, Joel, Isaac, Ethan and I went down to the campfire with Mr Cason and lit the fire. We waited for about 10 minutes, then the rest of the Year 5s came down. Ms Graham talked to us about the stars and how the sun doesn’t rise, it is actually the earth moving! After that we roasted some gooey marshmallows. I loved all the flavours, especially the white ones. I loved spending time with my friends around the blazing fire. Henry Sanford 5B

On Thursday, we hopped off the bus and went to Roaring Beach. We had sandcastle competitions and races along the beach. We played in the water and when I was in the water, a big wave came and knocked most of us over! For afternoon tea we had delicious caramel slice and juicy oranges. I really enjoyed splashing with my friends in the water. I didn’t even think the water was very cold! Bella Quinn 5A

On the last morning all the Year 5 went down to the lounge to have a prayer service. Ms Graham asked us to pick up a candle, a booklet and a yellow piece of paper. We all gathered in a circle and we started the prayer service. There was some soothing music playing and a few people read prayers. Before we ended the prayer service the teachers lit our candles and we placed them around the prayer table. On our paper we each wrote down how we would let our light shine. We gently popped them around our prayer space and left the lounge reverently. Chloe Howells 5B

After breakfast on Thursday we went on a bushwalk to Duckhole Lake. It was a beautiful experience because it was a very relaxing walk. We saw a creek, giant trees, some little flowers, big bushes and lots of moss. When we got to Duckhole Lake we saw sprinkles of water dropping down onto the lake. It looked fabulous. Youngjae thought it looked like fireflies on the water. We also got to eat some marshmallows – yummy! Eric Waters 5B

You can see more great photos from camp on our gallery: Year 5 camp.

Ms Michelle O’Grady & Ms Beth Graham (Year 5 Teachers), Mrs Allison Lowe (Coordinator of Pastoral Care K-6)