Year 9 was very different from what I expected. Being chucked in the deep end, after the rather glamorous style of camping in Year 7, this years camp was challenging.
No more cabins and stylised activities. It would be tent sleeping and some of the hardest hurdles I’ve ever had to endure. Immediately after arriving, it became apparent that nothing would be easy on this camp. Packing all my belongings into a rucksack, the weight on my back was unbearable.
However, would I be able to carry this burden standing up, let alone hike and trek with me giving the equivalent of a bowling ball a piggyback ride!?
But soon I got used to this new challenge and adapted. Getting right into the heart of the action, we began to hike for what seemed to be
kilometres on end. Up the mountain, down the mountain, up the mountain, again and again. No pathway, no street, just following your instructor hoping the end was near.
In case of reference, I was in the second slowest group, which means that if this was a challenge, I share my condolences to those who had to hike 27 km over two whole days! As much as this was a challenge, we also had so many great experiences at our campgrounds.
We got to cook our own food in an MKR themed contest (which my team won), endure a treetop high ropes course, where your balance is tested and fears challenged (for those who do not like heights). Milk crates were hilariously funny, with teams stacking crates on top of each other to allow one to climb to great heights.
It was all a lot of fun and allowed me to bond with both my friends and even those who I had never even talked to before.

Canoeing was… interesting. Up against the tide, groups had to row their way to freedom, with a little break resulting in your canoe going backtracking
metres upon
metres. I had never been in a canoe before, so this was one of my hardest tasks to tackle.
I realised the true meaning of Year 9 camp. You may have fun and get to know new people, but you already did that in Year 7. This camp is about getting out of your comfort zone and learning to not only survive but thrive in these sorts of situations.
So often did I want to throw in the towel, give and go home, but that would’ve been my biggest regret. So to those who are in Year 7 and 8 right now, from my honest word to you, look forward to this experience as you will look back fondly at what you have accomplished, and realise that you are far stronger than what you believe.
Tai Valilis-Martinez
Year 9, Montagne 5