The Year 9 Camp is designed to be a complete outdoor education experience run by an external company OEG, where students are completely immersed in the outdoor environment at Bileola in the Southern Highlands for three days. While not as luxurious as the Year 8 Camp, the camp focuses on presenting challenges in a different environment, where students and teachers can appreciate their connection to the outdoors and the beauty of our natural environment. Whilst at camp, the students learn to develop resilience and skills in teamwork. New connections with peers are fostered as their small groups navigate a variety of fun and challenging activities.

Although students were a little apprehensive to begin with we left St Patrick's with nervous excitement in the air. We arrived to perfect weather in the Southern Highlands where students met their Group Leaders and learned to effectively pack their belongings into their hiking packs. The students then hiked to the destination of their first activity and then to their campsite or cabin for the night. Students learned about building a campsite and camp cooking and worked together to prepare and cook all of their meals. This was a highlight for many as were the marshmallows around the campfire at night time whilst appreciating the constellations in the clear night sky. 

On day two, students woke to cold air and as the sun became warmer, they packed up their belongings into their packs and embarked on a day of hiking, resting and eating amongst the other fun activities organised for them such as abseiling, canoeing, mountain biking, and using the flying fox, as well as learning skills of raft building with the joyous moment of testing them in the river. By the end of the day, the students prepared their group meals, enjoyed stories by the campfire and slept in their tents or cabins exhausted from a big day. 

Day three brought with it the enthusiasm of the home stretch. A final activity and an adventurous hike, or for some, a part bike ride out of Biloela. Groups stopped for a traditional shared OEG ‘bucket lunch’ on the way to the staging area where all of the groups would reconvene with relief and excitement and our buses would eventually be waiting. 

The Year 9 camp experience was definitely an outdoor adventure that presented numerous ‘firsts’ for our students. In addition to being in a foreign environment, way out in the bush, navigating challenges such as no running water or comfortable beds, tables, chairs and phone service encouraged us all to return with a growing appreciation for the comforts we have and take for granted back home. 

I would like to thank our Year 9 Pastoral Team Mr Ashcroft, Mrs Samyia, Mr Quigley, Mrs Dadd, Mr Robson and camp associates Miss Young and Mrs Wilson who volunteered their time to allow our Year 9 students to experience this wonderful opportunity. 

Tarna Tannous - Year 9 Coordinator

Year 9 Camp Student Reflection by Rebecca M

"Year 9 Camp was a memorable experience, to say the least. I think for a lot of us, we went into camp fearing the worst and to be fair, we had reasonable cause for our hesitancy, however, I do believe for the most part, everyone enjoyed themselves. Do I dare say we all even had fun? For me, personally, this camp most definitely put me out of my comfort zone and helped me grow as a person; for that, I am extremely appreciative. I tried new things, built stronger friendships and laughed a lot! I mean a lot! I would like to thank all those involved in the organization process and all those in attendance, staff and students alike and I strongly urge all younger years to go to Year 9 Camp when the opportunity arises. You most definitely will not forget it!"