Senior : Outdoor Education : Yr 8 Camp - June 08

Year 8 Camp

Updates:

Wednesday 25 June 11.05pm
The end of day four saw the boys across all the groups fully into the swing of outdoor living. Meals are prepared and cooked with confidence and camping skills are becoming second nature. The weather was again clear skies and sunshine, with the evenings cooling down and beautiful star-filled views. All groups reported in saying they had had a fantastic day of hiking, canoeing, surfing and general group activities. Tomorrow will likely see the arrival of stronger winds, but this will not affect the program and activities are being run in sheltered locations. It has been an excellent camp and we will be sad for the experience to end and having to leave such an amazing area.

The buses should arrive (traffic willing) at 6.30pm, as previously published. Parents are asked to assist our return by ensuring their son signs out with their designated staff member, before leaving for home. Boys will disembark from the buses and take their packs to the drive way in front of the swimming pool, where they will be signed off into the care of their parents. Staff have been asked to ensure parents are sighted, before giving permission for boys to go.

Tuesday 24 June - 7.24pm
The second full day of Yr8 Camp started with a glorious sun rise and clear blue sky. The large high pressure system that is centred over the area, promised and delivered a glorious day. Today the boys were in both the routine and full swing of the 'outdoors'. They continued their diverse journey along the the south coast. Spirits remain high as the boys develop their skills and appreciation of the environment, while the nights are cold, the boys enjoy the brisk mornings and picture post card days. The relationship between staff, instructors and boys continues to grow positively. Both the Knox and Land's Edge management have been impressed by the manner in which the boys have participated and cooperated throughout the adventure. Today we reached the mid-way point of the camp and all are becoming aware that time is running out and we only have a short time left to enjoy the experience.

Tonight Mr Hymer's group are back at base, along with Mr Henniker's and Pretty Beach saw the arrival of Mr Witherill's and Mr White's groups. All four groups had surfed during various times in the day and reported some great surfing. Mr Trollope visited Mr Rownes and Mr Byrne's groups at the end of the canoe leg and reported that everyone was in great spirits and looking forward to cooking a fried rice dish. These two groups had amazing views across Durras Lake. Mr Knight met Mr Mitchell's and Mrs Thompson's groups at the end of their day hike (at Depot Beach) and they told large tales of climbing mountains and walking along the coast and beaches. Tommorrow looks set to be another great day, with clear skies and sunshine!

Monday 23 June - 6.01pm
Another wonderfully fresh day in Kiola and the Murramarang, with clear blue skies. Mr Mitchell's and Mrs Thompson's groups set off after a morning's surfing, for their small hike to Pretty Beach, accompanied by Mr Johansen. Mr Knight was seen walking from Depot Beach with Mr Byrne's group, around the coastal route. Mr White's and Mr Wetherill's groups paddled back to the landing point at lake Durras and reported a good first night and an invasion from a crazy and overly confident possum. This afternoon both groups doned wet suits and took to the surf. Mr Rowne's group were seen last night gathered around their cookers, as hungry boys tried to give 'advice' to their group's duty cooks. It was reported that Josh Davies has tendencies similar to those of Gordon Ramsy - I hope this is a good thing! Mr Hymer's group finished their coastal walk this morning at Lake Durras and set off to paddle up the lake and set up their over night camp site.

The weather is looking good and the boys are in great form. The nights are definitely quite cool, extra warm clothing has been lent where necessary and the boys were happy and safe. Hot showers are available and some boys have even been seen using them - this may well shock a few mums!

Sunday 6.34pm - The groups departure from Knox went smoothly and they arrived at Kiola at 12.00 noon. Mark Trollope is based at Headquarter's for now. He visited two other groups who went surfing at Pretty Beach and all is well there. The sea is fresh and not too cold.

Tonight is quite cool , but it was clear during the day, the boys are happy. There are lots of kangaroos hopping around and lots of stars too - it's a wonderful setting and a great spot. The boys are in great form.

Brett Gore is the 24 hour emergency contact at 0417 313 151.

Group 7 returns from canoeing, Lake Durras
Parental Letter Consent Indemnity Risk Warning Medical Introduction Medical Form Equipment List Kelly's Base Camp Order Form Allergic Plan Asthma Plan		A typo has caused some confusion regarding waterproof jackets. Would parents please note that Lands Edge will not be supplying waterproofs for the Yr8 Camp and boys will need to bring their own.

Sunday 22 to Thursday 26 June 2008:

Updates will be available from the wet weather line, 9901 7701.
Updates will be posted to the website at regular intervals during camp time.

Mark Trollope
Head of Outdoor Education

KNOX GRAMMAR SCHOOL Pacific Highway PO Box 5008 Wahroonga NSW Australia 2076 T: +61 2 9487 0122 F: +61 2 9487 0186 E: contact@knox.nsw.edu.au ABN: 43 709 615 471 CRICOS Provider Code: 00399E

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