Senior : Outdoor Education and School Tours : Yr8 Camp Aug 09

Year 8 Camp 2009

Updates:

Friday at 1.16pm: All buses have departed from their respective camp sites and will start arriving at Knox from 1.30pm.

Wednesday 19 August: (received 10.20am Thurs 20 Aug)
Another brilliant day after a cool night. This was a very busy day in the program. The boys on both the Kangaroo Valley and Hawkesbury crossed over. Mr Jones and Mr Knight were able to witness this on the Hawkesbury. The boys were in great spirits and were eager to share their experiences.

In the afternoon they all continued their journeys and settled into their campsites. The report from both programs was that the boys were in excellent shape and looked forward to the remainder of the program.

Tuesday 18 August (PM):(received 10.00am Wed 19 Aug)
All boys have settled for the night after their long day. They are well prepared for the cold winter nights. There are clear skies at both the Hawkesbury and Kangaroo Valley.

Mr Trollope saw each group today in Kangaroo Valley and reports the boys were in great spirits. The groups who were delayed in their departure in their canoes yesterday, made up time with a solid effort today. The Southbound instructors have been impressed with the skills the boys have learnt.

Mr Starreveld reports from the Hawkesbury that the boys are developing routines, working to build relationships and have adapted to life without technology.

Both staff members report the boys are learning to work together for common goals.

Tomorrow the group will come together before continuing their journey. There are many smiles and a good sense of early achievement.

Tuesday 18 August (AM): (received Mon and Tues reports 1.36pm Tues 18 Aug)
A fine day at both locations with temperatures in the high teens. All groups at both venues have started their journey for the day and are in fine form this morning. Clear skies and the wind has dropped. A brilliant winter’s day.

Monday 17 August:
• All groups left Knox to travel to their starting points in Kangaroo Valley and the Hawkesbury River which are this year’s two venues.
• You will recall that this is a journey based program using two venues; Kangaroo Valley and Hawkesbury River.
Groups start from each end of the venue and travel in opposite directions. They will cross over probably mid morning on Wednesday.

Kangaroo Valley
• 5 hiking groups started at the top end of the Valley near Patron’s fire trail and Meryla Pass. In fine conditions they were able to set off around 1.00pm.
• 5 canoeing groups were to set off from Bendeela Picnic Area at the Bendeela Pondage camping ground. Due to strong winds this group were held back and camped the night with the plan to launch early Tuesday morning.

The Knox directing staff, Mr Trollope (Kangaroo) and Mr Sheppard (Hawkesbury) reported all groups were settled in for the night. The boys cooked Thai Beef noodles in the Valley.

Hawkesbury Valley
• The hiking group set off as planned and set up camp comfortably for the night.
• The canoeing groups 17 and 18 had a challenging paddle but made camp comfortably for the night.

Hawkesbury River

Outline: The upcoming Knox Grammar School Year 8 Camp promises to be a wonderful outdoor experience for your son. It is designed to build on the experiences of Year 7 and evolve the boys’ expedition and personal skills. It is also timed to be in a different season and be in more remote, but still supported locations. In consultation with the Knox Outdoor Education Department and supporting our outdoor education objectives, Southbound Adventures will deliver this Year 8 program. To ensure a safe and quality program that delivers the most positive experience to the boys, the Year group is split in half and the camp is run at two separate locations. The Year group will be divided to encourage as much integration across the whole Year as possible and boys will either operate in the Hawkesbury area or across Kangaroo Valley and Morton National Park. Whilst on camp, boys will camp and stay in tents, learning under close supervision to take greater responsibility for camping skills such as cooking and looking after themselves and each other. The theme is based on a journey, so travel will be by foot and by canoe/kayak. Depending on their location, boys may also experience high ropes and challenge elements on dry land and on the water. Throughout their camp, students will receive structured instruction, ensuring a sound understanding in the fundamental skills of each of the above, which they will then be able to put into practice in outstanding locations and environments.

Timings: Your son will need to report to the gym floor in the Lawson Centre at 6.45am on Monday 17 August with his pack and equipment. He should bring a packed lunch (peanut free) and drink for the trip. Traffic willing, he will be returned to the Woodville Avenue gates at 3.30pm Friday 21 August.

Hawkesbury River

Expedition:		Annual camp
Age Group:		Year 8
Dates:		Monday 17 to Friday 21 August
Location:		Two groups; One group in the Hawkesbury area or the other group across Kangaroo Valley and Morton National Park
In association with:		Southbound Adventures
Cost:		Included in annual outdoor education levy, to be billed to each student's account, 1/3 in each of January, April and July.
Travel arrangements:		Departure: Lawson Centre at 6.45am on Monday 17 August. Return: Traffic willing, he will be returned to the Woodville Avenue gates at 3.30pm Friday 21 August.
Contact:		Mr Mark Trollope - telephone: 9473 9730 or email: trollopem@knox.nsw.edu.au
Consent:		Please be aware the camp is a compulsory part of your son's education at Knox Grammar School and his presence is anticipated. Should there be any significant, valid medical reason, accompanied by a medical certificate, why your son may not be able to attend the camp, you need to contact Mark Trollope, Head of Outdoor Education.
Hawkesbury River

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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