Retreats And Camps
Year 12 Retreat Letter 2009
Year 9 Camp Letter 2009
Year 7 Camp
Camps and retreats contribute significantly to uniting a group, help provide an experience of belonging, and encourage individual and group skills which may not be as possible in more formal school activities.
Year 7 students attend an orientation camp at the beginning of the year, Year 9 students participate in a Year 9 Challenge Camp, Year 10 students have a trip to Tasmania and Year 12 students take part in a live-in retreat at the start of first term. There are also opportunities for senior students to participate in reflection days throughout the year.
The Year 12 retreat is an opportunity for participants to reflect on their life story: their involvement with peers and family, their experience of their faith and of God in their lives. There is time for quiet reflection, prayer and sharing: time for fun and recreation. Retreat is God’s time, hence, young people can open themselves in a special way to God’s influence.
Retreat is a catalyst for growth. If young people respond to God’s offer, they leave the retreat with much more than what they came with. This is a reality that goes far beyond ‘good feelings’ and is often evident in a change in attitudes and life practices which show the individual is living more fully. The central activity is for each individual to review important aspects of their life and so come to a greater acceptance of their God-given goodness.
Year 7 Camp
Year 7 Orientation Camp
After a difficult year for the township of Licola, it was amazing to see how far the town had come in such a short time. An enormous amount of work has been done to the Lions Village and improvements and upgrades are continually being done.
Traditionally, Orientation Camp has been an exciting and enjoyable adventure for our students and this year was no exception. Three days packed with adventure activities, pastoral competitions, house games and a disco kept everyone active.
The week started with excellent weather which allowed for plenty of swimming. This was particular good at the Windmill Pool after our walk down the road. There was an abundance of mud and we’re sure that the experience will be remembered by students and staff alike.
Although the weather cooled off significantly and there was rain, the spirits of the students weren’t dampened with many still attempting a swim in the icy river. Not lasting too long however, the walk back to the village was a little earlier than anticipated.
Many highlights were had by the students and staff with the ‘Leap of Faith’ being a popular choice for testing your nerves. Congratulations go to all students and staff who attempted something that was outside of their own comfort zone.
Some of the comments made by the students were:
“ I think it was the best camp I’ve had”
“It was a good camp with good activities”
It was fun and I enjoyed if”
I had fun, but it’s a bit tiring doing all this stuff”
Thank you to the parents who took time out of their own busy schedule to attend the Camp with us. Without the generosity and help of these parents the Camp would not be able to run. A special thank you to Mr Mark Coleman who presented briefly to the students on both Camps about the impact of the fire on the area around the Licola and the High Country. His passion and dedication to making things better is amazing.
And the most important thank you is to the students who attended the Camp. The energy, enthusiasm, perseverance, cooperation and commitment of all the students is what helps to make the Orientation Camp Successful.
Mr Justin Henderson
Year 7 Level Leader
