Camp Week at ATC - What is it all about?

The breadth and depth of our camp programs, the creativity of our partnerships and the scope and sequence of the experiences on offer are impressive. Across the entire program, from school based, to our Year 6 journey to Canberra to our Year 12 fellows engaging in the rich experience that is our Claddagh program, there is an exemplary effort made to provide challenge, diversity, inclusivity and opportunity for learning about self, each other and elements of the broader world.

A taste of Year 4 Camp

We were all excited and a little nervous as we boarded the bus to Mt Tamborine for our first ATC camp, however, once we arrived, excitement took over. Most boys had never been on a school camp before, but we all settled in quickly and got on with our first activities. Our first activity was the possum glider where we had the option to choose The Superman pose, where we got pulled back and had to try and high five the next student in line; The Tornado where we had to run and spin around whilst flying through the air or finally The Rocket which launched us straight up in the air. We all enjoyed flying into the air but also learning how to make a friend fly by working as a team, pulling the rope down to get them in the air and helping them return safely to the ground.

Archery was by far the hardest activity as not many of us have ever touched a bow or arrow before. We even got to use real arrows, bows and targets. One boy scored a bullseye which we all celebrated! We loved rock climbing as most of us made it to the top or at least halfway up. The first people in the group had it easier because as we all had to pull the rope to help them ascend. Rock climbing was an awesome activity and we all had fun achieving great heights. We explored our cabins after rock climbing and set up for the night and after all the fun outdoors, we watched a movie and went to bed knowing we had more tomorrow to do.

Many boys faced their fears and conquered them especially the fear of heights! After mastering being away from home for two days, we are ready for the challenges of Year 5 camp and more fun adventures.

A Taste of Year 5 Camp

Camp was an unforgettable experience for Year 5! Being away from home was tough for some of us, but it was also a chance to grow. At camp, we were challenged both physically and mentally. Physically, we faced the giant swing and climbed the towering rock wall, where we had to confront our fear of heights especially because it felt like we were touching the clouds! Mentally, we had to stay calm and focus while crawling through dark, tight tunnels in the caving challenge.

These activities pushed everyone to their limits in different ways. At Currimundi, teamwork was key. One activity had us using our stealth skills to steal a water bottle without the instructor seeing us, all while balancing on wobbly boards. We hit the beach and caught massive waves in the infamous Sunshine Coast surf and after all the fun, we were exhausted at the end of each day. Evenings at Currimundi were for playing games of dodgeball and relaxing with a movie after dinner.

Throughout camp, we cheered each other on, and even our teachers inspired us by giving some activities a go. It was so much fun seeing everyone step out of their comfort zones and try new things. Camp wasn’t just about the challenges; it was about growing together, supporting each other, and having the best time. Year 5 camp will be a memory we will always treasure! We had the time of our lives!

A Taste of Year 6 Camp (tour to Canberra)

On 26 February, Year 6 jetted off to Canberra. It was a beautiful day, and we were on the edge of our seats. After a smooth landing, we left the airport and drove us to Parliament House, where we learned about how the Australian Federation was formed in 1901 and how our Australian democracy was established. We were fortunate to see new legislation being discussed and were excited to meet Elizabeth Watson‑Brown, who is the Federal MP for Ryan, ATC’s own electorate!

On the same day we visited the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) where we saw Georgia Godwin, one of Australia’s best gymnasts, training for her next competition. We also watched some of Australia’s best volleyball players. We enjoyed the awesome simulations, which allowed us to try out different sporting careers. The AIS was a highlight for many and was a great end to our first day.

A favourite experience was the National Zoo and Aquarium, where we were lucky to see monkeys, cheetahs, white lions, and many more amazing animals. The zoo taught us all about animals and their habitats.

The War Memorial was so interesting as we discovered the stories, across many wars, of the countless fallen diggers and the experiences of those who were lucky to return home. Exhibits of trenches, war planes, battlefields, equipment, weapons and uniforms all told a story. Although this was a solemn moment, it deepened our knowledge about war and its history.

Questacon, a science facility with mind blowing interactive experiments and games gave everyone a chance to experience hands on activities such as the Tesla coil and the vertical drop slide. The fun activities made us realise that science is not all about lab experiments and exams!

The Arboretum was an awesome surprise as it was so much more than plants. We participated in an orienteering activity in the vast fields, looked for stamps to add to our scorecard and had a very competitive, fun day out.

Camp was a life changing experience jam packed with activities that gave us an insight into Australian history, science and politics. Camp exceeded our expectations and we look forward to the mud pits at Emu Gully in Year 7.

A Taste of Year 7 Camp - Emu Gully

The Year 7 cohort had mixed feelings about this camp - some were nervous, some were excited, and some were both! For most it was a time of uncertainty and curiosity. When we arrived, we put our bags aside and trotted toward the bonfire circle which was our main meeting spot for a brief introduction. We heard exciting stories about brave soldiers risking their lives in perilous situations for not only our country but for their compatriots on the battlefield.

During the war, the Vietnamese built and dug tunnel basses that extend kilometres long and were armed with hazardous traps. Our first activity’s objective was to traverse a 30m long pitch black tunnel, filled with misleading turns and tight corners. Our strategy was for the confident people to go first and find the correct path that would lead out and then the others would follow. As we entered headfirst, we slid down a rough stone path leading a maze of tricky turns and devious pitch-black tunnels. It was remarkable teamwork to get everyone through into daylight!

The challenging, infamous Kokoda track challenge had us curious and excited as we walked to the mud pit. We learned about the real Kokoda track in Papua New Guinea, and how the brave Australian soldiers fought of the Japanese in the most barbaric conditions. The Emu Gully mud pit was like squishy slime and as we traversed it, hefting each over the steep hills, we learnt valuable lessons of mateship and teamwork.

This camp offered us valuable life experiences and taught us the virtues of leadership, perseverance, teamwork, sacrifice, and courage. From the funny cabins to heat and mud, we had completed Emu Gully.