YEAR 8 PORT VINCENT AQUATICS CAMP

This year, in Week 5 our Year 8s at Balaklava High School attended a brand new orientation camp at Port Vincent Aquatic Centre, with almost perfect weather conditions the whole three days. However, the early morning rain experienced on our last day, did mean a few wet towels but we didn’t let that dampen our spirits. The Year 8s were lucky to stay in the newly renovated Port Vincent Primary School, which is now owned by the Port Vincent Seaside Cabin and Caravan Park and is only a five minute walk to the Aquatic Centre.

The Port Vincent Aquatic Centre is a Department for Education aquatic centre which is a division of the water safety team. Our Year 8s were able to participate in a range of activities including; sailing, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding and knee boarding all within the safe and picturesque Port Vincent bay.

The highlight of camp for the teachers would have to be the constant support and encouragement students provided one another, helping others to face their fears – especially to those first time knee boarders. Students should be very pleased with all they have achieved and how well they behaved during their three day camp.

The highlight of the camp for students would have been participating in a very “fishtastic” quiz night run by Miss Buick and creating the latest fashion in a garbage bag fashion parade organised by Mr Thomas.

Student comments include:

 “The best thing about camp was the food because we had the best cooks and all the water activities (mainly the knee boarding) because it was really fun. The thing that will stick with us was almost having the sail boat tip over because it was scary and I almost fell in the water. We will also remember the skills/knowledge to know what to do in the water (well maybe not all the sailing techniques) because we did it twice and we do want to do them again so we hope we remember them. This camp was awesome it was great to get to know others and do all those activities. Even in our dorms it wasn't that bad with every Year 8 girl in one room.”

Bella Griffiths and Elleanor Bowden

“The best thing about Year 8 camp was the water activities because I have never done them before. What challenged me the most was trusting myself and to not doubt myself because I was expecting myself to fall off but I didn’t. The thing that will stick with me is that I need to try new things because I tried new things at camp and it was a good. The camp was amazing.”

Zeanna Watlen

“The best thing about Year 8 camp would have to be the knee boarding because I have never done it before. What challenged me was the stand-up paddle boarding because it is hard to steer it and I nearly bumped into a kayak. The thing that will stick with me is the knee boarding because it was my first time and it was the best. If I could pass my advice onto future Year 8s it would be if you have never done it before, just give it a try.”

Chloe Watlen

A big thank you to Miss Buick, Miss Hoepner, Mrs Niblett, Mr Thomas, Mr Cmrlec, Mrs Lowe, Mr Banwell, Mr Hay, Mrs Thiel, Ms Pringle and Mrs Pudney for making it such a successful camp, one that the Year 8s will recall as a positive highlight for many years to come.