Volume 31 Issue 4 25 Feb 2022 24 Adar I 5782

Rabin

Somerset Camp – Challenge accepted!

Last week Year 8 Rabin bravely returned to the Colo River for a second Somerset Camp. This time, we did different activities. One of our favourites was rock climbing. Here, we had to be persistent and were challenged in many ways. We climbed a natural rock face with harnesses and helmets. At the end of the course, the top part, had only tiny hand and foot holds. It was hard to find a way up. We really loved rock climbing because it tested our mindset, which needed to be positive and resilient; our physical abilities; and our mental abilities, because we had to navigate a good path.

The most challenging activity was canoeing. This was because we had to push through a 5.5 hour ride against the current. Some of us struggled a lot at the start because we couldn’t find a comfortable rhythm despite having kayaked before. After a while, we got the hang of it and weren’t going from side to side at the back anymore. Halfway through the trip our arms were aching and we could feel our bodies burning under the sun. Our camp guide told us we could take a break at a little beach where we all ate some snacks. At this point there were about 4 or 5 km left to canoe. Our entire tutor group was determined to make it to the end, partly because if we stopped paddling our canoes would be pushed back by the current. Through this experience we learnt how strong our willpower is and that we can be persistent.

One of the funniest moments was when we were donughting (riding on a rubber tyre tube down the river). Everybody tried to flip each other over. We were laughing and having a great time as people struggled to get back on. Another funny experience was on Wednesday night. Our camp instructor was trying to get us to sleep, but nobody was falling asleep. Periodically, there would be a small peep from someone in their tent, or a loud throat clearing. There was even an instance where somebody said good night to the instructor, before saying in a small voice: “Please say it back.” Although our camp instructor didn’t find it funny that night, she was joking with us about it in the morning, and everyone was laughing and happy, showing that everyone was okay.

Over the course of the camp, we learned how strong our tutor groups willpower is. On the tough hikes and long canoe rides, we never once quit and kept going all the way to the end. We admire everyone’s persistence and determination as a group because we supported and cheered each other on. This resulted in all of us completing hard challenges and facing brand new experiences together.

One of the greatest things about camp was the fact that we had peer support leaders with us. We were lucky to be the first group to experience the peer support program in Year 8 as well as Year 7. Our tutor group felt very comfortable around our leaders because they were so supportive and caring. During peer support sessions on camp we played fun games as well as more in depth, enlightening activities. On the last night of camp, our peer support organised a meditation exercise as a chance for us to relax and think. We learnt how to be independent and to push through tough times because there are always going to be people there to support you. 

What a week!

By Akeisha Kantor and Oscar Salek