Year 12

Year 11

Health camp 2021: A rite of passage experience

In Week 3 of this term, the Year 11 Health classes attended the annual rite of passage experience camp within Currumbin Valley, facilitated by the team at Tallebudgera Outdoor and Environmental Education Centre. Rites of passage are common throughout history and represent a journey of challenge and growth. The ultimate purpose of this camp is to encourage students out of their comfort zones physically, socially, mentally and emotionally in order to undertake deep personal reflection. This reflection is leading them to a personal growth plan which we will continue to foster across the two years of Health. The camp experience is also fused with learning indigenous history and perspective to foster an increased connection to country.

Day 1 begins with students handing over their phones, the first (of many) test of resilience. After a brief introduction to grit with some journaling, we move to a welcoming ceremony in the traditional indigenous practice of making fire. This fire becomes symbolic across the camp experience as a safe place to share and support each other. The main adventure on day 1 begins after lunch (and ends well into the night). A 15km hike from Tugun Hill, along the border trails and ending back at the camp site near Currumbin Rock Pools. Some amazing scenery rewards us along the way. During this adventure students hear a range of stories that discuss self doubt, and their most significant challenge is to identify a limiting belief. This limiting belief is symbolically burned at the end of the hike by throwing a stick into the fire.

Day 2 continues the physical expedition component with a 9km kayak paddle up Currumbin Creek. More stories are heard, focused on recognising the beauty within and self belief. This leads students to the most difficult challenge of the camp experience when that night they reflect on the story behind their limiting belief and are challenged to convert that limiting belief into an abundant belief. Due to the consistent "out of comfort zone" work they have undertaken and the fatigue they are experiencing, this activity can become quite emotional. The work of developing an abundant belief is modelled to the students at the lunch break when our Deputy Principal Mr Kennedy shares his personal journey from a limiting belief to an abundant belief.

Day 3 is a celebration of the physical, mental and emotional journey they have completed, and no doubt a well earned sleep in the comfort of their own rooms. One final challenge of being honoured by the group is experienced early in the morning. The process of being honoured is typically quite uncomfortable for the students as it challenges them to accept positive recognition from their peers and teachers.

My thanks to the teachers who gave up their family time to be a part of this camp; from PBC Mr Mitch Kennedy, Ms Anna Wyatt and Ms Jodi Smith, and from TOEEC Mr Chris Dennis, Ms Rhiannon Flavell, Mr Bryce Roberts and Ms Josie Gobel. We all now eagerly anticipate the Yyear 12 Health camp experience. To say we are proud of and respect the students' engagement and achievement within the camp does not fully express how we feel. A wonderful group of humans.

Shane Roberts
Head of Department (Health and Physical Education)