Last week, Year 5 students embarked on their most ambitious Outdoor Education experience yet: four days and three nights away from home. It was a significant challenge, but our students embraced it with courage and enthusiasm, pushing the boundaries of their comfort zones and discovering new strengths within themselves. 

Held at the renowned Lord Somers Camp – often considered the ‘Granddaddy’ of Outdoor Education in Victoria – the program offered a rich array of activities designed to support our learning goals and foster personal growth. From designing and printing team t-shirts to build esprit de corps, to braving the chilly waters in kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, our Grammarians demonstrated resilience, teamwork and creativity. 

The students also explored the marine environment and deepened their understanding of the land with the guidance of an Indigenous Elder, enriching their appreciation of Country and culture. Importantly, they were given the opportunity to curate their own free time, encouraging peer-led interactions that nurtured collaboration, social skills and risk literacy in a natural and unstructured setting. 

Evenings were filled with fun and connection: a trivia night and disco hosted by the Lord Somers staff, followed by a relaxed movie night to wind down on the final evening. These moments of joy and bonding added to the sense of community and celebration. 

The camp was a resounding success, and our Year 5s returned with a sense of accomplishment and readiness for the next step in their Outdoor Education journey. As they look ahead to Year 6 Outdoor Education Week in Term 1 next year, they carry with them the confidence, skills and memories that will serve them well as they encounter even more new challenges!