Beyond Boundaries
Year 8
Program 1
Goulburn River, Eildon
2 Days
Year 8 builds on the positive experiences of Year 7 by extending the students over two separate programs. This provides students with an opportunity to practise and refine what to bring on program and how to adequately water proof their gear. The girls experience and compare different river environments and are exposed to varying climatic conditions.
The first program is held on the Goulburn River. The two day program is designed to assist the girls with their outdoor camping skills and partake in a paddling journey, as well as prepare them for their five day program later in the year. The students will camp at the Eildon Centre which has established campsites for tents, toilet facilities and fire pits.
The highlight of the program is paddling through the rapids on the Goulburn River. The focus here is on challenge and teamwork as it requires the students to work together to manoeuvre their raft.
Program 2
Mitchell River National Park
5 days
The second component of the Year 8 Beyond Boundaries program is a journey down the Mitchell River, which flows freely through the high cliffs and gorges of the Mitchell River National Park. This program gives the students the opportunity to participate in a white water rafting expedition on one of the last remaining major Victorian river systems free from dams. This is a five day program where students will extend their camping skills and stay in tents at campsites along the river.
The Mitchell River has a special listing under the Heritage Rivers Act due, to its rich ecological, cultural heritage and unique social and recreational value. Paddling through the exciting rapids in the National Park is a challenging, yet rewarding, experience. The students also get to visit the Den of Nargun, a magical spot that has significance for the local Aboriginal people of the area. The program will be the first time that the girls undertake a true point to point journey with no return to a central base camp.