Challenges are presented to us in many ways. Last week, the Year 12 girls walked out through the Heyington Gates for the last time as students. They are now working hard in preparation for their final VCE exams and contemplating what challenges will come next in their lives. As I write this piece, I am in the Rubicon Valley with the Year 7 students during their five day camp. They too are facing challenges this week. Even though activities such as canoeing, the high ropes course and camping out overnight in the bush are enjoyable things to do, each presents moments of difficulty and adversity.

Georgia Szer at Camp Jungai.

I am currently watching a group of girls participating in the ‘possum pull’. This involves one girl in a harness being attached to a rope with a pulley suspended about 20 metres above her. The rest of the group are attached to the other end of the rope. The girl about to be pulled up in the air has a mixture of apprehension, excitement and anticipation for what is about to happen. She is unsure about what this experience will be like. Fear of heights is a natural feeling to have and hanging by a thin rope, no matter how strong, just does not feel right. The look in her eyes say it all. In her mind she knows she cannot come to any harm, but she is also worried about being up so high and placing her trust in the group to ensure she is lowered back safely to the ground again. In unison, the rest of the girls run away from the suspended girl who then flies like a possum up to the top of the pulley system. There are squeals, shrieks and laughter aplenty for the ‘possum’ as she is hauled high into the air. As a girl is lowered to the ground, she experiences an ever-growing sense of relief. On the ground she is glad to be back on terra firma all safe and sound. At the same time however, she would love another go.

Difficult challenges have a way of drawing you in. Prior to the event we are unsure and even hesitant. During the peak of the challenge, we are totally absorbed in the moment, often oblivious to the world outside. After it is all over comes joy, relief and even sadness that has been completed. Even later, will be feelings of satisfaction and pride in one’s efforts to overcome the challenge.

Challenges have not just been physical this week. For some it is being away from home that is the hardest part. For others, sharing a cabin, working in a team, doing your share of the domestic jobs or even eating different foods, are all part of the challenges being faced by the Year 7 students.

Jade Chiang at Camp Jungai.

It is important in our lives that we face difficulties, especially when we are young. As any adult knows, life has its ups and downs. The week spent here at Camp Jungai presents the opportunity for girls to tackle some really difficult things. Not so difficult that the challenge cannot be overcome, but just the right amount of challenge so there is a degree of uncertainty about whether they can succeed. Sometimes they do not succeed. Challenges presented in a supportive environment, even when it does not quite work out, will lead to resilience and strength for the bigger challenges life will throw at them later.

This week we are experiencing beautiful weather which helps make the camp as enjoyable as possible. This afternoon I head off with my group for a walk in the bush and a night out under canvas. For some this will be a common experience they have done many times before. For others, this will be a very new challenge.

The Year 7 students’ night out in the bush and facing the final VCE exams for the year 12 girls are actually not too different. Preparation, an environment of support and a range of developmental steps, enable individuals to face the challenges with confidence. While the outcome for the Year 7 and 12 girls is not certain, both groups have the resilience and skills to approach their tasks with the same positive outlook. While it may seem a long way off for the Year 7s, their turn at VCE will come soon enough. Skills, knowledge and other dispositions to be developed during their time at St Catherine’s will see them approach the future with strength and fearlessness.