As the term draws to a close, the Barbreck staff have excitedly been talking about Term 4 and the upcoming camps.  

The first two weeks of Term 4 brings the Junior School Outdoor Education Camps. Years 5 and 6 at Camp Jungai, Rubicon and Years 3 and 4 at Gundiwindi Lodge, Silvan. Years 1 and 2 will participate in an afternoon of camp activities and dinner at Barbreck, followed by the Year 2 Sleepover. 

These Camps provide outdoor experiences, opportunities to try new things, challenge themselves, take risks, and most importantly have fun. The girls love seeing their teachers outside of the classroom and the teachers love spending time with the girls outside of the School gates. 

It is a wonderful time of learning outside the classroom. For the older students it may involve a sleep out in a tent with friends, the excitement of a flying fox, archery, bushwalking, campfires, or conquering fear to ride on the giant swing. Some of the programs will involve an Indigenous recognition of the land they are camping on.  

Throughout these programs friendships are built, students are encouraged to challenge themselves, and take small risks to step out of their comfort zones. The girls have time to slow down, chat, and have fun with friends. The Camps offer a time to be mindful and out in nature. 

The Year 3 girls have reflected on 2021 and their camp experiences in Years 1 and 2 so far. Some were lucky enough to have a camp. The St Catherine’s girls glamped at School overnight in 2021. It was the event of the term and one they were so happy to be part of, particularly given other students had some camps cancelled. 

Reflections from our current Year 3 students on their Glamping Camp last year are provided below. 

Nina Steedman: Last year the sleepover was amazing. First, we had normal school then after school the party started. We played teamwork games. Dinner was at the canteen then we changed into our pjs and watched Charlotte’s Web. In the morning we had breakfast together.  

Catherine Barry: Camp in 2021 was like I was in a big fairy tale. It was a big sleepover with all our friends. The room was like a giant pothole of magic. There were tepees decorated with fairy lights and rainbow bunting. Little breakfast tables and lanterns and fluffy rugs. 

Georgia Ktenavos: It was just the bomb! 

Shama Aljneibi: I am really excited to go on camp because last year I missed the Year 2 sleepover, and this will be my very first camp. I’m feeling a little bit nervous because I have never slept in a bunk bed. 

Sophia Hindhaugh: I am so excited to go on camp. I have never been to camp before, and I am excited to sleep over with my friends. I can’t wait for all the camp activities and go on bush walks with everyone. I hope I do not get homesick, and I hope I am in a cabin with my friends, I am sure we will have yummy food. 

Francesca Zappone: This year in Term 4 we’re going to Year 3 camp! I’m utterly excited for our activities. I’ve never, EVER gone camping, so this will be my first. It’s like having the biggest, most exciting sleepover with your friends. We will do lots of new activities and I am TOTALLY up for it! 

For many of our Barbreck students this will be their first school camp experience. This brings great excitement and some worries over the unknown. Two years of COVID have restricted the Beyond Boundaries Camp Program and outdoor experiences. The girls will be accompanied on each Camp by our wonderful staff and the activities are all taken by specialised Outdoor Education professionals. We are so lucky to have experienced teachers to accompany our girls on these adventures. 

We remind parents to check Camp dates, read the packing lists carefully, help prepare their daughters with sleepovers, practice sleeping in a sleeping bag and packing and unpacking their own bags. 

Camp information sessions will run for parents before each Camp and more information and detailed packing lists can be found on mystcatherines. 

Please do not hesitate to ask your class teacher any questions you have, big or small.  

We all cannot wait for Term 4 and all the 2022 camp memories that will be made.