Last Tuesday, I awoke to grey skies and a light drizzle of rain. By mid-morning, the wind had picked up, mist was all around, and it was sleeting. By lunchtime the snow started falling and continued for several hours. Welcome to the Year 7 Camp at Mt Buffalo! The description above sounds something like a horror scenario for a school camp. In fact, the snow was a catalyst for our Year 7 girls having a wonderful week, high in the Victorian Alps.

First thing upon arrival at the Mt Buffalo Chalet, the students were kitted out with a high-quality rain jacket and pants, plus gaiters. So, despite the weather, they were able to stay dry and warm, which meant they could enjoy being in the outdoors, including some very enjoyable play in snow. A little unusual in November!

During camp, our girls participated in kayaking, abseiling, climbing, mountain biking and hiking in some of the most beautiful country that comprises the Mt Buffalo National Park. The girls’ camp experience was unique. There was a combination of cabin and tent accommodation, snow and beautiful sunny days, postcard-worthy sunrises and sunsets, and even a rare sighting of the Aurora Australis under cloudless and starry skies.

What really surprised me was the sheer enthusiasm from the girls, no matter the weather or the activities. My group were doing abseiling on the day it snowed and I initially thought we should cancel the activity due to the miserable weather. Our girls had other ideas, insisting we go ahead. Whilst it was cold and wet, the safety of the activity wasn’t compromised; if anything, the snow made the abseiling more enjoyable and far more of an adventure. Here were Year 7s standing on the edge of a 25-metre cliff with a big smile ready to try something they had never done before. Yes, it was a challenge, but they tackled it head-on. These girls had more in them than I realised. It was a brilliant morning of adventure.

Throughout the week, this positivity shown by the girls was the norm. Towards the end our time away, we walked to Mt Dunn, about a 15-kilometre round trip hike. At the peak, the girls were rewarded with a 360-degree view that stretched far into the snow-covered mountain range, in NSW some 200-kilometres away. It was a beautiful moment sitting with the girls in the sun, eating our packed lunch and taking in the view.

Perhaps the most magical moment was after dinner on Wednesday, walking up the hill behind our campsite to watch the sunset. The wind had dropped, and a golden hue enveloped us as we sat in silence absorbing nature at its finest, and the girls were enthralled by the beauty. Sitting with friends, arms draped over shoulders and for a brief time, the world stopped.

This was the real focus of the camp. Yes, the outdoor activities were challenging and enjoyable, but it was the camaraderie of the group that made camp special. Being with their friends, participating in amazing activities, engaging and supporting each other through individual challenges, and spending time in a beautiful environment, all combined to make a memorable experience for the girls.