Step Inside: Our Year 9 Camp

Nestled amongst the rolling hills of the Alpine region, Valley Homestead provided the perfect backdrop for our Year 9 Camp. As one of Victoria’s premier school adventure venues, it set the scene for three unforgettable days of challenge, courage, teamwork, and plenty of laughter.

From the moment we arrived, students were immersed in hands-on activities designed to build confidence and connection. We kicked things off with Lateral Thinking, a team-based problem-solving challenge where groups navigated a series of obstacles. It was the ideal way to start camp, encouraging communication, cooperation, and creative thinking.

Energy levels soared during the Vertical Challenge, with four separate 12.5-metre climbs. Students tackled obstacles on their way to the top, demonstrating grit, determination, and heaps of peer encouragement. The Dual Flying Fox was another standout, sending participants 20 metres above the ground and 220 metres across a gully—an exhilarating step far beyond many comfort zones.

Thrill-seekers also tackled the Free-Fall Slide, dropping from seven metres onto a long stainless-steel slide, and the Power Pole, which tested bravery and focus with its 7- and 10-metre leaps to amid-air trapeze.

Evenings were equally memorable. On the first night, we gathered around the campfire to toast marshmallows, share stories, and sip warm milo. Night two brought music, karaoke, singalongs, and a rock-quiz style showdown—an absolute highlight for many.

Students also explored Bush Skills, learning to build fires safely and cook their own damper morning tea and nacho lunch in the beautiful surrounds. Archery added friendly competition and revealed some newly discovered talents.

A special part of the camp gave students time to reflect on their journey so far at FCJ College. Each created a memento to contribute to their Year 12 time capsule—a tangible reminder of their growth and experiences to revisit at the end of their senior years.

Across all activities, our students represented the school impeccably. Camp staff praised their respect, positivity, and maturity, highlighting “the best bush skills we’ve seen all year” and “excellent first-day belaying.”

Most importantly, our Year 9s pushed themselves beyond what they thought possible. The courage, confidence, teamwork, and resilience displayed throughout camp were outstanding, and we could not be prouder of this cohort.

With a final morning of activities completed, students enjoyed a quick lunch before heading home—tired, happy, and full of stories from three days of epic adventure. Rest up, Year 9s…well deserved!

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