Nestled in beautiful bushland surrounds, ELTHAM embraces nature and the outdoors as a core part of its education offering — from organised team sports to overcoming new challenges encountered on multi-day camps and expeditions. Keira, current Year 8 student, shares her thoughts on how the College’s Outdoor Education Program offers a wealth of both skill and character-building opportunities, with commentary from her Program Coordinator, Guy Mitchell.
My trip to the Grampians was so memorable.
I assumed I would end up sticking with my close friends but then you go on the camp, you get to know other people that you didn’t know as well, and you become really good friends.
We learned to light a Trangia and cook on it, set up a tent and tarp, pack a backpack, paddle a kayak and tie different knots.
“Outdoor Ed at ELTHAM initiates a wide range of sequential collaborative activities that can evolve into viable recreational pursuits as students progress, all the while extending and enriching each individual through practical and experiential learning.” — Guy Mitchell, Program Coordinator
Rock climbing was something I’d never done before, and at first, I didn’t think that I could climb that far. The first session I did alright, but I knew I could do better. Then the next time when I got to the top of the really hard climb, I felt a real sense of achievement. I pushed myself to achieve something I didn’t think I could.
There was never just one leader. You had to step in and put your hand up to lead, or help people to jump over massive cracks in the earth. If you saw something needed to be done, you did it, because you wanted to help your friends get through the challenges.
When we were hiking long distances, and especially while abseiling, you realise encouraging friends and cheering them on really does matter. If others believe in you, then you think you can actually do it.
“Because each program is planned to be age-appropriate in the types of activities offered, and the skills being developed, this generates engagement and the students have a lot of fun. We offer a busy mix of activities as well, so there is something for everyone in the program, and they get a mix of challenging outdoor activities and social, relaxing activities in the evenings.” — Guy Mitchell, Program Coordinator
At the end of the day when we had done all the activities and come back and set up our tent in a new location, being able to chat to everyone while making dinner and then sitting around the fire while toasting marshmallows was very special.
“Outdoor Education at ELTHAM College incorporates a progressive collection of experiences in the outdoors which promotes a more positive attitude towards Self, Others and the Environment. This concept underpins every program: challenging yourself, working with other individuals, working in smaller community groups and experiencing Victoria’s national parks and other stunning environments.” — Guy Mitchell, Program Coordinator
Being able to go to these places, and being able to see different views, mountains, rock art and different ways that First Nations people would hunt and walk and live there made you appreciate what Country can offer to you and the need to take care of it.