Year 9 OLP was an unforgettable experience, where I was able to work as a team, leader and joined in on many camp activities. After a nine-hour bus ride we arrived at camp Kalbarri, which we would only be staying in for one night. The next couple of nights we would be staying at Z bend, then the next night in the beautiful gorge. The last proper day we trecked out of the gorge and spent our last night back at camp Kalbarri before we left on the bus the next day.

We participated in many cool activities, throughout camp, one particular activity that took a lot of courage for me and a few others was absailing into the gorge. It was a 30 metre abseil and I was part of the first group that went down. The start was very terrifying because you were horizontal above the ground, but I continued down and made it to the bottom. This took a lot of courage and resilience and I was very prepared to say I wasn’t going to do it, but I persisted and once I reached the bottom it was worth it because there was a beautiful river running through the gorge.

When we were at the base camp, we (the group and I) did an activity where we split the group in half and each group held a tarp. Then we put a ball in one of the tarps and together as a group we worked to throw the ball onto the other tarp. Camp also included a lot of walking. Walking to Z bend, walking to the gorge and more. Although this did seem quite exhausting at the time, when I reflect on it, it did mean I was able to have conversations with the members of my group and also get a bit of exercise in.

I think the main skills I have gained during camp will have to be resilience, teamwork and making new friendships. Resilience I gained while doing the abseil, and hikes. I gained teamwork by partaking in the tarp and ball activity, but also working to make dinner and lunch on the Trangia. We had to communicate and work together to end up with an edible meal, and try our best to get the least amount of sand in our dish. I also strengthened and made new friendships with people I never used to talk to, but now after sharing that experience, I now have a reason to talk to them every week. Overall camp was a valuable experience where I was able to gain new skills and join in on activities I may never get the chance to do again.