Lock Camp Reflection

Camp was a blast! We had so much fun participating in various activities such as rafting, abseiling, team building, and an amazing race, but also, it was an opportunity to develop our capabilities in an engaging and visual way. Some of the capabilities that I improved on are; being collaborative and communicating well whilst rafting with my partner Adeolu, being resilient whilst team building and being last out of the maze, and being inquisitive when rock climbing, and falling upside down very high up.

Collaboration and Communication whilst Rafting

During our camp on the second day, we were lucky enough to have gone rafting in Three drops in the Collie River. Whilst in the river, we had so much fun sliding down the rapids, despite the freezing water. We were the luckiest of groups, having the best weather to go in. Rafting was all about collaboration and effective communication, because we were required to have a partner, and share a raft. I was partners with Adeolu, and together we worked so well together, and had so much fun! We were able to effectively communicate when navigating and steering the raft with our oars, and flipping over into the cold water (despite being reluctant), we were talking about how to do it, when to do it, and where to do it. We also collaborated together well, splitting up the jobs of carrying, seating arrangement (front or back). Overall, it was an amazing experience that was also a communication learning opportunity.

Adeolu and I going down the last rapid.

Being Inquisitive whilst Rock Climbing

At the start of the subject, we started to rock climb on the ASC wall. Whilst we were climbing, we also had to learn numerous knots including a reef knot, overhand, bowline, double fisherman’s, figure eight, figure eight on the bite, figure eight follow through, and clove hitch. Once we had all learnt how to tie these knots, we could solely focus on rock climbing. Amongst other capabilities, we really needed to be inquisitive with rock climbing, finding different ways and routes to make our way up the 4 walls and touch the roof showing success. Not only did we have to climb, but we also had to belay each other, which involved helping others finding their way up, whilst holding the rope they are attached to, supporting their weight in case they fall. Being inquisitive on the wall (and off the wall) has helped me to touch the rock climbing roof multiple times.

Rock Climbing on the ASC wall.

Resilience whilst Team Building

On the last day of camp, we were given the opportunity to reflect about our time on camp with our group, by playing some team building games. The first game we played was a rope maze, that had been set up by Mr J. and Mr Stevens to challenge our senses, as we had to be blindfolded. Everyone was challenged throughout this process. Some people got out very quickly. Others took longer. I was the last one on the maze. I was struggling, but I was determined to keep going and finish the maze. When I eventually got to the end, I realised that everyone else had already finished. I felt a little embarrassed, but I laughed it off and bounced back to participate in the other two challenges. Resilience is really important to get on with life, otherwise, you will spend all of your time dwelling on past mistakes, failures and/or setbacks. The most positive way to go through life is to stay positive with resilience.

Entering the maze as a group.

Leave No Trace

Plan ahead and prepare

Before we set off on camp, we cut up everything so there would be less sunlight wasted on chopping. When we were on camp, we saved about 30 minutes of time just by having everything pre-ready.

Travel and camp on durable surfaces

Throughout our camp, we set up our tents on the ground. We needed to pick a place that was away from disturbing nature and wildlife, but also so we weren’t sleeping on rocks. We also had to make sure that our spot wasn’t wet, because it rained on our journey there.

Dispose of waste properly

Whilst we were on camp, we had nowhere to put our rubbish, considering we stayed in a natural area. The only thing we could do was to burn paper in the fire. We prepared for this by not taking rubbish with us such as plastic food wrapping, and if we had any rubbish, we waited until we got into town to dispose of it in the correct bin.

Leave what you find

Our camp was surrounded by incredible species of plants and wildlife, meaning we couldn’t disturb them otherwise their ecosystem would be interrupted. The only things we did take with us were bits of rubbish that we found lying around the bush, that despite not being ours, was still polluting the environment.

Minimise campfire impacts

Once we had finished with our campfires, we had to make sure that no wood debris, or rubbish was left around that wildlife could eat. By clearing the debris, this would give the next person using it an easier way to light the fire.

Respect wildlife

We had numerous amounts of wildlife coming through our camp. Most of them were birds such as wandering ducks, magpies, and other assorted birds that woke us up in the morning. We were careful, not to disturb them, by letting them wander (within certain boundaries i.e. not near our tents) and not feeding them any food that they may not be able to digest.

Be considerate of other visitors

Whilst on camp, we didn’t really share the campsite with general members of the public, but with the ones we did, we were considerate by not talking and making noise too late in the night, and by not invading private space.

Muir Reflection

  1. What ‘Leave No Trace’ guidelines have you learnt about and met during this unit?

During this unit, we have really gone deep into the impact of man-made objects, and how they damage wildlife. We had to pick up our rubbish, and other bits of plastic debris, that could potentially harm the wild animals.

  1. Name and describe five significant events that happened over the past 2 terms in Muir personally
  2. Rottnest Island, snorkelling. The water was clear blue, it was a beautiful day, and we even saw a seal!
  3. Klout shooting in archery. We had to shoot over a long distance, and it was so fun.
  4. Manning Park orienteering. We went on the look for markers set up by Orienteering WA.
  5. Coogee beach snorkelling. We watched all of the beautiful fish, around Omeo Shipwreck.
  6. Orienteering around the school, looking for different coloured markers in very unusual places…
  7. What was the funniest most memorable moment in Muir so far?

Going to Manning Park, in a group with Georgia, Tiana and Pritika, and we were trying a really hard course with 8 markers. In the end, we found 2 markers, a rotting couch, a rusty car, and a pumpkin. It was a very funny experience.

  1. What have you learnt about yourself in the course?

I have learnt that I can take charge and help a group to get back on course.

  1. How can you use this in the future?

This could be very helpful in the future, working with a group and needing to get something done.

  1. How have you felt about being in natural environment?

I have felt very connected to our beautiful earth, but also sad, that it is very polluted. I loved being able to experience animals in their beautiful natural habitat.

  1. What skills do you need to improve on? Why?

I need to improve on my pacing. Our group often went too far or too close and missed our markers.

  1. Name 3 strengths of yours

I am friendly, cooperative and an effective communicator with my peers.

  1. What is the best thing about Muir?

Getting to go on such great excursions and make new friendships.

Outdoor Ed – Muir

For the first part of Semester 1, we were fortunate enough to get involved in snorkelling. We ventured to the Aquatic Centre, as well as the Omeo Shipwreck in Coogee, and The Basin at Rottnest Island. During our time at Omeo shipwreck, and had to work together as a team to make the best out of the day. During our time, we used these capabilities; Self-aware, during our snorkelling course, we needed to be mindful that we were publicly representing the college. We were able to do this when we went to Coogee and Rottnest Island. Inquisitive, we needed to be inquisitive, and think about the different kinds of fish, and natural wildlife throughout our courses and natural environment. We were able to do this when we went to Coogee and Rottnest Island.

Approaching Term 2, we started to look into orienteering. Orienteering is all about speed and accuracy, which we learnt about through our practice courses around the college. When we had gained more experience with map and compass reading, we were ready to travel to Manning Park. The course involved orange and white markers set up by Orienteering WA. For this topic we needed to develop these capabilities; Inquisitive, we needed to look for markers in places that we did not expect to be there, and find alternative routes to get to our destination. Effective Communication, we needed to work together as a team and share the workload.

As our last topic, we were very privelaged to be shooting arrows with Mary in archery. We tried different styles of shooting such as; target shooting (30m and 40m) and Klout shooting (shooting up into the distance). As part of archery, some of the capabilities that were required were, resilient, when our arrow hit the outside of the target, we were able to bounce back and develop our skills, as well as effective communication, we needed to listen to instructions from Mary otherwise we could potentially harm ourselves or others.

Snorkelling at The Basin, Rottnest Island
My group and I working together to plot our course
Shooting from a 40m distance

England and Paris!

Over the holidays, I went overseas to the wet countries that are England and Paris! I learnt about how old everything in England is and the history is just amazing. When I went to Greenwich and found out what Greenwich Mean time is while looking out at a breathtaking view. We visited the TATE which is one of the most beautiful art galleries in the world. You only really discover the beauty of art until you see it face to face. Lots of exciting days later, we were up the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris! The view of looking down was like being in heaven looking down at the earth! You could see for miles out finding the Sacre Coeur, Le Louvre, Arc de Triomphe and the remains of the burnt down Notre Dame. We had to use the powers of self management in not leaving behind our belongings, creativity with the view at the top of tour eifel and knowledge with being taught all of the interesting facts of London and Paris and being quizzed at the end.