Questions
What were your goals for the subject? Did you achieve them?
My goal by the end of the subject was to have improved on snorkelling skills and archery, another goal was for me to learn how to orienteer. After doing all three I did achieve all of them but, I think my main goal was learning how to orienteer and I achieved it.
Write about significant events that happened on camp and throughout the course
One significant event that happened at the camp was on Tuesday when we were snorkelling and seeing all the different coloured and different-sized fish.
Weather observations and conditions. How did these affect you/us? How did you manage? The weather conditions were a mix of warm/hot and cold and windy. This weather made the water feel cold or “fresh”. This affected us because everyone was unprepared to swim in the cold water. But we overcame this by wearing wet suits and just by jumping in the water. Mr J also helped us, because when we were doing the debriefing, he banned all of us from saying the water was cold and we had to say the water was fresh. He said we had to say the water was fresh so we can have a positive mindset for a better experience. But after getting in and swimming the water wasn’t so bad.
Outline any plants and animals you saw (flora and Fauna)
An animal that stood out to me was the quokka. The quokkas are Rottnest native animals, these animals are the only mammals on Rottnest Island. 1 other animal was the King’s Skink. The King Skink is a medium to a smaller black lizard with a long tail/body.
Include 3 capabilities you have used during your time in Muir and provide examples.
- Self-aware- when being in the water I had to be self-aware. When snorkelling I had to be aware of my surroundings.
- Organised- Before going to the camp I had to be organised. Being organised included me making sure I had the right clothes, snorkelling gear, and enough food for the first day.
- Effective communication- While snorkelling at Rottnest in the Basin, the swell wasn’t in our favour during the end of it so by having effective communication with my buddy we made sure each other was safe.
Funniest, most memorable moments in this class. What activities did you enjoy the most and why?
I enjoyed the team games. Being new to the school these team games helped me by making more friends and understanding how the class works.
What did you learn about yourself? What does it mean for the future?
I learnt that I really enjoyed snorkelling and looking at the reefs. This could mean that in the future I may do some more snorkelling in my own time.
What LNT principles have you seen and applied throughout Muir?
The 7 LNT principles are:
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
- Dispose of Waste Properly
- Leave What You Find
- Minimise Campfire Impacts
- Respect Wildlife
- Be Considerate of Your Hosts and Other Visitors
I used the plan ahead and prepare principle. Before the camp, I prepared my food for recess and breakfast, planned ahead, and looked at the weather to ensure I packed according to the weather. 1 other major one we followed was number 6, respect the wildlife. Following this principle, I did not touch any animals and mainly quokkas on camp.
Orienteering
Orienteering is a sport that requires navigational skills using a map and a compass to navigate from point to point in the different and usually unfamiliar ground whilst moving at speed. Throughout the unit, orienteering has taught me various skills I didn’t know before. 1 major skill I learnt was reading a compass. During this unit, we were orienteering in many different places: Jorgensen Park, Manning Park and Piney Lakes. These used many skills not only orienteering but also common sense. Walking through the bush was a challenge for some of us, walking up hills and down was also a challenge, trying not to injure yourself or fall on the gravel/rocky paths.
Archery
Archery is the sport, practice, or skill of using a bow to shoot arrows. Throughout the archery unit, Mary helped us with getting better at archery and showed us still how to have fun while being safe. Each week Mary moved the target back to challenge our skills we have learnt. 1 thing I have learnt during this time was to keep my elbow high to get the best outcome.
