Breakfast with OEG was a bit different to the breakfasts we’ve being having at Rumbug camp. Cereal and fruit loaf was the order of the day. We were off to an early start because we were heading to the beach for a surf lesson. After gearing up in wetsuits, the girls began with a warm up and then hit the waves. They were fantastic. One of the Surf School leaders said that they were one of the best groups he’d ever had, lots of them were getting to standing position so easily.

After our surf lesson we headed to Tidal River using the OEG bus. We had luch and then set off to Squeaky beach. It was a lovely walk with great scenery along the way.

After spending some time on the beach we headed back to camp to get dinner happening. Burritos tonight. Some team building games were played and the girls really enjoyed them. Tomorrow sees them participating in beach games in the morning, then pack up and head home. All going to plan they should be back at school by 3.30pm. Bet they’ll be in bed early tomorrow night!

This morning we had a very interesting packup at camp Rumbug (when I say interesting I mean that every girl had a war with their sleeping bags) and we were out the door by 9.30. After 1/2 hours we stopped at Agnes Falls, which were beautiful but had the most atrocious name. Then, back to the bus (groan).

After another torturous 1 1/2 hours, (but we had a minute of silence which was wonderful relief) we passed into the prom. Group A and E went to the homestead, then realized that we had to double back (and we were beginning to get bus sick). Eventually we arrived at Waratah Bay, where we set up camp (another interesting experience) and got the activities going. We swam in the beach because there were no waves to surf on, but we were getting pretty pumped for the next morning. Then, God forbid, we had to cook our own dinner. “Edible” was what we were aiming for and “edible” was what we got. I felt a little sick, actually. The result of my cooking.

Between the two groups, we soccer the beach, a bloody and bruised game (my blood and my new acquired bruises) before we came back to camp. It got dark, we got rowdy, we got tired. We crawled into our dwarf size tents (apparently i am the only one who thought this) and basically knocked ourselves out. This is the average day on the Yr. 8 South Gippsland Camp.

Wonder what’s going to happen on the morrow?

-Claire Brown.

Thanks to Claire for guest posting here. We are all well. Two groups are at Waratah Bay and three groups are at Tidal River. The groups at Waratah Bay will be hiking at Tidal River tomorrow afternoon. This end of the camp sees the girls having to be much more self sufficient with cooking  and sleeping in tents. They are doing really well; we are very pleased with the way they have adapted after the luxurious nature of Camp Rumbug, where the sleeping was indoors and the food was cooked for you!

The day began with cereal and bacon, eggs and toast, with a splash of baked beans added to the mix.  We then moved onto the morning’s activities, the finish of our rotation through the water activities that Rumbug has on offer. It wasn’t long before our girls were wet and muddy, but their laughter rang through the valley – they thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

After morning tea we began our second rotation of activities. They included archery, the giant swing, an initiatives course, an adventure ropes course and abseiling. It was great seeing them all work together to help one another through these challenges. In between we ate our lunch – yummy hamburgers and vegiburgers. Fruit followed and so did lemonade icy poles. We then ventured out once again to finish the rotation.

The girls got an opportinity to swim in the pool after our land based activities. Right now we’re preparing for a dinner of Lasagne and vegetables. Tonight we’re playing tabloid games and getting ready for our departure to Wilson’s Promontory tomorrow. Hopefully we’ll be able to establish an internet connection down there and update you all late tomorrow.

Rest assured, they are happy and having a truckload of fun. : )

The real adventure then began as we walked down the very long (yes, it is long!) hill to the activities base. There our intrepid campers enjoyed canoeing, a ropes adventure trail, team building games and a raft challenge.

And yes, we discovered that we really do like mud!

It was a hot day and the girls took the opportunity to cool down (and get clean- in a fashion!) in the dam.

We returned to our rooms and the girls showered and took advantage of the recreation room facilities. Dinner’s nearly ready – Roast lamb. Yum!!

Get packing. Make sure you take responsibility for this.  Don’t expect Mum or Dad to do it all for you!!

On Monday 9th November students will depart by bus from Toorak College at 8.45am and will begin their 5 day outdoor educational experience. The program begins with a two night stay at Camp Rumbug in Foster, followed by a two night program at Wilson’s Promontory, which will be led by the Outdoor Education Group (OEG). The Program aims to build leadership skills, develop courage, practise cooperation, and assist in creating strong relationships with peers and teachers. Students will return to Toorak College at 4pm on Friday 13th November.

Camp Rumbug-  Google map

Wilson’s Promontory – Google map