Many emotions were felt as the Year 7 students waved goodbye to their parents and said hello to a new adventure. As they climbed aboard the ferry, pushing and shoving, you could tell that excitement was in the air!
After a smooth ride to Rottnest, they got a warm welcome with doughnuts and quokkas galore. Quokkas are seen as rodents, but many students warmed up to them, and some were even given names. With full stomachs, everyone headed out to their first quest, filled with wonder at what they’ll find.
Watkins were challenged with the task of finding 'Curious Quokkas' and an adventure quest about Rottnest. Carnley and Challen sparked their creativity by making a sand sculpture with rubbish found on the beach and building their strength in the Olympics. Moyes had a great time doing their PCG Art T-Shirts and helping Rotto by cleaning the beach!
After a long day of exploring, walking and swimming, the exhausted but happy cohort came together at the Kingstown Barracks, where they would be staying. Many nervous whispers were shared about how the dorms would be grouped. Whilst Moyes and Watkins enjoyed their delicious dinner of spaghetti and garlic bread, Carnley and Challen snuck away, heading to the town's movie theatre. There they delighted in seeing the new movie Blueback while munching away on some delicious popcorn. After a night that tired everyone out just as much as the day everyone settled into their dorms and prepared for their big day tomorrow.
On the second day, we all woke up early, anxious about what the day will bring. After tidying up the dorms, we lined up in the dining hall for a hearty breakfast of eggs, sausage, toast and cereal. Soon we headed our separate ways to explore the rest of Rottnest’s shops, entertainment and beaches. For Watkins 7.2 their highlight for the day was when they had beach Olympics; Mr Brock had put us to the fun task of splashing Mrs Tucker! Many of us came back to the Barracks with grumbling tummies but grinning faces, ready for our afternoon tea of cake and fruit.
In the evening, after we had showered and changed into a fresh pair of clothes, we packed our bags for the next day and went to dinner. Watkins and Moyes then headed to the movies to watch Puss in Boots whilst Challen and Carnley gathered in the hall to do some relaxing activities such as board games and drawing. By the time the movie had finished and Moyes and Watkins reached their dorms, most people were worn out from the day's activities and fun.
In the morning, we packed up, ready to return to Perth. We cleaned and swept the dorm before breakfast. Afterwards, we were presented with t-shirts our PCGs had designed, and we quickly changed into them and posed for many photographs. We soon said goodbye to the Barracks and started our trek to the ferry.
When we got there, some went to the general store to get souvenirs whilst the other sat around happily chatting with their friends. We could all smell jam doughnuts wafting through the air. When we all we together, we were treated to a delicious departure doughnut.
The ferry horn sounded, and we all noisily boarded the ferry. Luckily it was a smooth trip back to Perth, and we were welcomed with open arms by our parents.
We all thank the teachers and organisers of this amazing camp, especially Mrs McGibbon! It was a great opportunity to get to know our PCGs and develop stronger friendships.
Emma Carter, Isobel Dolphin-Spencer, Tyeesha Jayatilika and Xavier Ingram
Year 7 students
