A few spots of rain couldn’t dampen the spirits of the Year 3 & 4 boys as they were all very excited to head off to camp at Galston! So 47 boys and 4 teachers headed towards the coach with suitcases and sleeping bags, arriving in Galston just in time for morning tea. The Crusader leaders were there to greet the boys and organise their belongings. The leaders were all in their early twenties and full of enthusiasm! They were fantastic as they were very caring with the boys ensuring they were comfortable at all times. When the cabins were announced the boys were thrilled with their bunk buddies for the next two nights so it was time to go and unpack, get settled and make up their beds in the rooms.

The boys were placed in three mixed groups of Year 3 & 4 students and rotated throughout the activities across the three days. There was BMX riding, rock climbing, the vertical pole challenge and initiative games in the hall. A quick survey of the boys’ favourite part of camp showed that BMX riding was probably the most popular activity amongst the Year 4 boys.

The boys were woken at 7:00am for breakfast each morning where they were served cereal and a cooked breakfast. Lunch and dinner always had fresh salad as an option where the boys usually cleared their plates and some went back for a second helping! The days were filled with activities that kept them very busy and quite hungry when lunch and dinner time came around. Showers and free time were at 5:00pm so once washed, the boys could go outside and play table tennis or GaGa ball. This game was similar to dodgeball but was contained in an octagonal shape. When the boys were in, they could stay in the boundaries and when they got out they were still close to the action but were on the outside. They loved this game as it was quick moving and the turnover was quite rapid.

After breakfast the boys had some bible study time where they were encouraged to think about good Christian values and reflect on their time at camp. The days passed very quickly as the camp was well-organised with lots of fun activities and games. The boys enjoyed the pool in the afternoon where their listening skills were tested in one of the pool games. I’m sure they enjoyed getting out where they had to swim to the other side of the pool but they got to stay in the water whilst the others were on the edge! Either way, they all appeared to be enjoying the water and having a great time!

It was a great experience for all the boys as they participated enthusiastically in the team events. It was fun and relaxing and a great bonding time for the Stage 2 boys!

Mrs Leonie Russell – Year 4 Teacher