In Term 1, Class 4 had their class camp at picturesque Walkerville in South Gippsland. We were thankfully blessed with some sunshine amidst the many bouts of rain; it was real weather for Vikings!

We woke each morning to the distinctive calls of the wattlebirds and kookaburras. We watched the sun rising over the prom, some mornings with seals frolicking and we were always the first to leave footprints on the sand each day. We chanted the Norse Voluspa on the shoreline and sang our Viking songs as the waves crashed onto the beach. We marvelled with sheer joy for hours at the abundance of life in each rockpool, ventured to the famed ‘Magic Beach’, explored pirate caves finding many treasures and frolicked in the sparkling sea. We also, after much excited anticipation, had our very first game of lantern stalk! What fun!

Once again the children all proved themselves to be very capable campers! It is always deeply moving for me, to be in nature with children who are so full of wonder, warmth, respect and love for each other and everything in the environment.

A huge thank you so much to Jarrah and Eliza – our amazing Outdoor Educators – for their outstanding organisation, gentle guidance, and everlasting enthusiasm. And another big thank you to our parent helpers – Lil, Lisa, Nastassia and Sam for their tireless support, care and wonderful meals (what a feat, feeding our hoard of ravenous Vikings!). And thank you to all of our class parents for the delicious home-baked goodies and helping your children arrive at camp with positivity and all that they needed. It really was a very memorable time for all.