Recently, some of our ADF (Australian Defence Force) students had the opportunity to participate in an overnight camp at the Swan Valley Adventure Centre. Despite the weather not being on our side, the students embraced the experience with enthusiasm and resilience. From archery and crate climbing to frisbee golf and a scavenger hunt, the camp was packed with activities that encourage teamwork and camaraderie.
One of the highlights of the trip was the campfire, where students gathered around to enjoy the timeless treat of S’Mores, sharing stories and laughter under the night sky. When the weather turned, we were fortunate to have a cosy house to retreat to, where the fun continued with board games, friendship bracelet-making, and even a group pillow fight. These moments provided a wonderful opportunity for our students to bond in a relaxed and supportive environment, away from the usual school setting.
Milly, a Year 8 student, captured the essence of the camp perfectly, saying, “Being an ADF kid is a unique experience. This camp allowed me to get to know other defence students and also get closer to people I already knew. It was a lot of fun.”
The sense of connection and understanding among the ADF students was evident throughout the camp. Year 9 student Ella shared, “ADF camp allows defence students to connect with other people who understand without having to explain what life is like when our parents are away for long periods of time. Mrs. Delamont really connects with us and helps us feel more comfortable throughout our time at Kolbe.”
For our Year 12 student, Keeley, this camp held a special place in her heart as it marked her final ADF camp before graduation. “I really enjoyed going away to ADF camp this year as I loved getting to spend time with everyone outside of a school setting. As my last camp, this was really special to me with lots of fun times and good experiences. I’m going to miss it when I graduate,” she reflected.
The activities at camp, such as milk crate building, also fostered a sense of teamwork and resilience among the students. Leo, Year 8, highlighted this when he said, “At ADF Camp, I liked the milk crate building because we had to use teamwork and resilience to get the climbers up high.”
The camp experience also strengthened the sense of community among the ADF students. As Ethan, Year 8, noted, “The ADF community at Kolbe is like a family at school where we look out for each other. Going away to camp meant that we had more time to get to know each other better.”
Kolbe’s ADF camp was a memorable experience for our students, providing them with opportunities to build lasting friendships, develop teamwork skills, and create cherished memories. Despite the challenges posed by the weather, the students returned with smiles on their faces and stronger bonds with their peers, ready to take on whatever comes next.
