On Wednesday, 28 May 2025, the students and teachers of Edenhope College arrived at The Summit full of anticipation and spirit. After a long drive, they were welcomed to their new home for the next few days, settling into the stadium and bungalows before diving straight into the action.
Coach Spinks greeted the group, and after some quick intros, it was straight into our first game: Clap Ball, with a well-earned victory going to Thomas! That energy set the tone for the entire camp.
Setting the Tone: The Five Keys
Camp started with the introduction of The Summit’s Five Keys , the foundation for a great experience:
- Have Fun
- Play All In
- Make Lots of Mistakes
- Get Uncomfortable
- Don’t Go Home Wondering ‘What If’
Spinks also introduced them to a goal-setting strategy called Target (something they know they can do), Stretch (something they think they can do), and Super Stretch (something they think is impossible). She also covered , GMICs (great moments in camp). The Summit’s way for the students to give and receive compliments in written form throughout camp.
Day One: Action Starts Now
To kick things off, the group took on the Giant Swing, one of the tallest swings in Victoria! Whether flying solo or teaming up, students hauled each other up to the red, yellow, or green level, showing incredible support and courage right from the start.
After a well-earned afternoon tea under the barbecue shelter, they were surprised with a cheeky challenge: “Where is George?” It took two attempts, but mission accomplished!
To wrap up Day One, the crew tackled the Snowy River Challenge, a combination of five team-based physical and mental obstacles, made harder by adding a blindfolded member at each stage! From log walks to the wire bridge and the epic wall climb, teamwork was the name of the game. The bonus challenge? The Wombat Hole, which shaved an extra two minutes off their already solid time of 22:33, bringing it to a final 20:33. Legendary effort!
Day Two: Intention, Adventure, and Big Leaps
Day Two kicked off with a powerful Intention Session led by Coach Spinks. The group watched Beyoncé’s “I Was Here” , sparking a meaningful conversation about the power of influence and focusing on what we can control, like our attitude and effort, rather than things like the weather, other people, or what challenges lie ahead.
One by one, students shared an intention they planned to carry with them throughout the day. It was a beautiful moment of connection and purpose that set the tone for everything to come.
With intentions locked in, we jumped straight into a warm-up game of Jockeys, where coordination and laughs took over. Big congrats to our champions, Paris and Matilda!
Next stop: the thrilling Leap of Faith. Every student gave it a go, some even returning for a second leap! A few brave legends added an extra layer of challenge by going blindfolded, showing serious trust in themselves and their teammates.
After morning tea, the group took on the Tiles Initiative, which they cracked in just two attempts before heading off to Orienteering. Split into mini-teams, students explored the campgrounds solving riddles and word challenges while hunting for hidden markers, bringing together brains and teamwork in one epic adventure.
Then it was time for the Summit Window, one of the most empowering moments of camp. Climbing the big tower and stepping out onto the platform, each student faced the challenge head-on, rewarded with sweeping views and a deeper trust in themselves, their rope, and Spinks.
After a well-earned lunch, it was time to suit up and dig deep, because the Bush Challenge and the Monster Course were waiting.
Bush Challenge Results
- Lap One: 12 minutes, 30 seconds
- Lap Two: 6 minutes, 4 seconds (no puzzle piece) (Stretch Goal: 10 mins, Super Stretch Goal: 5 mins, so close!)
Monster Course Results
- Lap One: 33 minutes, 50 seconds (using five tyres between ten people , paired up for the run)
- Lap Two: 19 minutes, 32 seconds (no tyres this time!) (Stretch Goal: 20 mins, Super Stretch Goal: 15 mins)
Both challenges pushed the group to their limits, and the improvements between laps were nothing short of incredible. The teamwork, grit, and support on display showed just how far this crew had come in only two days.
Final Day: Reflection and Epic Finishes
Day Three opened with more GMICs and a heartfelt gratitude session, where students reflected on the people in their lives they’re most thankful for, and then took action by writing a personal message to them.
Next came the Jump Free challenge, facing a 2.5m bungee and stepping off the tower with full trust in the process. Then it was time for the ‘50 Up’ initiative, using a yoga ball to build rhythm, coordination, and teamwork. After a few failed attempts, success was sweet!
After some afternoon tea, the final activity was all about fun and speed: Laser Skirmish! A high-energy way to close out a camp filled with challenge, bonding, and triumphs.
Recognising the Legends
To finish off, each tribe voted for a standout individual who best represented each of the Five Keys throughout camp. These campers were rewarded with the ultimate prize: a ride in The Summit’s very own army tank!
A massive congratulations to our Five Keys legends!
- Have fun , Isabelle
- Play all in- Levi
- Make lots of mistakes- Declan
- Get comfortable being uncomfortable- Mathilda
- Don’t go home wondering ‘what if’- Marcus
On behalf of Spinks and The Summit team, a huge thank you to the students and staff of Edenhope College. Your energy, openness, and courage made this camp something truly special. We’re so proud of everything you achieved and hope you carry the lessons, and memories, with you for years to come.
Wishing you all the very best for the rest of the school year. You smashed it!
, Coach Spinks & The Summit Team
Planning a school camp in Victoria? Download the School Information Pack or enquire for available dates.
