Harkaway Primary School Year 5 and 6Camp

From May 7th, our Harkaway students embarked on an exciting and transformative camp experience at The Summit , and what an adventure it was! With big smiles, bags in hand, and hearts full of curiosity, students arrived ready to challenge themselves, connect with their peers, and have a whole lot of fun.

The Summit’s Five Keys to Success

Early on, students met their energetic coaches, Lucy and Cal, who introduced The Summit’s Five Keys , a set of guiding principles that help turn a good camp into a world-class experience:

1. HAVE FUN , Find joy in every moment.
2. PLAY ALL IN , Give your best without comparing yourself to others.
3. MAKE LOTS OF MISTAKES , Mistakes are how we grow, and camp is a safe space to take risks.
4. GET COMFORTABLE BEING UNCOMFORTABLE , Step outside your comfort zone to discover your potential.
5. DON’T GO HOME WONDERING “WHAT IF” , Seize every opportunity with no regrets.

Goal Setting the Summit Way

Before launching into activities, students learned The Summit’s unique goal-setting model. Each challenge is broken into three levels:

• Target , A goal inside your comfort zone.
• Stretch , Just outside your comfort zone.
• Super Stretch , Feels impossible, but leads to the most growth.

This approach encouraged everyone to aim high and support one another.

Let the Fun Begin!

The camp kicked off with a hilarious group game of “Where’s George?” , starring the camp’s squeaky mascot pig. Then, the groups split for their first activities:

• Group 1 , The Fantabulous 15 took on Tash’s Ladder , climbing to new heights with determination.
• Group 2 , Imagine Losing braved the darkness in the Cave Experience , stepping far outside their comfort zones.

After a full day of adventure, students enjoyed some free time, followed by a hearty dinner of chicken schnitzels. The evening ended with a peaceful Night Walk and a lot of chatter (and giggles) before lights out.

Day Two — Teamwork, Challenges, and Mud!

The second day began with Cal speaking about setting intentions , how we want to show up for ourselves and our team. The day then exploded with energy during a game of Pirates , setting the tone for more incredible activities:

• Sky Bridge , A nerve-wracking walk across a wobbly bridge above the lake.
• Laser Skirmish , Friendly competition and laser tag fun.
• Rock Wall Tower , Students tackled tire climbs and overhangs.
• Bush Challenge , A team-based obstacle course full of mud, foam pits, puzzles, and memory games.

The afternoon brought the highly anticipated Monster Course . Students believed they were racing each other, only to discover the real goal: resilience . Everyone ran a second lap, pushing through fatigue and proving to themselves just how strong and determined they are. The improvement and teamwork were incredible, Lucy and Cal were so proud!

Day Three — Finishing Strong

Though a bit tired on the final morning, students showed up with enthusiasm, eager to finish camp on a high. Cal spoke about gratitude and appreciating the small things, and the heroes in our lives.

The final challenges were:

• Leap of Faith , A thrilling jump to catch a hanging bar.
• Flying Fox , Soaring high above the lake, this was a huge favorite!

To wrap up, each group voted for their Group Hero and Heart of the Team , those who consistently supported, inspired, and uplifted their peers. These students were rewarded with a ride in the World War II army tank , even rolling over a car while their friends cheered them on!

A Big Thank You

Coaches Lucy and Cal want to extend a huge thank you to every student for bringing your energy, bravery, and positive attitudes to camp. Your willingness to step up, support one another, and embrace every challenge made this camp truly special.

We’d also like to thank our incredible teachers for their support and care throughout the experience, helping to create an unforgettable program for every Harkaway student.

Until next time, keep embracing the butterflies and chasing those super stretch goals!