Heathdale ChristianCollege

On the 2nd of July, the Year 11 students of Heathdale Christian College rolled through The Summit gates, full of curiosity and excitement, ready for a three-day adventure they’d never forget. After checking into their accommodations, students gathered at the Lodge where they were welcomed by the Summit coaching team and introduced to their camp leader, Sam.

Coach Matt then introduced everyone to the Five Keys, the heart of every Summit experience:

The Five Keys

1. Have Fun
2. Play All In
3. Make Lots of Mistakes
4. Get Uncomfortable
5. Don’t Go Home Wondering ‘What If’

With the tone set and expectations clear, it was time to begin their journey.

Day One — Leaping In

Before jumping into activities, students toured the park and key locations, then watched demonstrations by Elena and Lucy on how to wear harnesses and helmets safely. Cam introduced a powerful tool, Target, Stretch, and Super Stretch, to help students break down big goals into smaller, achievable steps.

With that in mind, they kicked off their seven activity rotations, including:

• Abseiling
• Laser Skirmish
• Summit Window
• Snowy River Challenge
• Sky Bridge
• Trust Games
• Giant Swing

After a full day of physical and mental challenge, the students enjoyed some well-earned free time before dinner, resting up for what was to come.

Day Two — Intentions & The Monster Course

The morning began in the Lodge with a session on Intentions, led by Sam. The focus? Choosing the kind of person you want to be and taking ownership of your actions, words, and energy. A light-hearted game of Heads or Tails followed, demonstrating the chaos of leaving life to chance, and highlighting the power of intentional decision-making.

With minds focused and energy rising, the students headed down for three more rotations. Then, after lunch, they loosened up with a hilarious game of Jockeys before preparing for the ultimate team challenge:

The Monster Course

This wasn’t just any obstacle course, it was a Summit signature.

Led by the coaches, students tackled 14 epic obstacles. And just when they thought they were done, the coaches revealed the twist: a second lap. This time, the goal wasn’t speed, it was improvement. Which team could rise above exhaustion and give even more?

The result? An unforgettable show of resilience, teamwork, and courage. After a much-needed rinse and a warm meal, students wound down with satisfaction, sore muscles, and proud smiles.

Day Three: Gratitude & Goodbyes

The final morning saw a sea of sleepy faces gather once more in the Lodge. Sam led a beautiful session on Gratitude, helping students shift perspective, reminding them to be thankful for what we get to do, not what we have to do. Many shared their own gratitude out loud: for friends, family, the opportunity to be here, and (of course) for food.

With spirits lifted, the group moved to the stage for a game of Pirates, led by Cam, to shake off the morning yawns. Then it was time for the final two rotations, one last chance to push themselves, connect, and leave nothing behind.

Before heading to lunch and saying their goodbyes, the teams gathered to reflect. Using the Rock, Stick, and Leaf debrief strategy:

• A rock for something that rocked about camp,
• A stick for something that will stay with them, and
• A leaf for something they’re choosing to leave behind.

Students also voted for the peer in their group who had most lived out the Five Keys throughout camp. These Values Winners were:

• The Niners , Hannah
• ? Minions , Ryan
• The No Name Queens , Kishan
• Group 4 the 4th , Fletcher
• Hi Fives , Daryl
• The Dream Chasers , Shreya
• George the 7th , Jemimah

To honour them, each was rewarded with a hot lap in The Summit’s World War II Army Tank, while their peers cheered them on. A fitting end to an incredible effort.

Challenge Results

Here are the official results for two of the biggest team events:

Snowy River Challenge (Teamwork & Speed):

1. George the 7th , 12:26
2. The No Name Queens , 13:40
3. Group 4 the 4th , 15:25
4. ? Minions , 17:27
5. The Dream Chasers , 18:12
6. Hi Fives , 18:20
7. The Niners , 19:13

Monster Course (Improvement from Lap 1 to Lap 2):

1. The Dream Chasers , 21:32
2. The Niners , 16:12
3. ? Minions , 14:52
4. The No Name Queens , 10:55
5. Hi Fives , 10:29
6. Group 4 the 4th , 9:29
7. George the 7th , 7:44

Thank You, Heathdale!

From the coaches at The Summit, Matt, Cam, Sam, Elena, Lucy, and the whole team , thank you, Heathdale students and staff, for playing all in, laughing lots, and leaving nothing behind.

We hope you left with friendships deepened, fears overcome, and a memory you’ll never forget.

We wish you all the best for the rest of your school year. And remember:

Don’t go home wondering “what if.”