On the afternoon of Monday, June 2nd, students and teachers arrived at The Summit Camp, ready to dive into three days of growth, challenge, and serious fun. After checking into their bungalows, they gathered up at the stadium to meet their coach, Spinks, and kicked things off with a quick game of “Look Up, Look Down” (also known as Screaming Turtles), a hilarious icebreaker to get everyone laughing and moving.
Afterwards, the group was welcomed with a video introduction and introduced to The Summit’s Five Keys , the values that would guide every step of the experience:
The Five Keys
- Have Fun
- Play All In
- Make Lots of Mistakes
- Get Uncomfortable
- Don’t Go Home Wondering ‘What If’
Day One: Action Starts Now
With those values in mind, it was straight into their first major challenge: The Summit Window. Climbing up a 20-meter tower, students had to lean back, let go, and trust the rope, an epic first step out of their comfort zones.
Next, they took on the Snowy River Challenge, a series of team-based obstacles including balance beams, wall climbs, bridges, and a swing-to-platform finale. Their time was 30 minutes, but the group earned a reduction with an additional Wombat Hole Challenge, shaving their score even further.
The afternoon wrapped up with initiative games like Bacon and Tiles, designed to build problem-solving and teamwork skills. Spinks then introduced the group to GMICs ( Great Moments in Camp ), a chance to celebrate one another with written acknowledgements of the inspiring things they’d seen.
Day Two: Going Deeper, Getting Muddier
The second day began with breakfast and a round of GMICs before the Intention Session, where students were invited to reflect on how they wanted to show up, for themselves and for others. Even something as simple as giving someone a high five could make a difference.
Down at the BBQ shelter, they played a camp favourite, “50 UP”, a yoga ball game with one goal: keep the ball in the air for 50 touches. After a few solid attempts, they got to 43, a good warm-up for what was to come.
First up: the Giant Swing. One by one, students were harnessed in and pulled skyward by their teammates, choosing red, yellow, or green heights before letting go and flying through the air. Courage and encouragement were everywhere.
After swinging, it was time to go underground with the Cave Experience, where groups used their right hand on the cave wall to guide themselves through the pitch-black tunnels and regroup in silence at the end, an eerie but unforgettable bonding moment.
After morning tea, the students tried Snakes & Nails, walking across a bed of nails and meeting the camp’s resident python, Hercules! Then it was back up for a delicious lunch, a quick change, and prep for the big one…
But first, High Wire. Working in teams of three, students took turns climbing up opposite poles and attempting to meet in the middle across a tightrope. Trust, responsibility, and teamwork were on full display.
Then came the legendary Monster Course . After warming up with a goofy game of Big Star, Little Star, students set off, sprinting through lakes, mud, and mayhem in a course built to test limits. What they didn’t know? They’d be doing it twice.
Their first lap time was 22:30 .
But the second lap ? They passed their super stretch goal of 16 minutes and finished in 15:43 , a massive improvement and a moment of real pride.
After well-earned showers and dinner, the group gathered for a movie night and some much-needed rest.
Day Three: Reflection, Gratitude, and Going Out Strong
The final day began with more GMICs, followed by a gratitude session where students reflected on the people in their lives they’re most thankful for. Then they wrote heartfelt messages to those people, bringing the camp’s values full circle.
Then it was time for Jump Free, a 2.5-meter bungee jump off a tower. Whether students stepped off forward or backward, they had to trust the gear and take a leap, yet another moment of stepping into the unknown.
Next came a rematch with 50 UP, and this time, they smashed it, getting all the way to 63! Final victory secured.
The last activity of camp was a high-energy session of Laser Skirmish, a final blast of running, hiding, and strategic teamwork to close out their adventure.
Five Keys Legends
To close the experience, each student voted for one peer who best embodied each of The Five Keys during camp. These outstanding legends earned the ultimate reward: a ride in The Summit’s very own army tank!
Have Fun , Sascha
Play All In , Jordan
Make Lots of Mistakes , Angel
Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable , Dante
Don’t Go Home Wondering “What If” , Travis
Thank You!
On behalf of Coach Spinks and all of us at The Summit, thank you for joining us for an unforgettable few days. You laughed, leapt, got muddy, made mistakes, and pushed through the uncomfortable, and we couldn’t be prouder.
Wishing you all the best for the rest of the year, keep playing all in!
, The Summit Team
Planning a school camp in Victoria? Download the School Information Pack or enquire for available dates.
