On the 27th of May, the Year 9 boys from Mount Lilydale Mercy College arrived at The Summit full of energy, excitement, and anticipation for the adventure ahead. After settling into the Lodge for lunch, the students met their coaching team and were introduced to everything they would need for an unforgettable few days of challenge, growth, and fun.
Before launching into activities, the students learned The Summit’s Five Keys—the mindset that would guide them throughout camp:
The group was also introduced to our Target, Stretch, and Super Stretch goal-setting strategy, encouraging them to break big challenges into achievable steps and discover what they were truly capable of. To put this into practice, the students tackled a game of 50-Up with a yoga ball and smashed out over 250 touches as a group.
With helmets fitted, harnesses checked, and goals set, it was time to dive into the action.
Over the course of camp, students took on an incredible variety of activities, including:
The boys completed their first activity rotations before putting their creativity to work and creating their Tribe Names:
The students were also introduced to a Summit favourite—GMICs (Great Moments In Camp), where coaches and students celebrate the small wins, courageous moments, and memorable experiences that make camp so special.
That evening, everyone gathered in the Lodge for a Belief and Mindset session. Students explored both limiting and empowering beliefs before learning how to break through boards as a physical demonstration of pushing beyond self-imposed barriers. It was a powerful way to finish an already exciting first day.
Day Two kicked off with a Morning Intention session, where students reflected on the importance of focusing on what they can control—their attitude, effort, language, and choices.
After creating their own intentions for the day, the boys headed down to the park for a game of Jockeys to get moving before launching into three activity rotations for the morning. Despite running on a little less sleep, the energy stayed high as students continued stepping up, supporting one another, and pushing themselves outside their comfort zones.
Following lunch, there were three more activity rotations to round out a massive day of adventure and achievement.
After dinner, it was time for one of the biggest highlights of camp—the legendary Night Monster Course.
All twelve tribes assembled at the Stage before heading out two teams at a time to tackle the mud, obstacles, and challenges that awaited them. While students initially thought the goal was simply to complete the course as fast as possible, they soon discovered the real challenge was improving on their first lap.
Every single team managed to improve their time on the second attempt, showing resilience, determination, and an incredible willingness to Play All In. The energy throughout the course was outstanding, and the support between teammates was a perfect example of the Five Keys in action.
As the final morning arrived, the group gathered to hear some of the camp’s standout GMICs before Coach Lucy led a Gratitude session. Students reflected on the people and experiences they are thankful for and explored different ways they can express gratitude through actions, words, and appreciation.
After a fun game of Huckle Buckle, the boys completed their final activity rotations, making the most of every last moment at The Summit.
As camp came to a close, each tribe voted for a Values Winner—someone who had consistently embodied The Summit’s Five Keys through courage, teamwork, positivity, and participation.
These twelve legends were rewarded with a hot lap in The Summit’s World War II Army Tank while being cheered on by their peers.
🏅 Values Winners:
🏆 Snowy River Challenge (fastest times):
💪 Night Monster Course – Improved by:
What an incredible few days of challenge, teamwork, laughter, and growth. From conquering fears on the high elements to powering through the Monster Course, the Year 9 boys showed resilience, courage, and an outstanding willingness to embrace every opportunity that came their way.
On behalf of Coaches Spinks, Lucy, Will, Anthony, and the entire Summit team, thank you for bringing such fantastic energy to camp. We loved watching you support one another, celebrate each other’s wins, and step outside your comfort zones.
We wish you all the very best for the rest of the year.
Remember: Have Fun, Play All In, and Don’t Go Home Wondering ‘What If.’
— The Summit Coaching Team
