The inaugural Year 11 Western Australian camp was a blast and an awesome bonding experience. Please click here to see some photos from the camp.

Our first day was a visit to the famous Rottnest Island (locally known as Rotto) and was a highlight for all. We travelled by ferry along the beautiful blue water, arriving in Rottnest to a bounty of hungry quokkas who were eager to taste our tahini salad. We snorkelled, surfed, and undertook ill-fated bike rides with detours which challenged our resilience but ultimately ended in feelings of great achievement.

Led by our fantastic Jewish Experiential Education team, we spent a restorative Shabbat in Busselton. Our wonderful classmates facilitated the Kabbalat Shabbat and Shacharit services by the sea as well as a year level dance battle competition. Shabbat was spent reflecting, relaxing, and playing volleyball in the ocean.

Next we continued our travels down the coast, stopping at the ANZAC centre to learn about the WWI convoys which left from Albany, which was for many of them their last time on Australian soil. Another trip to the Whaling Museum allowed us to tour a decommissioned whaling factory and ship, opening our eyes to the brutal industry. This somewhat disturbing excursion was an important history to acknowledge.

At our next destination, Hopetoun, we all learnt how to build swags, surviving two nights outdoors.

The day after some of us completed a rocky hike up East Mount Barren while others experienced a serene beach walk. Both groups were able to take in the natural wonders of this part of the world.

Later we ventured into Hopetoun township for a snack, cricket, and fun games. This chill afternoon provided a deep bonding experience, creating a culture of camaraderie as we head into Year 12.

Overall, the experience has been rewarding and has served as a calming end to a busy year. Thank you so much to our guides from Adventure Tours for their expertise and enthusiasm (especially Kimbo for procuring us kosher meat!), and our dedicated teachers for their humour and care in leading this camp.

Giselle, Lennox, and Mimi (Year 11)