There was a sense of excitement and nerves as families congregated in the Chapel on Monday morning before camp and parents placed their letters of encouragement into their child’s beanies before saying their farewells for the week. Let 'The Adventure' begin!

Concordia – The Rite Journey has just completed its most significant event of the year so far in The Adventure camp to the Flinders Ranges. It was an experience that the Year 9 students found challenging yet rewarding. It was also a time where Concordia staff witnessed the students' personal growth and development of friendships. It was a fantastic opportunity for the students to experience challenges in a supportive environment, try new things, witness some incredible views and build on their friendships (and possibly develop new ones) throughout the week. The boys' and girls' camps both focused on the overarching theme of challenges and how working through them helps form our identity, resilience and when experienced together, builds a sense of community. Students explored what makes them the person they are and how they contribute to the wider group. This was experienced through physical, emotional and social challenges that the students were faced with throughout the camp.

The staff on both camps were amazed with the students' endurance, resilience and willingness to give all aspects of the camp their best shot. We were particularly impressed with the way each group bonded with their focus on a common goal and how this led to a great sense of community for the week of camp. I am sure the students will come away from this camp with a sense of personal achievement and an understanding that trying new things outside of their comfort zones will stretch them and lead to personal growth - a life lesson that we can all hold on to and need to be reminded of constantly.

A special thanks to the Concordia staff who supported The Adventure camp so well, along with the staff of Wilderness Escape Outdoor Adventures who supported everything we implemented throughout the week.

Ben Crook
Year 9 Leader