At Calvary, we believe that growth often happens outside the classroom. Year 11 Emu Gully camp is one of those defining experiences, a time where challenge meets character, where faith meets perseverance, and where a cohort learns what it truly means to stand together. Below, we share reflections from both a student and teacher perspective.

A Student Perspective

Year 11 camp is one of the highlights of the year. It brought all of us together in so many ways, but I would be lying if I said this camp wasn’t draining in every aspect imaginable.

Emu Gully pushed everyone way past their limits, but for the better. Each activity challenged us mentally, physically and spiritually. Whether we were pulling a cannon through mud, crawling through dark rocky tunnels or carrying our friends on a stretcher, we were pushed. And then we were pushed some more. Some activities felt like they were going to pull us apart, but that pushing was all a big part of the process, the process of bringing us together and understanding that working together as a team is the only way to go.

Every challenge we encountered on the camp was a metaphor or a lesson for us to take back into the real world, all centred around courage, selflessness and mateship: the Anzac Spirit. Crawling through tunnels and paintball taught us to be brave and not afraid of the unknown. Carrying our friends on stretchers through difficult situations showed us to think of those who need it the most and not ourselves. Most of all, every single activity showed us that we are better together, that each person played an important role in both our successes and our struggles.

One of my personal highlights was early morning worship. This was an amazing student-led opportunity for us to grow and come together in worship and praise to God before we started our day. There was nothing better than a guitar, a sunrise and a group of 17-year-olds singing praises to the Lord to begin our day feeling refreshed. As we realised throughout the camp (and as our exhaustion caught up to us), trusting in God and having a time of rest in Him was truly encouraging.

By Zoe Vidins - now Year 12 student 

A Teacher Perspective

There are some experiences in school life that students remember for years. Year 11 Emu Gully camp is one of them.

Emu Gully is not designed to be easy, and that is exactly why it is so valuable. It places students in situations that are physically demanding, mentally stretching and, at times, uncomfortable. They are asked to carry, crawl, problem-solve, persevere and support one another when they are tired. In those moments, students quickly learn that success does not come from individual strength alone. It comes from teamwork, encouragement and shared effort.

What makes Emu Gully so powerful for our Year 11 cohort is the way it reveals character. Students see each other at their best and at their most exhausted. They see courage when someone faces a challenge they did not think they could do. They see selflessness when a student puts the team first. They see mateship when one person slows down to help another finish. These are not just camp moments, they are the kinds of habits and values that shape a strong cohort back at school as well.

The camp also gives students a shared experience that helps unite them as a year level. Before camp, students may know each other in friendship groups, classes or teams. After camp, there is often a stronger sense of identity across the whole cohort. They have worked through hard things together. They have had to communicate, trust and depend on one another. That shared challenge builds connection in a way a normal school week simply cannot.

Year 11 is an important stage. Students are stepping into greater responsibility, leadership and preparation for Year 12. Emu Gully helps set the tone. It pushes students to grow in resilience, service and maturity, while reminding them that they are part of something bigger than themselves.

Another meaningful part of the camp is the space it creates for reflection and faith. Away from the normal pace of school life, students have the chance to slow down, worship together and reset. Moments like early morning student-led worship can be especially significant, as students begin the day grounded in community and in God. In the middle of a challenging camp, that time of worship and rest becomes a powerful reminder of where our strength comes from.

by Mr Paul Heagney - Head of Stage 6 (Yr 11 & 12)

United in Challenge, Grounded in Faith

Year 11 Emu Gully camp is tough. It stretches students and leaves them tired. But more importantly, it builds courage, deepens friendships and strengthens faith.

Through mud, tunnels, teamwork and worship, our students are reminded that resilience is forged in challenge, leadership is shaped through service, and true strength is found together, and in God.

That is why Emu Gully remains one of the most significant milestones in the Year 11 journey at Calvary.

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