By Ian Thomas, Teacher 7UP
What an incredible few days we had at our OIA Overnight End of Year Camp with classes 7INT, 7UP and 8DEP. Over three days, we laughed, learned, challenged ourselves, got soaked, got muddy, got tired, and most importantly, created memories that will stay with us long after primary school is over.
From the moment we arrived, camp quickly became more than just an excursion. It became a community. Children set up their rooms, explored the giant field, bounced endlessly on the bouncy cushion, played together, and showed us what can happen when different classes come together with kindness and enthusiasm.
Our adventures began on the water as we kayaked down the river. Some groups focused on reaching the bridge while others discovered that getting stuck was sometimes just as much fun. A few students even conducted some unexpected investigations into gravity by ending up in the water. Thankfully, no insects were harmed when paddles were occasionally repurposed as defensive tools against tiny flying visitors.
We also tested our aim during archery and discovered that Juf Elise may secretly be Katniss Everdeen from The Hunger Games. Throughout camp, students took part in creative Taskmaster challenges led by Juf Sabrina, including making hats, finding giant leaves, balancing Oreo cookies from forehead to mouth without hands, and placing shoes in locations that, in hindsight, perhaps should have been more accessible. This may or may not have resulted in Meester Ian climbing onto a roof and into a tree to retrieve them.
The following day brought even more adventure as we headed to Joytime Climbing Park. Armed with harnesses, carabiners, courage, and nerves of steel, students climbed through the trees and tackled levels one to five. One of the highlights was seeing Juf Valentina challenge her fear of heights with the encouragement of the children around her. Watching students cheer her on reminded us that courage often grows when we support one another.
Chaos, Campfires and Silent Disco Nights
Back at camp, we may have unintentionally recreated the Battle of Waterloo during our giant water battle. It started with organised teams until one word from Meester Ian changed everything.
“Chaos!”
What followed was pure camp joy. Water flew everywhere, everyone became completely soaked, and there was plenty of laughter with zero injuries.
Our evenings were equally memorable. We enjoyed delicious meals together, shared stories, danced at our silent disco to three world famous Optimist DJs, and slowly discovered that getting children to sleep at camp may be one of the greatest challenges known to teachers.
On our final day, we woke up to a little rain that quickly gave way to sunshine once again. Students amazed the teachers with their commitment to cleaning. Rooms were scrubbed, floors were swept, bedframes were washed, rubbish was collected, and even the giant bouncy cushion received a deep clean from a group of determined students armed with buckets and brooms.
We finished camp by connecting our learning to our Forces unit and building life sized catapults. Students learned about knots, teamwork, potential energy, and kinetic energy as tennis balls flew across the football pitch. It was the perfect example of learning coming alive beyond the classroom walls.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
Most importantly, camp reminded us that some of the best learning does not happen at a desk. It happens when children challenge their comfort zones, solve problems together, support one another, laugh at unexpected moments, and build friendships that grow stronger every day.
A huge thank you to all of our teachers, who gave their time, energy, and enthusiasm to make this experience possible, and to the wonderful camp owners and staff who were knowledgeable, friendly, and always ready to help.
As we head towards the end of another school year, this camp perfectly sums up what makes OIA special.
Together, we shine brighter!