Last week, our Grade 9 students embarked on an unforgettable three-night, four-day adventure in Numinbah Valley in the Gold Coast hinterland. Surrounded by towering mountains, lush forests, and open skies, students were immersed in the beauty of God’s creation from the moment they arrived at base camp. The weather was simply stunning, with clear blue skies and warm sunshine throughout the week, providing the perfect backdrop for a camp focused on growth, challenge, and faith.
Students were divided into three groups and rotated through a series of activities designed to stretch them physically and build teamwork. Each group completed a 10-kilometre hike through the forest, carrying their gear and camping away from base camp for a night. This experience required perseverance, cooperation, and resilience as students navigated the trails, set up tents, and worked together in an unfamiliar environment. The sense of accomplishment at the end of the hike was evident, as students realised what they were capable of achieving. The other activities included archery tag and mountain biking, both of which were highlights of the camp. Archery tag brought energy and laughter as teams worked strategically together, while mountain biking challenged students to push beyond their comfort zones and develop confidence on the trails.
Each day, students gathered for devotions centred on God’s love in Christ. In the peaceful surroundings of the valley, these moments of reflection encouraged students to consider the depth of God’s love and what it means for their lives.
An important part of the experience was that students cooked their own meals in teams. From preparing ingredients to cleaning up afterwards, they took responsibility for feeding themselves and one another. The meals were not only tasty but also a testament to their teamwork and growing independence. Over the four days, students developed resilience through physical challenge, strengthened their character through shared responsibility, and deepened their faith through intentional time in God’s Word. The camp was a tremendous success, leaving students with lasting memories, stronger friendships, and a greater appreciation for both God’s creation and His love for them.
Stephen Ally Head of House – Community