Odyssey Camp 2025

Odyssey Camp 2025 was an unforgettable experience for our students, combining adventure, learning, and teamwork on the beautiful Rottnest Island. The camp gave students the chance to explore history, engage in outdoor activities, and develop valuable life skills while enjoying the natural surroundings.

Here is what AP student Skylar had to say about their trip:

Odyssey Camp 2025 was honestly one of the best camps I’ve ever been on, and it was the perfect way to finish the school year. Staying on Rottnest Island made everything feel like a real adventure.

We slept in tents, which weren’t as comfy as home, but it made the whole experience way more fun and memorable. Waking up to the morning air, hearing the wind, and being outdoors all day was something you don’t get at school.

Mealtimes were actually kind of cool because we all had to work together. Different groups had their own jobs, cooking, setting up, packing away, and everyone helped out. It felt good seeing everyone organised and cooperating without teachers doing everything for us. We did several great activities too.

On the Oliver Hill excursion, we learned about Rottnest Island’s role during World War II and explored the massive 9.2-inch naval gun that was installed to defend Fremantle Harbour from enemy attacks. Walking through the underground tunnels and seeing the old machinery was like walking through history. So much effort went into protecting the coastline. Riding the train up to Oliver Hill was a highlight too – especially with T.J. getting to drive and everyone laughing along the way; it felt like such an adventure.

Snorkelling was one of my favourite activities; seeing all the colourful fish and checking out the shipwreck felt unreal. After a long day, it was nice just chilling together in a relaxed place, which is what our campsite became after the baking sun began to set!

There were also challenges, for sure. The quokkas tried to steal everything and wandered around in people’s tents looking for food. We missed the surfing activity because the other group gave us the wrong address – we ended up at the wrong end of Salmon Bay, three kilometres away from the surf! I was disappointed we didn’t go surfing; the group that went said it was fun. Instead, we walked on the beach and looked for shells. Some of us got sunburnt on the first days of Odyssey, and the heat made things harder, especially the bike riding. But we all pushed through it together.

I think this camp helped me grow a lot. I made new connections, dealt with the sun, wind, and sand, and learnt how to be part of a community. For my last camp ever at this school, it couldn’t have been better. I’ll never forget it.

-Skylar