Teamwork, leadership, physical endurance, a couple of spills and a lucky catch were features of last week’s outdoor education kayaking camp.
About 15 Year 12 Outdoor Education students kayaked 36km along sections of the River Murray and Katarapko Creek between Berri to Loxton.
The SACE Stage 2 class developed their minimal impact bush camping skills by cooking on trangias and sleeping in tents.
The camp was also designed to foster leadership capabilities, initiative and teamwork.
It was the first of several camps planned for the class and teacher Adam Langford said it was an opportunity for students to improve their endurance.
“There were definitely some physical and mental battles along the journey,” Mr Langford said.
“We do some lead-in sessions to build basic skills but they only go for an hour-and-a-half, whereas a full-day paddling on the water creates a few mental demons at times.
“Everyone did a really good job, they stuck together as a group and grinded through and I think they got a lot out of it.”
Inevitably, there were a couple of spills along the course.
“There were a couple of students who fell in the water without their kayaks and the kayaks would have floated downstream, but they managed to get back in,” Mr Langford said.
Students enjoyed spending time with their friends and being in nature.
“Going to the stone weir and seeing that for the first time was pretty amazing,” Gabriel said.
Ryan also found the stone weir a highlight.
“I’m looking forward to the walks we’re doing and portaging (carrying a kayak over an obstacle) the stony weir, it should be good fun,” he said.
Jacob found it relaxing on the water.
“I really enjoyed just kayaking smoothly with a bunch of my mates and being able to have a chat,” he said.
For Nate, one of the highlights was a lucky 35cm catch from the bank.
“Rocking up to camp and putting the rod in straight away and catching a callop – I wasn’t expecting to catch anything!”
