By ANEEKA SIMONIS
BERWICK senior school students gained new skills and a better understanding of environmental issues in Victoria’s high country during this year’s Snow Camp.
Beaconhills College’s Outdoor and Environmental Studies students recently spent a week in the Alpine National Park, cross-country skiing and snow camping.
The camp focused on cattle grazing in the high country and included a visit to Mt Buller’s Alpine Museum, where they listened to a mountain cattleman talk about his views on the alpine grazing issue.
Outdoor and Environmental Studies teacher Belinda Dalziel said the camp helped the Year 12 students build valuable life-skills such as resilience, teamwork and leadership.
“The students prepare and cook all their meals in the snow, as well as camp in tents, learn to build a ‘snow kitchen’ and develop their cross-country skiing skills,” she said.
Student Jaymie said the camp was one of the toughest things she had ever physically done, but a “once in a lifetime opportunity”.
“Sleeping outside in such freezing conditions was difficult at times … but I would have to say that this camp was probably one of the best experiences of my life.”
Fellow student Scott agreed: “The camp was a massive challenge, especially skiing up to the summit of Mt Stirling, but it was definitely worth it because the view was incredible.”
