The Summit

Sandringham College arrived with a lot of enthusiasm and energy and were very keen to get stuck into their camp activities. After a few warm up games and initiatives, the groups got stuck into the activities. The first day say each team complete 2 elements, and a night walk after dinner. Day 2 was full on, with 3 activities, the Monster Course, some free time on the water slide, and a talent show to finish off the day. Despite this everyone was up and ready to go on Day 3, still with just as much enthusiasm as was shown on Day 1.

Everyone gave it their all on the Monster Course, with some awesome results by all the teams. The teachers went a little too hard on the first lap, getting the fastest time of all the teams, but then were unable to improve on this time in the second lap. However all the student teams improved on their first lap time, with group 7 improving by the greatest time and therefore winning the Monster Course.

Anonymous set the quickest time on the Snowy River Challenge, however all teams showed great teamwork to complete the course.

Some special mentions go out to:

• Alex, who showed great support and encouragement on the Sky Bridge when he helped Mikaela to get across
• Kyle for making a second visit to Monty
• ‘Molly’, who in the words of Paulie was ‘a bit of a bogan’..
• Andrew for going on the Giant Swing despite his nerves.
• Jess from group 3 getting a super stretch by making it all the way to the top on the Giant Swing
• Callum from group 1, who at first didn’t even want to try and walk across the Bed of Nails, but overcame his nerves and made it all the way across
• Frasier from group 1 who realised that not all snakes are scary and overcame his fear to hold Monty
• Ella from group 5 who went through the wombat hole despite her fear
• Aden and Lizzy, who walked the Sky Bridge without holding onto the support rope, and Saul and Dylan for walking it backwards
• Well done to Drop Bears who started on one of the scariest elements, Leap of Faith, but all gave it a go none the less
• Great effort to Molly in the Monster Course for diving head first into the mud pit
• Tjana who faced her fear and went through the wombat hole on Snowy River Challenge
• Charmaine noticed the awesome effort put in by group 5 for the massive improvement in teamwork and co-operation over the 3 days of camp. And for sticking to the values they set for themselves, well done!
• And a shout out to Anonymous from Paulie for being an awesome group

Overall it was a great camp, with lots of fun and excitement. Big thank you from our staff for a great 3 days!!

It was a wet, cold and miserable morning when the year nine girls from Matthew Flinders arrived. Despite the rain, it couldn’t dampen the girls’ moods. The girls were just so enthusiastic to be participating in activities they’ve never experienced before and ready for the challenges ahead.

First of all a special mention to Katie on the giant swing who did a great job by going all the way to the top, but she wasn’t the only one. Skybridge in the wet wasn’t ideal, but it didn’t stop the girls’ true values from shining through. It took a joint effort from Jess and Claire to conquer the skybridge while Shaun also managed to master the Skybridge. It was great to discover a sense of humor in Vicki who referred to Steph, our facilitator, as ‘Miss’.

Heights weren’t the only challenge, the snowy river course proved a tough encounter for some groups. Jasmine and Demi were terrific on the wall in the snowy river while a trio made up of Cass, Emma and Claire was always supportive. It took an inspiring pep talk from our facilitator Megsy to push through the snowy river course and record the fastest time.

A fear of snakes became clear among the girls of Matthew Flinders. But a special mention to Cass who spoke about an unpleasant past experience, but faced her fears and it was an amazing breakthrough. Well done to Emily and Hannah and everyone else who attempted to piggy back across the nails. You are very brave girls!

The monster course was a difficult task, especially since it meant two laps. The mudpit wasn’t anyone’s favorite activity but it was great to see the girls crawl out covered in mud, even if they needed a little push from our facilitators. Doing monster the second time around and pushing through the cold weather, the determination showed through and everyone smashed it! It just goes to show you that you can do more than you think you can.

Finally, a last mention to Mrs. Potts for her amazing support on the wall and pushing herself on Summit window, showing the kids how it’s done.  And to Amber who was the mighty mouse of Matthew Flinders, for just an amazing effort over the whole camp. Well done to the Flea Bags who won the monster and snowy. They showed team unity and total domination and were very team orientated.

To Vicki who had a little spill on the snowy river course, we hope you make a speedy recovery and back in action soon.

Congratulations to everyone who participated in activities and we hope you take what you’ve learnt at The Summit into your everyday lives.

First of all we’d like to congratulate everyone at Heatherton Primary School for their ultra-participation. It was one of the greatest levels of standards we’ve had at The Summit and everyone rose to the challenge.

The snowy river challenge was a popular activity which saw many super stretches. Tamar gave the wombat hole and got time taken off for her team. Tom was super supportive towards Ellie on the course while Jamie was just as supportive for Marie. Not only was Jamie supportive to others she also managed to push herself. The wire bridge was tough but Sarah’s strong support helped her teammates cross the finish line.

On the other activities there were strong signs of teamwork. A special mention to Hannah for a super stretch on the Summit window, while Sophia conquered the nails and tackled the leap of faith. Well done to Daina for giving Monty a chance and to Ellie and Brad who showed a great love for Monty through a kiss.

Holly showed off some of her awesome abseiling skills and her ‘never give up’ attitude was evident along with her philosophy on determination.

Jackie for singing Friday on way down abseil, thank god it’s Friday is not the best song no matter what you think, awesome work. Ian finally showed some GAS towards the end of the camp while Nathan was an absolute champion and we loved your attitude.  Sarah you’re gorgeous and awesome support for your peers was great to see. Also excellent work to Bree for leading from the front and maybe a superman next time?

Just remember…

On the other side of fear is freedom

One rainy day in April  an enthusiastic bunch of kids came to the summit to seek adventure and fun. Many of these  kids showed they had the guts and courage to become part of The Summit crew.  They threw fear out the window and jumped head first into all the challenges we tossed their way, never showing fear.

Certain kids showed extra strength and courage so we thought they should be mentioned for all to see how amazing and how proud we are of them for pushing past there super stretch.

• Nicolas for braving the mouse traps on day one
• Lanjor for facing the fierce Monty and her a second chance
• Nathan for always trying to do the activities and facing his fears – I am extremely proud of him from Sammy
• Taylor for giving the wobbly sky bridge a second chance and making it the whole way across in the pouring rain with Sammy hot on her heels
• Sammy’s girls for facing their fears in the wombat hole and cave, never letting the dark and small get in their way
• Gina and Taylor for always showing great support in their team
• Keelee and Mitchell for stepping up to their fears in the last two days
• well done to Gus for always showing his team how to be loud and enthusiastic at all times.  Gus you were an amazing supporter of all in your group
• Happy birthday to Kyle hope you enjoyed your cake on your head.
• Daniel is proud to be part of 6 Evans.  I’ll mark that one down!
• Well done for the amazing job of those who won a tank ride you really shined these last two days.

Daniel, Matt (trainee) Sammy and Stephen would like to thank all grade 6’s for being a totally awesomely wicked group. You never gave up and always brought your GAS you GASIE bunch.  Keep up the amazing enthusiasm and GAS.

The Summit welcomed Our Lady of Sion College year 10’s to begin another term. We could instantly see their energy levels were high and they were very enthusiastic. The theme for the three days the girls would be with us would be “be the best you can”. When the girls arrived, the harmonies coming from the stage showed they were ready for the exciting days ahead.

There were some brilliant moments on the camp, with a special mention going to Bridget for her massive super stretch on high wire and also for her one hand grab on the Leap of Faith. Some other highlights included Bec when she fell over on Bush Challenge and kept going, Meg hitting her head on the big balls in the Monster Challenge and Sheen for belaying for 5 different climbers whilst singing One Direction, something Harry would be proud of. Great work girls!

Also, Megsy wanted to congratulate Jasmine & Katrina for having a massive breakthrough on High Wire, and to Meg, Dan wanted to say well done for getting up Bush Challenge wall by yourself.

Shae showed support for her team all camp, and was great to see Maddy from Scarlet Letters stepping up and going through first on cave. With nicknames that hopefully may stick, Chris & Cross for being double trouble when teamed up together. The Giant Swing just wasn’t enough for some people and Rosie chose to go blindfolded.

Congratulations to Blue A for winning the Monster Course with a special mention to all participants who braved the mud pit including Mr Wright.

Thanks everyone for the camp and it was an incredible experience for all The Summit staff members too.

And girls….

You don’t know you’re beautiful!

The second half of the week rolled around and the second half of Mt Lilydale turned up at The Summit with amazing energy and enthusiasm. They were ready to start their three days of adventure and self discovery. After three full days of never giving up and trying their hardest, Mt. Lilydale left on a high after pushing to their super stretches on the highest and scariest activities The Summit has to offer. The Summit staff had an amazing time working with such a great school and here are some of the highlights they would like to point out:

• Chelsea for smashing out her super stretch on Sky Bridge
• Chloe Jones for never giving up on Rock Wall
• Matt and his “pineapple” in Snake and Nails
• Kayla and Blake for constant encouragement to their team
• Nick facing his fears in the Wombat Hole and Nathan for trying to encourage him by sitting in the wombat
• Tom for being so amazing when  going though the Wombat Hole first and also helping Lochie over the Mud Pit and sacrificing his brand new white shoes
• Lochie for never giving up on the swing and Mud Pit beam
• Emily and Evangeline for facing Monty
• Well done to Jordan for his awesome efforts on the Snowy River Challenge
• Tilly for pushing herself on both Cave and Snake and Nails
• Pierce for continually getting up after falling down on Sky Bridge
• Congrats  to all who braved the dark depths of the Cave
• Avlia for showing great courage on the High Wire
• Monique for taking charge and pushing the boys though the Wombat Hole on Snowy
• Lochie for conquering his fears on the Fox, Sky Bridge and Rockwall
• Well done to the lovely young lady who faced her fears on Tash’s Ladder
• A huge congratulations to all those who stepped up and free jumped off the Tower onto the Mega Cushion
• Also a pat on the back to all those who pushed themselves on the last day with high elements to reach their super stretches and pushed themselves to an amazing last day on camp.

All of the staff here at The Summit would like to thank Mt. Lilydale for an amazing camp. You guys had a lot of energy and were willing to try it all.

Hey guys, just had a simply smashing visit from Mount Lilydale Secondary College.  Had a fantastic few days doing some pretty cool activities with the Yr 9’s. From Flying Foxing to Sky Bridge to Rock Wall and Highwire. The Yr 9’s took the high elements in their stride!  But don’t think we could forget the experience of Cave or meeting Monty our carpet python!  There were some amazing efforts on the team challenges of Bush and Snowy, everyone ended up deliciously muddy after their trip in ‘The Wombat Hole’.  Laser Skirmish had everyone keen for more, so we know you guys had a great time!

Some special mentions though……..

• Victor from the Green Machine had a mammoth effort catching on the Fox, catching everyone not only twice, but THREE TIMES!
• Cassie + Lauren from Dan’s Wolf Pack for a courageous effort and some tears on highwire
• special mention to all the Tash’s Ladder climbing for achieving a super stretch .Especially Ryan, Max and Meg who didn’t even want to climb at all!
• Bree from Wolf Pack who smashed it out on the Sky Bridge like a super star
• Karla from Jade B for really pushing herself on Sky Bridge
• Peter for being the quickest up the Rock Wall and for being the only one to face plant in the Cave down the ditch
• Reanne for being awesome
• Amy and Eden for braving the wombat hole
• Savanana , Victora ,Tayler, Lilly and Max for facing there fears and holding the fearsome Monty on there shoulders
• Caitlyn for braving the nail board with her feet of steel
• Daniel for being amazingly awesome  and supporting her team at a constant rate
• Emma and Victor for braving the high wire
• Riley’s amazing persistence on the nail board and his ‘never give up’ attitude
• a massive congrats to all those who climbed Gods Window.

The Summit welcomed Drouin Secondary College Year 8’s to Trafalgar for a five day planned program.  There were high expectations placed in this local school, focusing on getting all the students to give everything a go and attempt to push themselves into the unknown, much different to what they were used to back at school. We are pleased to announce that they didn’t disappoint.

Heidi, where is Heidi?

Some special mentions to some outstanding students go to Carly on Sky Bridge for continuously getting up when she kept falling over. Zane for his amazing effort on Leap of Faith which involved him grabbing on the bar one handed with his eyes closed. BIG congratulations to Taylor, Chloe and Matt for pushing themselves on Summit Window.  Also, to Emily and Emily for confusing Jake on the Giant Swing.  Petey and Molly pushed themselves and put in a massive effort  all week by supporting and encouraging their group and smashing out all the activities. Finally, the determination shown by Sammy on Abseil was nothing short of amazing.

Group 5, The Squirts, were the winners of the Monster Challenge team, by improving on their own time by such a great deal. Well done Squirts! Also a special mention to Team Unlisted, (Group 1) for triumphing on the Bush Challenge.

Value winners- these special people were outstanding throughout the week in displaying the values they nominated at the start of the camp. They held true to their team beliefs and were nominated as exceptional performers.

The A team-Katrina and Kim

Unlisted- Emma P
Muka Boys- Harvey
Sorta Chronics- Peter and  Molly
Mambo Cobras- Heldi
Squirts-  Team Effort

Who is the best at hide and seek…..? you know who.

And remember, what you believe and focus on will happen- believe and YOU WILL achieve!

The International Boarders from The Peninsula School arrived late Friday night at The Summit Adventure Park.  Megs filled their heads with G.A.S to inspire them for the next two days of full on activities.

There were many boarders from about 12 different backgrounds, their first challenge was to speak in English, if they didn’t they had to get down and give 10 pushups in front of the group.  Lets just say there were a lot of very fit students by the end of the weekend.  They kept each other accountable too which was excellent.  The atmosphere over the weekend was alive and electric much like being at a rock concert.

There were many thrills, spills, tears and many, many cheers.  The support for each other was sensational.  Many of the boarders came to The Summit last year, so they had to step up even higher this year to prove to themselves that they are growing and putting themselves out there to achieve great things.  They did this with great courage. The Summit facilitators had such a memorable time with the Boarders.  Keep smashing it guys and remember WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU DID SOMETHING FOR THE FIRST TIME and try and work on being comfortable with uncomfortable.  Love your work from The Summit Crew.

One hundred and fifty-two year sevens from The Peninsula School arrived at The Summit for a 5 day camp in 3 big buses, super excited.  Their very first experience was their bus getting bogged and another bus smashing it’s mirror, Wow what was going to happen next they all said.

They were split into 12 activity groups and had to give themselves a team name and 5 values that they wanted to live by for the whole week.  There were some very creative names like YOU ARE YOU and FROZEN CHOCOLATE CREAM PIES and some very usual Summit team names like TEAM AWESOME.

Across the week the Yr 7′s held themselves to an extremely high standard, they pushed themselves beyond what they thought they could accomplish.    There were many, many, super stretches reached, many tears and many, many cheers.

Sebby, the GERMAN, gave them a talk about being the BEST THEY CAN BE.   They all took it on board and the ripple effect took hold of the Yr 7′s and even the teachers too.

There were so many highlights way too many to mention, but you know who you guys are.

Some of the super special moments were:

• Will for his amazing effort in the Cave
• Andrew for having the courage to finally taking his socks off to walk on the bed of nails, way to go buddy.
• Matt and Lachie for smashing Abseil.
• Miles for his mammoth effort in finally having the courage to jump of the Leap of Faith.
• Mikaela for her awesome super stretch on Summit Window.
• Jade for being super enthusiastic on the Summit Window and throughout the week.
• Macey for being an absolute tank when saving her team from the foam pit.
• Alex for climbing up Rockwall blindfolded despite all his fear.
• Pacman for fully committing and swimming in the mudpit fully submerged.
• Cooper for his amazing magic trick.
• You are You are all legends……….watch out if your lactose intolerant………..or dairy.
• Purple Mexican Ninjas for the awesome team effort on winning the monster challenge, yay guys you got it!!!
• Steph loves her MUD MUSHY’s for life
• Well done to DAN’s WOLFPACK for winning trivia and having the best name from Dan who like to hear his name alot!!!
• Amazing wonderful job to those who pushed themselves with Sammy on the Summit Window.  I’m proud of you all.
• Jakey is proud of his team for coming second in the Monster challenge and he said he’s sorry for not dressing up as a Rainbow Unicorn.
• And a special note from the Twins JAKE and JON, they are NOT REALLY twins.

A special mention to all the camp out groups, great work on the delicious pasta you cooked from Ellen.

And lastly, well done to every one for playing so hard and stepping up and achieving everything they set themselves to and for showing the willingness to just help and support everyone to get all the duties done you know who you are.  A big thanks from all the Summit crew: Megsy, Spud, Timmy, Sebby, Matty, Jakey, Steph, Sammy, Jon, Ellen, Charmaine, Stevie, Melinda, Bonnie and of course DAN!