The Rite Journey is a unique educational program designed to support the development of self-aware, vital, responsible and resilient adults. On April 4 – 6, Year 10 visited Cataract Scout Park, Appin to engage in one of the final stages of The Rite Journey (TRJ) Pastoral program – The Abyss.
The 6 stages of TRJ are The Calling, The Departure, The Following, The Challenges, The Abyss, The Return and The Homecoming. The Abyss is the biggest challenge of the program and aims to take students out of their comfort zone to help them learn more about themselves.
After months of rain and a delayed camp, Year 10 were excited and fortunate to engage in such a special camp. In the lead up to camp the rain held off drying out the campgrounds and we experienced two rare days of sunshine, before some rain arrived late on Tuesday evening. The camp had two main elements - an activity component, including skirmish, challenge valley, waterslide, survivor team challenges, and a solo camping component.
The Solo Camp Out
During the solo students were taught how to set up a tent (correctly), cook a meal (pasta on a trangia) and spend some time by themselves. Students were given a ration pack, and a Rite Journey student booklet filled with reflection questions, activities and a piece of paper to write a letter to their Year 12 self.
Students were split into small groups and spaced out at the Cataract site. Their challenge was to remain alone, uncommunicative and self-sufficient for 18 hours. The goal of the solo camp out is to allow students to disconnect from technology, learn some new skills and spend some time in nature reflecting on their own journey. It was great to see several students get out of their comfort zone and learn something about themselves.
In discussion with students back at school, it was clear that the boys had a fantastic time and learnt a lot about themselves. A few quotes from morning briefing after the solo come to mind:
- “I learned that I rely on my phone too much and can live without it”
- “I realised I rely on my parents for basically everything”
- “I enjoy getting outdoors, nature and camping”“I can cook! … and enjoyed putting up a tent”
- “I learned that I can’t cook pasta …. Yet!”
A special element to the solo camp included a letter written by families that were given to the young men as they woke from their night alone. Thank you to Ms Rachel Keith (Year 10 assistant), who printed letters and placed the letters in labelled envelopes for camp.
I would like to personally thank the St Gregory’s College staff, who were exceptional in the lead up to The Abyss, as well as the Boomerang Adventure staff. The young men of Year 10 are privileged to have such a great caring and supportive group of staff guiding them through what was a unique and challenging experience.
Mr Daniel Goodhew
Year 10 Leader