Year 13 Leadership Camp

Words by Ryan Z:

We were set to do this through numerous exercises and activities that forced us to both think deeply about how a leader should be and to develop our own leadership skills. Learning to kayak for the first time, guiding blindfolded people through an obstacle course, building rafts with only tyres, ropes and wood planks were all difficult, yet each task individually absolutely improved our teamwork, cooperation, perseverance, and communication – all key components of leadership that we took away from this camp.

These skills (as well as our sandfly repellent bottles) were further tested during the compulsory 'bivvy-out'. We were placed in random groups of four or five, given a tarp and some ropes, and then chucked out of the lodge amongst the trees and bush to stay for the night. After constructing our shelters, dinner was the next problem. Given the lack of a kitchen, some groups preferred to persevere through dry instant noodles, while others cooked a delicious stir-fry.

On the last day, our final task was the Inaugural JMC Year 13 Amazing Race. This hours-long task involved the culmination of all our skills, combining orienteering, problem solving, disc golf, archery, farming skills and endurance to crown the champions. An additional unorthodox rule was added, being that a group may not go further than an arm's distance apart, forcing us to work through everything as a team. This tested patience and, most importantly, camaraderie.

A special mention goes to all the staff and parents that helped out during this camp; the success of it would not have been possible without your dedication. From supervising to encouraging, your hard work behind the scenes needs to be acknowledged. Your guidance and knowledge helped push ourselves outside our comfort zone, allowing us to grow as both individuals and leaders. We hope that we can translate what we learnt at camp into everyday school life, benefiting everyone at John McGlashan College. 

Ryan Z.

Year 13, 2026