year 11 cas trip

The Crossing Sustainability Camp in Bermagui is an educational experience rooted in sustainable living which teaches youths and school groups about the effect they can make to stop global warming. It is located on the Sapphire Coast in Australia. The camp offers a range of activities and workshops focused on renewable energy, permaculture, and environmental conservation. We immersed in the stunning natural surroundings through guided hikes, hands-on gardening sessions and more. Led by expert instructors, the camp provides an opportunity to learn practical skills and knowledge while fostering a deeper connection with nature. Whether it's harnessing renewable resources or cultivating sustainable practices, the Crossing Sustainability Camp empowers individuals to make a positive impact on the environment and forge a greener future.  - Year 11 students

Hiking

During our stay at Bermagui’s The Crossing, we participated in a hike along the mountains within Biamanga National Park. We hiked through various terrains such as rainforests, temperate forests, and the native Australian bush. Along the way Dean, our camp counsellor, educated us on the flora and fauna around us. Especially the importance of the Monkey gum tree for the endangered koala population. Throughout the hike we experienced some challenges, such as ambitious terrain. Additionally, while watching our steps we had to look out for leeches and ticks. Luckily, we had protective gear from the Crossing which made the experience more enjoyable. Overall, the bushwhacking was a valuable experience as we learned about native Australian plants and enjoyed breathtaking views.

Cooking

In groups, we had to help cook our food every day, first preparing morning tea, then also lunch and dinner. We learnt how to bake break, prepare ingredients found in the National Park and new recipes using sustainable products. Due to us being such a large group, our help was very important as it sped up the cooking considerably. As we were split up, each group was in the kitchen at a separate time doing a separate activity. These activities in the kitchen ranged from chopping up vegetables to making the batter for Anzac cookies. No matter what it was, it was always enjoyable because we got to do it together.

Canoeing

One of the activities we did at The Crossing was canoeing. There was a small river running next to the camp, where we split into groups and paddled down along it. We then stopped at an empty grass area. Once we were in the area, we started planting saplings and taking out weeds. We did this as part of a conservation process to improve unhealthy areas of the bush, that will be extremely prone to the effects of climate change i.e. Bush fires. The tree planting process was not as easy as we initially thought as the process is delicate to ensure the tree’s survival. This process involved protecting the sapling from external threats such as wind and small animals.
Planting the trees was therapeutic as we felt a closer connection with nature. The cause also brought a sense of satisfaction knowing that we were helping to sustain our environment and future. Overall, this activity was great fun. We all liked how the activity was both educational and full of engagement. We definitely recommend this activity to anyone who likes being in nature and may be interested in sustainability.