Year 9 Abyss Journey
Posted on December 2, 2024
As part of the culminating experience in the new L@F24+ Year 9 program, students were involved in 7-day, 6-night Journeys around Tasmania.
Over two weeks, in groups of 12-16, groups of students completed:
- Colossal Cliffs, which included walking the 3 Capes, before Sea Kayaking.
- Mountain to Sea, in which students rode from Derby to St Helens, finishing with a Surf Session and Gorge Swim.
- Wild Tarkine West Coast, including a Pieman River Cruise followed by art and photography work.
- Mersey and Mountains, walking the Walls of Jerusalem and rafting the Mersey River.
All students completed their Abyss mid-camp, spending 20 hours in solitude, reflecting on who they are and who they want to be.
In the typical Tasmanian way, students were exposed to all weather conditions and were faced with a number of challenges, but specifically being self-sufficient, required to manage all their equipment and plan/prepare/cook their own meals.
“When I first started the Abyss, I pondered: Do I embrace it or ignore it? After choosing to embrace the opportunity given to me, I found that the experience was like no other. Wading in the river, looking at the stars, sitting on a log and eating dinner and breakfast with the birds chirping, were all the little things I did during the 18 hours but all those little things made me reflect a lot on myself and how I should continue with my life. When the car horn sounded to signal the end, I didn’t just leave my campsite (Burgess Town), I left something greater than that. I left a part of myself that I have never seen before and I take this knowledge and this experience to carry me on through life’s many ups and downs.”
Sam Burgess – Year 9 Hodgkin
“I really enjoyed the physical challenge of the camp. For the rest of my life, I will remember this camp not just because of what we did but who we were with. I made so many happy memories on the camp. There was a spiritual emotional and social growth on the camp.”
Violet Owen – Year 9 Ransome
“My camp experience was awesome, to put it simply. Countless lifelong memories were created that were shared with a great group of friends and people. I was lucky enough to go on the ‘Mersey and Mountains’ camp, potentially deemed the most challenging. This part of the world and our state – Tassie – was utterly breathtaking. Some of the views and scenery felt like something out of a movie set. The first part of the camp involved rafting down the Mersey River. Whether it was attacking rapids, problem-solving, just paddling or cracking jokes I loved this experience. It was the first time I had gone rafting however I had some minor history of kayaking. The second aspect of the camp was bushwalking, specifically walking the Walls of Jerusalem. If I had to pick a favourite out of the two, this would probably be it. Over the course of the walking, I got to connect further with some close friends and even those who I hadn’t conversed with much beforehand.”
Ben Avery – Year 9 Ransome
“I had an amazing group and we grew incredibly close by the end of camp. Although the weather was questionable for the first half of the camp, the people and adventures made it 1000% worth it. The peace I felt with myself and the world after the solo and having time to think about everyone without any distraction from anything. Being able to write what I needed to say to people gave me a peace of mind and closure in some situations. The solo was one of my main highlights from camp. I got to focus on myself, think, wonder and more. I would recommend this opportunity for everyone.”
Ambieka Agustina – Year 9 Hodgkin
“Amazing experience!! All the adventures, challenges and obstacles overcome was so fun. The connections formed with my peers and and teachers were ones that will benefit me for the years to come. Every change in weather, every thought-provoking conversation and hardship shared with newfound friends was incredible. The year 9 Abyss was by far the best camp I’ve ever been on. They are met through all the unique experiences which took place on camp. The encouraging nature of everyone that is part of the Friends school community, and the genuine care that not only the teachers, but students undertook to meet these purpose and concerns. Throughout camp, I felt we were guided to be independent and responsible individuals who hold a global perspective and and show genuine concern for one another when people were struggling. It was together that we built the experience we all enjoyed so much.”
Audrey White – Year 9 Hodgkin
