The Year 8 trip to the Warrumbungles that we just came back from was sensational. The campsite was located at the foot of the mountains in a stunning valley with the majestic hills overlooking the entire property. During our time there we learned so much about plants, flowers, bees, interactions between wildlife and how to responsibly take care of the land. The camp was very hands on and we learned how to catch and block sediment using leaky weirs helping restore the ecosystem to the way it once was.

Waking up and hearing the sweet birds chirp, holding baby goats, seeing the vast Milky Way up above, was all incredibly beautiful and awe inspiring. One of my favourite moments was climbing to the top of a hill in the late afternoon and watching the sun sink under the rolling hills as we ate dinner and looked over all the vast fields that lay beneath us.

Sitting around the campfire in the evening as we tried to warm up was a wonderful experience as we all huddled. Everyone was tired but happy as we sat around laughing and talking about the events of the day. The nights were absolutely freezing reaching to -2 degrees Celsius, and we experienced what it feels like being outside up in the mountains in winter.

Meeting the owners of the property was an incredible experience. Both of them were so knowledgeable and committed to restoring the land to its original state before European settlers had arrived. They were both so approachable and eager for questions about how they operate and take care of the restoration of their property.

I absolutely loved the trip, and I am very eager and looking forward to the next one to come. I would like to thank Scottie and Liv for facilitating such an inspiring, enjoyable and incredible program.

Written by student Oriel S., Year 8.