Summer Camp is BACK!

After a ten-year hiatus, the Challenge Summer Camp is BACK and better than ever! Formerly known as Corryong Camp, this camp first kicked off a short time ago in the summer of 1996. It all came about thanks to the initiative of one of our fellow Challenge families – the Hogg family. With the lovely Adrian and Jan acting as the architects behind all the fun, the camp ran for a strong 19 years and built its reputation as one of Challenge’s most anticipated camps.

Now, 10 years later– though not as Corryong as that will forever belong to the Hoggs family – the camp has been resurrected and what a resurrection it was! With around 30 kids in attendance, we set off to explore the wonders of the Mornington Peninsula, setting up base at the undulating, 30-hectare property of the Golden Valleys Lodge in Flinders.

This four-day camp is unique because it offers the best of both worlds – the best of rural and beach life. If we weren’t swimming with the seals and dolphins in the sheltered shallows of Port Philip Bay or learning from the local seaman Harry about the craft of collecting and cooking mussels, we were tree surfing and tree sliding at the Enchanted Adventure Gardens or harnessing new skills at the Peninsula’s Woodturners Guild.

It truly was a getaway that offered something for everyone and with blue skies and sunshine to lead the way, everything was perfectly smooth-sailing – especially at the Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron!

What is particularly heart-warming about this camp is seeing the fostering of new friendships and the discovery of new interests. These camps aren’t just about fun, but about learning. The experiences and memories these holidays provide help every individual to not just learn about themselves, but also each other and how through this learning, they can interact with their surroundings in a positive and healthy way.

Indeed, the camp would not have been possible without the work and commitment of many individuals, who worked tirelessly to bring this all together. From our volunteers to our amazing camp leaders in Sarah and Olivia, you all made this week into the success that it was and for that, we thank you!

Secondly to all the amazing people and companies, who offered their services in bringing this camp to life – you are all legends and helped to enrich these kids with some amazing memories they will undoubtedly cherish forever.

Though Summer Camp had its break, which was much too long, we promise you that it is now BACK and STAYING! We look forward to bringing you more adventure and fun in the summer of 2020!