School Camp That Makes a Difference

Beaconhills College has launched a new camp in 2024 which focuses on helping people in need in our local community.

The Beacon of Hope five-day camp is part of a suite of offerings to Year 10 students in the College’s huge global and outdoor Beacon Explorers Program.

Beacon Explorers spans all year levels, and a community service
element is already integrated into the Middle and Senior School
camps. For example, Year 9 students hiking on the Great South West Walk near Portland will spend a day collecting up to 60 garbage bags
of beach waste, while Year 10s who visit East Timor will volunteer in
schools in remote villages.

However, the Beacon of Hope Camp is first that is dedicated solely to
service. The camp ran in term 1 for students from both the College’s
Pakenham and Berwick campuses and was a great success.

Head of Experiential Learning, Lachlan Groh, said students on the
camp experienced a real growth in personal understanding and “the
feeling that they can have a positive impact on the world”.
The itinerary began with a health and social planning workshop
attended by Cardinia Mayor Jack Kowarzik (also a Beaconhills
College alum).

On day 2, the students visited Cardinia’s United African Farm whether
they worked in the garden to help support the farm’s mission of
harvesting healthy and diverse food for the community.

Day 3 took them to the Officer Sikh Temple (Gurdwara) where they
explored the Sikh faith and the importance it places on prayer and
servant leadership. They also enjoyed a traditional meal prepared by Gurdwara.

On the final two days, students helped set up and serve meals to
people experiencing food insecurity, working with Cardinia’s Follow
Bless Collective Food Service. They also visited the Lime Box Café, learning about social enterprises and the types of community
programs available in the area.

The College’s Head of Citizenship and Service, Sarah Dyce, said the
Beacon of Hope camp left students and staff grateful for the area’s
supportive local agencies, and a stronger sense of compassion and
motivation to keep helping those in need.