Camp Info Sheet Testimonials

The program at Kinglake Forest Adventures was well tailored, in order to best meet the wellbeing needs of our students and prepare them for their final year of schooling. We select KFA due to their innovative approach towards programming and their flexibility in tailoring the structure of our Retreat to align with both our school culture and our goals for our students. The KFA staff are friendly and welcoming, allowing the students to feel at ease, whilst encouraging them to challenge themselves, work as a team, reflect on their strengths and step outside of their comfort zone.

Nov 2019

Colin, Michelle and their team really did provide us with a Journey in the design and execution of a program for a group of young women focused on individual strengths, teamwork and leadership. Consultation in the crafting of an experience that captured key objectives was thorough, bespoke and delivered with utmost care and detail. They were open to flexibility both in planning and execution, using our staff as guideposts to improve any aspect of the program once it was underway. Our young people walked away from KFA with a heightened sense of self, a deeper appreciation of their own wellbeing and a bag full of long lasting memories. We would like to thank the Journey team for embracing our group, displaying adaptability around program specifics and cultivating a safe environment where young people were able to explore, experience and flourish. Thanks guys!

Talent & Wellbeing Manager

Kew High School.

Kew High School has been attending Kinglake Forest Adventures since 2013. We chose KFA as it offered a different experience from other camps. Over the past seven years we have benefited from new and exciting activities offered to our students but the one main consistent point is their attention and dedication to their ethos in wellbeing and positive psychology which is integrated into and around each and every activity. As the school I have always enjoyed being part of the conversation about what else can be implemented into our program to make it unique and specific to the needs of my students. This has included the physical challenges we take on and the language which we use at the school. In 2020 Kew High School are additionally bringing our year seven student camp program across to KFA from another provider because I know that they can offer us something that is unique, innovative, fun, exciting and is all backed up by current research into resilience and student wellbeing.

Nov, 2019

Shelford Girls Grammar

Year 8, 60 Participants.

Our Year 8s absolutely loved the challenging, thrilling and thought-provoking Young Rhythms Program at Kinglake! What an amazing week… The skills they gained from their camp experience are so important at this stage in their development, and link in perfectly with our approach to pastoral care here at school. The program run so smoothly and it was a joy to work with such a capable team throughout the week! Thank you!!

Alison Reid, Year 8 Co-ordinator.

 Mentone Girls Grammar

February 2018, Year 7, 80 Participants.

“On behalf of my team and the school, I would like to thank you and your team for providing such a professional and high standard service. We share a lot in terms of our vision in providing the challenging but entertaining experience to push students’ comfort zone and learn more about themselves. I have received so many positive feedback from both school, students and their parents that students had a very good time.

I also appreciate your flexibility and understanding to accommodate our dynamic and demanding environment as it comes to the student’s well-being and health. ”

Ellie Beni, Head of Year 7

Camberwell High

200 Year 9 Students

Despite some difficult weather conditions, the Year 9 cohort from Camberwell High School had an amazing experience at Kinglake Ranges Wilderness Camp again in 2018.

Favourite adventure activities, including the ropes course and hike, encouraged the students to push out of their physical comfort zones in a safe and supportive environment. The meditation and “About Me” sessions allowed opportunities for emotional development and bonding within small groups.

Other activities throughout camp were designed to develop students’ co-operation, collaboration, communication and teamwork skills, which of course are invaluable. Watching the individual growth in these areas over the three days was extraordinary.

The camp staff were, in all circumstances, amazing. The understanding and support they showed to all students during the activities was commendable, and they went above and beyond to ensure all were engaging with the challenges and getting the most out of the camp experience.

A sincere thank you to all involved in making this camp such a resounding success.

Renee Gordon

Year 9 Student Learning Leader

“Dear Colin, Slim, Maddy & KFA Camp,

On behalf of the Highton Primary School Grade 5/6 students and staff, we would like to thank-you for a wonderful three days at your camp. From the moment we arrived at camp, we were treated in a warm and friendly manner, with many students commenting about the polite and lovely nature of the KFA staff. The program you implemented allowed the students to foster and strengthen new relationships. The staff promoted and encouraged students to adopt a growth mindset and to s

afely step outside of their comfort zones. For our students, the Leap of Faith and the Wildergaining Collaborative Mission were highlights. Furthermore, we would like to say a huge big thank-you to Michelle and the kitchen staff, for their professionalism in dealing with dietary requirements and for ensuring the food was always delicious.”

 Eltham High School, May 2018

Eltham High School, again took advantage of the program at Kinglake Forest Adventures Camp in 2018.  Colin, Steve and the rest of the crew worked extremely hard to provide an engaging program that challenged our students to push them selves out of their comfort zones.  Our kids formed new friendships, engaged with their facilitators and teachers building strong relationships and came away from their experience with a host of new memories.  Each group learned to recognise not only their own strengths but the strengths in others that they worked with and built a culture of positive reinforcement and a growth mind set. Steve worked closely with us to deal with the challenges that come with bringing up a huge cohort of year 9 students and made sure the entire program ran smoothly for the duration of the camp.  On return to school the next week I my-self heard more than one student exclaim that this was the best camp they’d ever been on.

We here at Eltham High School extend our most sincere thanks to the team at KFA for their hard work and the friendly atmosphere they created for us.

Simon Maurdev,  Eltham High School

“The leadership students of Cheltenham Secondary College go so much out of each and every aspect of your camp. From the Wildergaining, to the Tree Talk, to the staff, we really grew to learn and understand to a deeper level what leadership is to each of us.

Throughout the camp the cooking staff would outdo themselves time and time again, holding nothing back, providing us with nutritious and delicious meals to keep us sustained each day.”

“Your attention to detail and ability to adhere to strict regulations and controls is clearly evidenced by the care given to our students.”

“Our year 8’s absolutely loved the challenging, thrilling and thought-provoking Young Rhythms Program at Kinglake…The skills they gained from their camp experience were so important at this stage in their development.”

“ On behalf of the other teachers and our merry band of intrepid international students, I wanted to thank KRWC for your hospitality and conducting a program that exceeded our expectations in terms of delivering student growth outcomes. You can certainly be proud of the product and service you afforded to our school.”

 Cheltenham Secondary

Tara O’Neill, Year 12 Public Relations, Cheltenham Secondary College

The staff you have employed are extremely caring about the students they work with in the small groups. They not only encourage the students to go beyond their limits, they reward all of their efforts, whilst completing the challenges they face.”

Liz Moody