My week at Camp Cooinda: a camper’s diary
Here’s what we think a first-time camper at Cooinda might write!
Day 1 – Nerves, reels and capsizing
Okay, first day: done.
This morning was a mix. I was nervous waiting for the bus. What if I sat next to someone weird? What if no one talked to me? There was a bit of chat but mostly it was a long ride so I just scrolled reels and tried to chill.
When we got to camp, things moved fast. I met my patrol. There’s ten of us, plus two leaders. We sat on the grass for sandwiches. Then came the big moment: handing in our phones. No screens for the rest of camp. 😬 At least everyone does it.
Next we got life jackets and went to Duck Arm for canoe practice. Jo (in my patrol) and I tipped over immediately. We came up laughing, though, so not a total disaster. I want to get better – paddling on the water feels pretty cool.
Back at camp, we picked up boxes of food from the cooks, except joke's on us, we were the cooks. Campfire cooking is definitely a thing here. Weirdly fun, and it kept the awkwardness away.
After dinner there were games – loud, silly, hilarious ones. I didn’t expect to laugh this much on day one.
Now I’m in the tent, writing by torchlight. I wasn’t sure about tent life but it’s fun being squished in with the patrol. They already feel like friends. Yeah. I reckon I could like this place.
Day 2 – Polar Bears and pineapples
Woke up to a whistle. Turns out it means Polar Bear time — a challenge where you run down to the lake and jump in before breakfast. It’s optional, but I gave it a go. Freezing, but kind of awesome. Jo skipped it and cheered us on, and no one made a big deal about it. Respect.
After brekky, we had more canoeing (no capsizing this time), archery (I’m no Katniss but hit the target once, so I’ll take it), and sailing which was amazing. I could do that all day.
We met the tripping leader (weird title, cool person) who showed us maps of the lakes and talked about where we could go on overnight trips.. they call them expos. Sleeping under the stars, paddling to new places… sounds like a proper adventure.
Dinner in the hall was next-level: spaghetti bolognese and pineapple upside-down cake. I ate so much. Walked back to the tent, full and happy, and there was an echidna on the path! And a mob of kangaroos (or wallabies, not sure which) hanging around the tent area.
Day 3 – Five km paddle and a Chaser
We thought today would be cruisy. Nope.
Straight after breakfast we did a 5 km paddle with the canoeing leader. Had to stay in formation and work as a team. My arms were wrecked, but apparently we passed the test for expo.
Then came chaos: packing barrels for our trip to Cooinda Island. My sleeping mat didn’t fit, but apparently crashing on a groundsheet is normal.
After lunch we split into groups to head over. I got to ride the Chaser, a super-fast speedboat. Spray in your face, wind everywhere — unreal.
When we landed, Island Director Tim was waiting with damper and hammocks. There’s also a bike you can pedal to power the lights. Not efficient, but hilarious.
Tonight we’re cooking “island lasagne” and planning cards around the fire. No wake-up whistle tomorrow, yay.
Day 4 – Island time and the roof of the Launch
Sleep-in achieved. We still went swimming at Pigface Point. Muddy, weedy, but everyone got in — even Jo.
Breakfast was jaffles over the campfire (cheese and tomato for the win). It turned into brunch because no one was rushing.
Then we cruised back to the main camp on the Launch. Slower than the Chaser but still cool, especially when Jen, the driver, let us sit on the roof. Felt like a movie scene.
Afternoon was spent on the beach, messing around on the stand-up paddleboard (SUP). It’s massive — our whole patrol fit on it.
We kept it low-key tonight with indoor games like Boggle and The Mind (putting that one on my birthday list!). Everyone was tired after a late night.
Day 5 – Change of plan and a farm full of cow poo
We were meant to start a lake expedition today, but the wind was too strong. The Program Directors offered a Plan B: paddle on the sheltered Nicholson River, camp on a farm for two nights, then paddle back once the weather improved. We were all in.
The river paddle was calm and leafy. Jo and I steered like pros. We’ve come a long way since that Day 1 capsize.
The farm was different to the island. The cows had been moved out of the paddock, but they left plenty of cow poo around. No toilet for us either (!) so we had to dig a pit and set up a toilet tent. I guess we'll make do.
Camped under tarps again, fire going, stars coming out.
Day 6 – River swims and Chuck Norris Nosh
Rest day.
We swam in the river (lifejackets on — the leaders said rivers can be tricky). Cold at first, but ended up being one of my favourite swims.
Highlight: pancakes with fresh-picked mulberries from a giant tree on the hill. The farmer said we could help ourselves and we came back covered in purple juice and grinning like little kids.
The afternoon was hammocks, books, and knots. I actually kind of love tarp life now.
Tonight’s dinner: Chuck Norris Nosh. No idea what’s in it but everyone’s excited just because of the name. And marshmallows, cos we need more of a sugar hit (not!).
Early bedtime. Tomorrow’s paddle back to camp is meant to be huge.
Day 7 – Big paddle energy
Up early, quick Polar Bear dip (as in, fast and cold), and we were on the water by 7:30.
If we’d had to paddle all the way back to camp, it would’ve been 30 km. Thankfully, our leaders had lined up a pick-up at Eagle Point , so only about 15. Still long, but we smashed it. Felt proud of how far we’d come.
Back at camp, we “detripped” — that’s washing all the barrels, tarps, dishes, and gear. Then showers…. hot showers are the best feeling in the world after three days on expo.
The rest of the afternoon was planning our concert skit. Tonight’s the last night (how?) and it’s packed with traditions and mystery stuff. Scribbling this down before dinner — let’s go.
Day 8 – Bus ride feels
Quick diary note on the bus home. Don’t want to waste a second with my patrol before we split up. It’s wild. They feel like family now. Can’t believe I won’t see them tomorrow. But we’re already planning for next summer.
Last night was unreal. The concert skits were hilarious, the leaders’ song chaotic in the best way.
Then… the magic part.
We all walked down to the lake, no torches, just lanterns glowing in the dark. There was a campfire by the shore, and some older campers played a song on guitar. And then the Camp Director told this story — the kind that wraps you up and makes you feel still and quiet inside. We walked back along the water in silence. That might sound simple, but it was one of those moments.
It’s only January, but I think Camp Cooinda may just have been the best week of my year.