Education
Why School C Camps Rock!
hildren of all ages love the great outdoors, especially in this beautiful part of the world where we are blessed with fresh air, weather that our southern friends dream of, flora and fauna that feature on postcards and scenery that makes your heart sing. One of the best ways for your child to experience the outdoors is at a school camp or outdoor education. These programmes provide facilities that are designed for children; a multitude of safe and supervised activities, and adventurous memories for your child.
Overall, my four weeks away has made me appreciate all the time and effort my parents put in. I have had so much fun, but I now know how hard it is to cook and clean daily. When I get home, I am going to help out more.
12
Your Local Families Magazine April/May 2016
It has been recognised that children grow academically and emotionally when they play outdoors. They acquire an appreciation for the environment, participate in imaginative play, face challenges and learn how to overcome them together, and develop initiative. School Camps are a valuable and effective way to assist with the overall development of each child. For primary school aged children camps play an important role in developing resilience and independence away from their families. In essence, school camps aim to: strengthen relationship between teachers, students and their peers, instil and develop values cater to student needs provide opportunities for students to develop new skills and knowledge develop leadership skills; and provide unique opportunities for students to connect with God (in Christian based schools).
Principal of Grace Lutheran Primary School, Mr Stephen McGrath says “Our camps begin from as early as Year 1 continuing on each year through to Year 6, building on self-awareness and teamwork.� Camps can range from rural farm stays and snow fields, to beach environments and big cities. Students experience activities and challenges that are often unfamiliar to them, whether it is the unique outdoor education experiences such as low ropes courses, team challenges, surfing activities, water safety, orientation or team problem solving, or learning to share collaboratively to work as a small community, sleeping in cabins and bunk houses and eating together in dining halls. Highlights for students can range from flying fox adventures and outdoor team challenges, to simply enjoying time together around the camp fire. It is important the children experience life skills such as caring for themselves, packing (which including repacking their sleeping bags into tightfitting bag covers that we all struggle with!), to budgeting for the Year 6 students going on longer interstate trips. For teenagers, about to embark on a journey into adulthood, time spent away from technology and distractions brings them back to the basics, preparing them for the fortitude, patience and organisation skills required for Year 11 and 12.