SCHOOL CAMP ADVENTURES
OVERVIEW
Camp Adventures are part of our Discovery Learning Program . . .
Our camps are integral to our Discovery Learning Program at Silkwood. They create opportunities for students to develop character and self-awareness through adventure and challenge and support the achievement of our ten 21st-century student aims.
In Year 2, our adventure begins! Our camps are meticulously planned to suit the developmental needs of each year level. We strive to balance challenge, relevance, and fun in every activity, ensuring they resonate with the specific age group. While these camps are undoubtedly enjoyable, they also serve a greater purpose: helping students overcome barriers and obstacles, both physical and mental.
We acknowledge that the thought of attending school camp can be daunting for some children. To address this, we've established a robust support system for both students and families. This system is designed to reduce stress and anxiety associated with camp participation. Our approach has yielded remarkable outcomes, enabling children to confront their fears, build resilience, and fully engage in the enriching experiences of their respective year-level camps.
The Silkwood School Adventure Camp Program . . .
Supports students with:
Growing independence from home;
Connections to their classmates;
Self-awareness of their relationship to our country.
Silkwood School Camps build lifelong memories that students carry with them forever, while providing appropriate activities linked to the year-level discovery program. It is difficult to get this type of learning any other way.
CAMPAttendance
For this reason, all students attend camps as part of their Discovery Learning at Silkwood. Due to camps being part of our Learning Program and not an optional extracurricular activity, school camp attendance is compulsory. To support this, each camp is developmentally appropriate and has an alternative support plan for students with emotional and physical needs.
Advisors work with their advisory group and individually with students who need support to attend camp to prepare students for these learning experiences in the real world. We respectfully seek family encouragement and support with the process of school camp attendance.
Camp Locations
For the 2024 school year, our Camp Adventure Program has evolved, embracing a wider range of locations beyond our local region.
Our commitment to providing exceptional camp adventures remains steadfast, and we are thrilled to offer our students the chance to explore and learn from diverse environments across our state and country.
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Location: Silkwood Primary School
DATES: Term 4, date to be confirmed
In 2024, our Year 2 students embark on an interstellar cosmic journey at Silkwood Primary School. Linked to our curiosity capture in Term 4, our Primary School campus transforms into a space wonderland, where our young space explorers discover more about our universe. This immersive and interactive experience in the realm of space exploration is designed to spark creativity and promote teamwork among students, culminating in an educational and enchanting stargazing session. This unique program is a journey of discovery, inspiring a fascination with the universe and its mysteries.
Tyalgum Ridge Retreat is situated high inside the northwest perimeter of the Tweed Valley in northern NSW. The Tweed Valley or the “Green Cauldron” is surrounded by the eroded crater of one of the world’s largest known extinct volcanoes. Ancient rainforests, fast flowing creeks, waterfalls and outstanding views are all features of the Retreat. Students will partake in a range of activities, including a flying fox, low ropes, archery and a range of camping activities.
StradbrokeIslandAdventureCamp
Tue 14 May – Thu 16 May (Term 2)
Our Year 4 adventurers head to North Stradbroke Island catching the Sealink ferry from Cleveland for the 1hr crossing to Dunwich.
North Stradbroke Island has very big playgrounds with 32 kilometres of white sandy beach on the eastern side of the Island. Then off the beach there are plenty of walking tracks to explore filled with an abundance of different and beautiful wildlife including black cockatoos, wallabies, kangaroos, koalas and 253 different types of birds that can be seen here on the Island and or migrating to and from the Island.
Students will spend their days engaging in various activities including pottery and boomerang workshops, sand boarding and boogie boarding, walks to Point lookout and much more.
Get ready for an extraordinary Year 5 School Camp Adventure at Maroochy Waterfront Camp! This isn't your typical school camp; it's a unique experience on the Sunshine Coast, offering a mix of fun, education, and memorable moments.
The Maroochy Waterfront Camp, is dedicated to providing an exceptional waterfront school camp destination focused on leadership, team building, music, sports, and much more.
The team delivers a wide array of exciting and inclusive activities, ensuring that both students and staff have an unforgettable time.
Our Year 5 students will embark on an adventure that combines waterfront excitement with innovative programs, making it more than just a camp - it's a journey of discovery and fun.
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Noosa North Shore Adventure Camp
Tue 21 May – Fri 24 May 2024 (Term 2)
Our Year 6 students will embark on a thrilling camp adventure near Lake Cooroibah and the Great Sandy National Park. This camp combines outdoor excitement with educational experiences, set amidst stunning natural bushland and close to Noosa's famous beach.
The program is packed with activities designed to foster teamwork, leadership, and confidence, including team-building challenges, survival skills, and outdoor adventures. Students will tackle a high ropes course, orienteering, and engage in bushwalks to learn about local ecosystems and wildlife. Accommodation in comfortable safari tents offers a unique outdoor experience. The camp is fully catered, ensuring nutritious meals for our students.
There are many additional activities to ensure our adventure expectations are met. This camp promises an unforgettable, action-packed experience for our Year 6 students, blending fun, learning, and personal growth.
Tall Ships Adventure Camp
GROUP 1: Tue 23 July – Fri 26 July (Term 3)
GROUP 2: Tue 30 July – Fri 02 Aug (Term 3)
Students will travel to Proserpine to embark on a sailing adventure in the Whitsundays aboard the tall ship – ‘Solway Lass’.
‘Solway Lass’ offers a Tall Ship experience from a bygone era, and she is the last of her kind on this planet.
Next year, our Year 7 students will set sail on an extraordinary adventure aboard the historic 'Solway Lass' in the Whitsunday Islands. This traditional tall ship, dating back to 1902, offers a journey through time and an immersive experience in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
The students will explore untouched islands, snorkel in vibrant coral reefs, and learn about indigenous culture and maritime history. They'll actively participate in sailing the ship, enhancing teamwork and leadership skills. The expedition also includes bushwalking, marine science studies, and relaxation activities like swimming and enjoying island sunsets.
Accompanied by a friendly and knowledgeable crew, our students will enjoy nutritious meals and a safe, educational environment. This camp is not just a trip, but an unforgettable experience blending adventure, learning, and natural wonder.
Tall Ships Adventure Camp (2024 only)
GROUP 1: Mon 12 Aug – Fri 16 Aug (Term 3)
GROUP 2: Mon 19 Aug – Fri 23 Aug (Term 3)
In 2024, our Year 8 students will also experience the Tall Ships Adventure Camp. In 2023, we made the decision to keep our school camps close to home with the remnants of COVID still causing transport challenges.
We are excited to be able to offer our Year 8 students the opportunity to revisit the Tall Ships camp now that restrictions have lifted.
Refer to the Year 7 listing for a description of this camp adventure.
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KokodaJourneyAdventureCamp
Mon 12 Aug – Fri 16 Aug (Term 3)
Our Year 9 students will have an enriching camp experienceatCampKokoda,focusingonpersonalgrowth through outdoor education. The camp emphasises challenge as a learning opportunity, fostering confidence, resilience, and joy. Students will engage in activities promoting self-awareness, self-management, group development, and community-mindedness. Set in a natural environment, the camp encourages a connection with nature and includes fun, excitement, and group cooperation. This immersive experience aims to develop emotionalintelligence,leadershipskills,andenvironmental stewardshipamongourstudents.
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Urban Immersion: Brisbane
Wed 17 April – Fri 19 April (Term 2)
This creative and innovative urban experience is designed around the student's learning interest areas to introduce our Year 10 students to the world of post-school possibilities and to sparkideasrelatedtoLearningThroughInternships(LTIs).
Students will travel by Rail from the Robina Train Station, directlyintoRomaStreet,Brisbane.
For the next 3 days they will experience Queensland’s sunny capital as it offers up laidback charm while also delivering an urban energy.
Students will stroll past some of the city’s oldest buildings as well as some of its most vibrant developments. Across the river, they will explore the more relaxed South Bank precinct, home to the bulk of the city’s cultural institutions, with plenty of dining and entertainment options surrounding a lush man-made beach. Linked by the pedestrian-friendly Victoria Bridge, these neighbourhoods are easily explored on foot.
This Brisbane Urban Immersion Camp has been designed with the view of developing urban literacy, including accommodation that is in the urban heart, and immersion activities that are unique to a city.
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Tangalooma Adventure Camp
Tues 21 May – Fri 24 May (Term 2)
Year 11 students will embark on an adventurous camp at Tangalooma Island Resort on Moreton Island. Just a 75-minute scenic cruise from Brisbane,thiscampisajourneyofself-discovery inastunningnaturalsetting.
Theprogramincludesadiverse range of activities: a thrilling Desert Safari tour with tobogganing, snorkelling tours, and coastal environmental education programs. Students will stay at the comfortable 3star Island Resort, offering a perfect blend of adventure and learning. This experience aims to deepen their understanding andappreciationofmarineand landconservation.
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Students will participate in:
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Final Journey: Red Centre Expedition Camp
Mon 13 May – Fri 17 May (Term 2)
In their final year, Year 12 students will embark on a magical five-day Red Centre Expedition, marking a significant phase in their graduation journey. Guided by Red Earth Leaders, they will immerse themselves in the heart of traditional Aboriginal communities, engagingdirectlywiththeland'scustodians.
This expedition is more than just a trip; it's an opportunity to learn about the rich culture and historyoftheland.
GuidancebyRedEarthLeaders: Students will be guided by experts who have deep connections with remote Aboriginal communities.
ImmersiveCulturalExperience: The journey includes staying on Country with Traditional Owners, offering an authentic insight into Aboriginal cultures.
LearningfromCustodians: Direct interaction with land custodians to learn about rich cultural heritage.
CommunityContribution: Opportunities to participate in meaningful community projects.
DiverseActivities: Engaging in activities like hiking to sacred sites, fishing, and local community interactions.
PersonalConnections: Emphasis on building personal connections and understanding the challenges and beauty of life in Indigenous communities.
EnvironmentalandCulturalInspiration: The experience aims to inspire a sustainable future, driven by a deep appreciation of Australia's unique environmental and cultural heritage.
This expedition is not just a trip but a transformative experience, shaping our students' perspectives on life and the world. Leaving a life-long impression during their final year of schooling.
