School Camps (Year 3 – 6)
School camps provide children with the opportunity to work with
a variety of adults, that will nurture experiential education, build
intergenerational relationships and result in a different style of learning.
Teacher involvement is, of course, vital to every successful camp, with the
bonds between students and teachers strengthened away from the classroom. Our
students have the opportunity to form relationships through first-hand
experiences with trained, caring adult role models and experience a sense of
achievement in a supervised, safe and positive environment as a result.
At all our camps the leaders and teachers are equipped to convey
teachable moments in a variety of settings whilst also developing and building
upon personal competencies. These competencies should help shape a successful
future for our children. Whilst there are many benefits to the experience of a
school camp, I have included some of the ones that we as a school feel are of vital
importance such as team building, and leadership skills, the ability to
overcome limitations and a growth in confidence.
Social skills
Great opportunities exist to develop a wide range of social
skills that strengthen established relationships and develop new ones.
Independence skills
For some children school camp, may be their first time away from
home where they have to remember to brush their teeth or finish the vegetables
on their plate. Camp provides an opportunity for children to take care of
themselves by appreciating the importance of interaction and connections to the
physical world. This new-found independence enables the children to recognise
the need to look after themselves, each other and their environment.
Team building and development of leadership anddecision-making skills
Camp leaders and teachers are active participants in all aspects
of camp life, it would not be successful if this was not the case. However,
children will often be expected to take on leadership roles and work together
as a team to encourage positive decision making.
Encouragement of physical fitness and active lifestyles
During camp, children will be exposed to a variety of
experiences. These experiences are active and facilitate learning in a variety
of forms, providing a greater awareness of skills and capabilities that may be
new for many.
Personal challenges
At camp, children will be exposed to a range of activities that
they may not have tried before. Often when children are not under the direction
of their parents or carers they will display a more adventurous spirit and will
be willing to have a go at things that they may not have tried before.