The Benefits of Camps
With the Year 6 students returning to the College after a wonderful and deep experience on the Winton Camp, it is time to remember the purpose and inherent benefits behind school based camps. These school camps provide students with the opportunity to work with a variety of both students and adults, that will nurture experiential education, build intergenerational relationships and results in a different style of learning.
With Year 6 being the top of the Junior School it is pertinent that they have their camp at the beginning of a new semester as it builds on the already established friendships and pre-adolescent socialisation aspects which are reinforced by a school camp outside of the traditional classroom. It is also an opportunity for students who are recognised leaders and also those who are not, to rise to the occasion in a very different setting.
For most students school camp may be their first time away from home where they have to remember to brush their teeth or finish the food on their plate. Camp provides an opportunity for them to take care of themselves by appreciating the importance of interdependence, interaction with and connections to the physical world. Students rise to this type of challenge, they enjoy new found independence and recognise the need to look after themselves, each other and their environment. The amount of times we noticed students assisting others as well as assisting staff was outstanding and extremely heart warming to see. Each evening we made time to acknowledge those students and staff who went out of their way to make a difference and help some one else out. These are called – ‘Big Ups’.
All staff on camp 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 students. Camps allow the students to test their resilience in the face of adversity, work together as a team, overcome limitations and fears, demonstrate leadership skills and acquire growth in personal confidence.
Great opportunities exist to develop a wide range of social skills that strengthen established relationships and develop new ones. Activities planned throughout the whole camp involved team cooperation, group tasks, pitching tents, packing down and assisting around meal times. A note to parents and guardians – all students were able to wash and dry dishes to a very high standard!
All staff and parents who attended were active participants in all aspects of camp life, it would not be successful if this was not the case. Therefore, I wish to express my heartfelt thanks to staff who assisted prior to the camp commencing - Mr Sole, Mrs Williams, Mr Collins and Mrs Hambleton - and staff who assisted beforehand and attended the camp - Ms Moore, Mrs Russell, Ms Caspen, Mrs Wheeler, Mr Wheeler, Mr McLean, Mr Brookes and Mrs Henry. Also the parents who attended the camp – Mrs Tamir, Mr Illich and Mr D’Alisa who became an integral part of the team throughout the nine days. The ultimate success of this camp would not have been possible without your dedication prior to and during the camp. Each and every student took something out of this camp, including very fond memories which they will cherish for a long time to come. This camp has absolute alignment with our College vision… ‘To develop young men and women of character – leaders now and for the future’.
Simon Edgar
Head of Junior School
References:
https://www.acacamps.org/press...
