Dear Families,

Welcome to Week 10. Where has the term gone? From going through a period of remote learning to the opportunity for our senior students to attend three days in the gorgeous hills of Gippsland, there has certainly been some diversity for our students.

During these different periods of time, our students learn a lot about themselves as learners and their ability to cope with new situations. We have heard much in the media over the last year about strengths and challenges of remote learning but what about camps?

Melbourne Child Psychology and School Psychology Services in Port Melbourne has published an article on the benefits of sending our students on camp.

Camp is part of the school curriculum. Some schools say going to camp is compulsory, but in reality, parents have the last word on deciding whether or not their child will attend camp.

School camp is a fantastic opportunity for children to develop new skills, friendships and interests.

The benefits of school camp are numerous, here are our top five:

1. Development of social skills

School camp is a great opportunity to develop a range of social skills. Most activities at camp involve team work, which is great to strengthen established friendships and also to develop new friendships by connecting with children they don’t regularly talk with at school.

Through bonding activities, children develop supportive relationships not only with different children, but also with their teachers. At camp, children have the opportunity to learn about acceptance, caring and understanding.

2. Development of independence skills

For many children school camp is their first time away from family and home for a few nights. Parents are not there to remind their kids to eat their vegetables, brush their teeth, or to have a shower.

Therefore, this is a great opportunity for kids to grow up by learning how to take care of themselves and to do things on their own. Most kids do rise to the challenge and learn to rely on themselves when they spend time away home.

3. Development of decision-making skills

Should I go with my friends or should I do the activity I really want to do? Should I have the third slice of pizza? Should I stay up or go to bed? Supervising teachers are not able to hover over each child all the time, so at camp, children are responsible for making more of their own choices.

4. Increased environmental awareness

During camp, children are exposed to authentic nature-based experiences. Hands-on activities in the outdoors stimulate all senses and facilitate learning. Children become more aware of the environment, develop outdoor skills and appreciation for nature.

5. Learning new skills

At school camp, children will be exposed to a range of activities that they may not have tried before. When away from their parents, children are often more adventurous and willing to try new things. (2021). 

I hope everyone has a wonderful, relaxing and safe break with your family and friends. We look forward to welcoming you all back for a successful Term 3.