K-1 \u2013 Day excursion into nature, outdoor activities supplied by external provider and teacher-directed natural experiences with music and art experiences on campus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Year 2 \u2013 a one day outdoor experience at Berrima Scout Camp with an external provider and then on-site teacher-directed activities<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Year 3 \u2013 3 day, 2 night outdoor adventures in Gerringong, Kiama and Dharawal Country National Park. Bushwalking, beach activities etc<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Year 4 \u2013 3 days, 2 nights at Tallong Adventure camp \u2013 low ropes, high ropes, bush setting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Year 5 \u2013 3 days, 2 nights at Crosslands Adventure Camp experiencing a series of adventures and bush challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Year 6 -4 days, 3 nights at Mt Keira experiencing bushwalking, beach activities including SUP, snorkelling etc<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why do we offer these experiences?<\/u><\/strong><\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 1. A chance to disconnect with technology and reconnect with self and others – We don\u2019t allow electronic devices on camp. This allows students to \u2018look up\u2019 and \u2018look around\u2019 and immerse themselves in where they are and who they are with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It can be challenging for a student who is away from family for the first time and also hard for the parents to not be able to contact their child as easily as they normally would. But this time apart increases a student\u2019s self-awareness and fosters independence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2. Develop social skills – School camp is the place where social skills grow and develop. Most activities at camp involve teamwork, communication and listening. This strengthens established friendships and also develops new ones by connecting with children they don\u2019t regularly talk with at school.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3. Build lasting relationships with other students – Being on camp creates a level playing field for everyone. We often find the quiet student is in fact, a good problem solver or the more confident student learns to listen to their classmates. Placing students in unfamiliar environments where they need to rely on each other and work collaboratively to achieve a goal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 4. Staff and Students building a connection – A shared experience creates compassion and connection. This in turn creates trust and makes people are more approachable. Move forward a few weeks back in the classroom, and students see their teachers as more approachable and trustworthy because of their shared adventures on camp.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 5. Learn new activity skills \/Build resilience- A student watches a classmate abseil off a cliff and says out loud \u201cI can\u2019t do that!\u201d. But what they are really saying is \u201cI\u2019m scared and not sure I can face my fears\u201d. All activities are offered as \u2018challenge by choice\u2019 \u2013 they do not have to participate if they don\u2019t want to. For some students, they need time. Time to watch others climb the ropes, paddle the canoe or stand up on the surfboard, before they\u2019ll give it a go. Other students are so eager they charge in full steam ahead. Either way, we always brief them on safety, expectations and the skills on the activity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another side is that when students are away from family, they\u2019ll try something they wouldn\u2019t normally do. They\u2019ll give it a go and draw on their inner strength and enthusiasm to participate, without the watchful eye of a parent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 6. Improve independence – For many children school camp is their first time away from family and home. Parents are not there to remind their kids to eat their vegetables, brush their teeth, be on time for meals and so on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Therefore, this is a great opportunity for kids to grow up by learning how 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 7. Expand experiences in nature – We strongly believe that an appreciation for nature and respect for the plants, the animals, is essential to guiding them through to the future and caring for our planet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 8. Teach personal organisation – The expression \u2018prior preparation and planning prevent poor performance\u2019 is relevant on school camp. Encouraging students to prepare well is essential. <\/p>\n\n\n\n As a parent, talk to your child about considering the little things, such as, what to bring for morning tea and lunch for the drive to the campsite. Check they\u2019ve filled their water bottles before they get on the bus. Pack their bag with your child helping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is important students know what activities they\u2019ll be doing, what they need to bring to the activity, be prepared with sunblock and towel or closed toed shoes or sunhat, so they feel prepared and ready.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 9. Decision making skills – There can be lots of choices on school camp. Should I participate in the orienteering or sit it out? Will I try the dessert offered or because I\u2019ve never seen it before, just pass?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Teachers can only help so many students, so it\u2019s an opportunity for choices to be made without adult influence, allowing them to be responsible for their own decisions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou have to let them explore, you have to let them take a few tumbles, as long as they don\u2019t tumble too far,\u2019\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n 10. Education learning – It\u2019s not just about the climbing, the paddling, the bushwalking on a school camp \u2013 there is much more. It\u2019s the subtle things like the smell of the lemon scented gum after rain, watching a flock of pelicans fly over at dusk, observing the kangaroos in the afternoon lazing under the trees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But there is also the practical learning that ties back to the school curriculum and will be facilitated by teachers \/ camping staff. Learning these in a setting other than a classroom brings more relevance and logic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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