21 Aug Why School Camps are Important in Australia
Why School Camps are Important in Australia.
Most parents and educators would agree that School camps are a time-honored tradition in Australia, and for good reason. Most adults in this generation would have been on a school camp at some stage during their schooling years. Research shows that these experiences have a profound impact on students, offering a range of benefits that extend far beyond the classroom. At QCCC, we believe that experiences and life skills learned on the camp can contribute positively to a lasting impact on students beyond their schooling years. According to McCrindle’s The Future of Education Report 2020, there are two key areas of development in students for their future career success, skills, and character qualities. At QCCC we see the development in these two areas daily when students are on camp. You only need to take a moment to speak with one of our Outdoor Education Instructors to learn that they see skills and character grow and thrive in campers every day. So let us unpack this further, here are seven reasons why school camps are so important in an Australian context.
1. Personal growth: School camps provide a unique opportunity for students to step outside their comfort zones and challenge themselves. This can help build resilience, self-confidence, and self-esteem.
2. Teamwork: Many school camps involve activities that require students to work together in teams. This can help them develop important social and interpersonal skills, such as communication, collaboration, and conflict resolution.
3. Outdoor education: School camps often take place in natural settings, such as the bush or the beach. This provides an opportunity for students to learn about and connect with the natural world, as well as develop a sense of environmental stewardship.
4. Cultural immersion: Some school camps could involve travel to the breadth and diversity of locations available in Australia or even overseas. Recently our interns shared a plane ride with a client school heading to Cambodia. Some camps could involve programs that provided new opportunities to learn more about Australia’s own Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, especially at QCCC Mapleton’s Triballink Cultural Activity Centre. This can expose students to diverse cultures and ways of life, broadening their horizons, fostering empathy, and understanding.
5. Physical activity: Many school camps involve physical activities such as hiking, kayaking or team sports. This not only promotes physical fitness and health but also encourages students to develop a lifelong love of outdoor recreation. Getting outdoors is great for mental health too.
6. Memory-making: School camps are often remembered by students as some of the best times of their lives. These experiences can create lasting memories and foster a sense of nostalgia and connection to one’s school and peers. Positive memories of achievement can also assist with building resilience.
7. Educational value: School camps can be used to reinforce and enhance classroom learning. For example, a science camp might involve field trips to study local ecosystems, while a history camp might involve visits to important cultural sites.
Whilst there are many more reasons that could be added to the list, our belief remains the same, school camps are an important and valuable part of the Australian educational landscape. It is why we are passionate at QCCC to see every Queensland student have a great school camp and outdoor education experience.
