Thank you to everyone who took the time to complete the camp and outdoor education survey we shared last Term.

Overall, the results were very positive - with the majority keen to keep our camp structure as it is - with children attending camp from Year 3.  That was most definitely the view of our students!!

There were some suggestions about how we could fundraise differently - with more of an emphasis on whanaungatanga and teaching the children to be community-minded rather than self-focused.  We will definitely explore how this could work. 

We will also aim to have an estimate of camp costs either later this Term, or first thing in Term 1 next year - so that you can set up a regular direct debit to keep on top of it. 

A review of the camps we attend is also underway, as the cost for some camps (e.g.Wainui) has risen significantly in the last couple of years.  We also aim to ensure each camp is different and offers its own adventures and activities, rather than being too similar to another camp.

Our staff put a huge amount of work into planning and running our camps, and we are all very grateful to the parents who volunteer to provide transport and those who attend camp as helpers.  We know that many of you are taking time off work and away from home to support our camps - and we really appreciate this. 

Starting next week, our Year 7s head off on camp, with the Year 3, 4, 5 and 6 children off on camp in November (Year 8s went earlier in the year to Arthurs Pass).  

Why do we think school camps are important?  The article below sums it up:

The importance of school camps and the benefits school camps offer students are:

• Development of independence skills - school camps can often be the first time a child is away from family and home for a few nights. Parents are not around to remind them to wash, eat healthy food and to look after them. School camps are a great opportunity for children to learn independence skills like how to look after themselves and do things on their own. Most children rise to the challenge and learn to rely on themselves when they spend time away from family and their home.

• Having a strong, positive relationships with their teacher/s can assist in students learning and school camps can help these relationships and gives teachers and students an opportunity to get to know each other outside of the classroom.

• Helps develop a student's social skills - school excursions and school camps offer a great opportunity for students to develop a range of social skills. School camp activities tend to involve teamwork, which helps to strengthen established friendships and create new friendships by working with students they don’t regularly socialise with at school. During school camps, children have the opportunity to learn about caring, understanding and acceptance.

• Development of decision-making skills - Should I stay up late with my friends or should I go to bed as I am tired? Should I eat the third biscuit? Teachers are not able to constantly watch over students at camp so children are able to make more of their own decisions and choices.

• Increased environmental awareness - at school camps, students are exposed to real nature-based experiences. Hands-on activities in the outdoors stimulate all senses and help learning. Students become more aware of the environment, develop outdoor skills and an appreciation for nature.  

If you're still not sure if our camps are beneficial - come and stand and the entrance to school as our students arrive back from camp - smiling, excited to share their stories and already looking forward to the next camp!