2020 School Camps
2020 is a camp year. Year 5-6 in April and Year 7-8 in November. You need to consider your involvement in the camps and the costs associated.
School camps are an amazing experience for every child to grow in confidence. A lot of work goes into planning a school camp.
We appreciate they are expensive. The BOT recently discussed school camps and whether they should be classified as extra-curricular or core-curricular trips. We have chosen to consider them core-curricular.
As a result, we can now consider payments towards camps to be a "donation" - providing two advantages:
1. GST does not have to be paid
2. Parents can claim back 33% of the cost from IRD (more information about this is provided in a separate article)
However, without payment of camp donations, the school will not be able to continue to offer these valuable experiences. For this reason, we are hopeful for 100% payment of camp donations.
Year 5-6: Woodend Christian Camp
April 1 -3
This camp can be the first time children stay away from their parents. It is a great learning experience. The programme is highly engaging. We will need lots of parent helpers, so consider putting in for leave from work.
The approximate cost of this camp is $130 per child.
Year 7-8: Experience Wellington
November 16 - 20
This camp has been happening for nearly a generation. It offers amazing experiences for students. In 2018 we slightly changed the camp plan to include a night at Mistletoe Bay Eco Village in the Malborough Sounds. In 2020 the stay at Mistletoe Bay will be two nights.
The costs of this camp have already been communicated. While significant, fundraising and grants the total cost makes the camp great value for money.
Samoa Mission Trip
TBC in 2021
While this isn't a camp - it is worth considering. St Joseph's School is planning on a mission trip in 2021. The mission trip will have a few purposes:
1. Parents will undertake a project to contribute towards the school's development
2. Students will undertake a cultural exchange
This mission trip will not be a camp. It will require families to make a decision to support the cause. There will be fundraising, preparation, planning and personal cost. An information evening will be held early in 2020 after which we will call for expressions of interest. Watch this space!