From the Wellbeing Team…

The Importance of Camps

Over the last two weeks, our Year 7, Year 8, Year 9 and Year 10 students participated in our annual camp program. This saw our students adventuring to places like Island Bend, White’s River Hut, Pambula and the Pinch on the Lower Snowy River.

Camp always presents itself as a situation which can bring up feelings of apprehension and anxiety.

The unknown.

However, in a recent news article, ABC News touched on how school camps could influence positive student/teacher relationships. They argued that, “stepping outside the classroom and into the wilderness for an overnight school camp can be a daunting experience for many students.” While this is true, it also tends to provide, “great experiences for both students and teachers.”

I have personally found that my own teaching is predominantly influenced by the relationships I have been able to build with students. Camp has continued to provide a space for that relationship construction and development.

Melbourne Child Psychology Services suggest that there are several key benefits for school camp. These include:

  1. Development of social skills
  2. Development of independence skills
  3. Development of decision-making skills
  4. Increase in environmental awareness.

This year was my fourth time on the Year 10 camp, a challenging camp which includes a two-day hike and two-day white-water rafting experience. I was again blown away by the quality of the students from our school. On the first day, significant challenges presented themselves and our students pulled through admirably. These are the moments that honestly make you love what you do and appreciate what our students are really capable of. The teamwork and support I saw from Year 10 throughout the week echoed the same sentiment across all of our year groups.

Congratulations to all students who participated in camps this year. You have expanded your own horizons and tried new things. You have worked hard to develop social skills and to ensure you are communicating with others in the most effective manner. You have faced challenges and learnt the value of hard work. Your character has grown and your independence has shone through

A big thank you to Action Learning Initiatives who have continued to support and provide SMGS with exceptional outdoor experiences. The passion and enthusiasm that this provider continues to offer allows our students and our staff to experience some truly wonderful moments. We are grateful for their involvement.

People often ask, what is it like to teach at SMGS?  I actually tend to reply that it’s a dream come true. I get to interact every day with truly exceptional people. People who challenge me and continue to make me want to be a better person. To all those students, I am forever grateful and impressed. I’m thankful for camp for providing a space for those moments.

For more information:

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-02-08/how-school-camp-can-benefit-your-child/8250824

https://www.melbournechildpsychology.com.au/blog/feeling-positive-school-camp/

http://www.action-learning.com.au/

Tim Bland

Dean of Students, Years 7-10