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From the Leadership Team

Leila Mattner, Graham Buxton 

Our Year 4s heading off this morning marks to start of camps for 2026 at St Paul Lutheran. Camps are more than just a fun break from routine—they are an essential part of a child’s growth and development. Through shared experiences in new environments, children gain valuable life skills that support their learning both in and outside the classroom.

Here’s why camps are so important:

 

Building Independence

Being away from familiar surroundings encourages children to take small, manageable steps toward independence. They learn to make decisions, take responsibility and build self-confidence.

 

Strengthening Social Skills

Camps create opportunities for children to form new friendships, work as part of a team and develop communication skills. Shared experiences foster cooperation, empathy and understanding.

 

Encouraging Resilience

Trying new activities and stepping outside their comfort zone helps children develop resilience. Whether it’s tackling a challenge or learning from mistakes, these experiences build perseverance.

 

Connecting with Nature

Outdoor learning is a key part of camp experiences. Time in nature promotes wellbeing, creativity and a deeper appreciation of the environment.

 

Creating Lasting Memories

Camps are often the highlight of a child’s year—filled with laughter, adventure and moments that stay with them for years to come.

 

Our camps are designed providing meaningful, engaging experiences. Activities often focus on:

  • Team-building and cooperative games
  • Outdoor exploration and discovery
  • Creative problem-solving challenges
  • Opportunities for reflection and connection

 

Most importantly, our camps are built around support, encouragement and fun, ensuring every child feels safe and included. We are looking forward to a fantastic year of camps in 2026, filled with growth, adventure and joyful learning.