Stories of MECS

MECS Camping Program

Camps and other ‘out-of-classroom’ experiences are an important part of the educational program at MECS. They are an integral part of the students’ curriculum. Camps are a priority because of the way they enhance the learning of our students. We feel it is valuable for students to not only learn about various aspects of God’s creation but to also experience it firsthand and get involved. This ‘hands on’ approach means that students can more easily apply their new knowledge in real life situations. Learning is greatly enriched by such experiences and provides greater relevance. The whole range of senses is engaged through this kind of learning. 

Camps allow staff and students to respond more creatively to learning situations and to think ‘outside the box’. They also cater for a broader range of learning styles. Camps often provide opportunities for students to ‘shine’ and demonstrate their God-given gifts in ways that aren’t always appropriate or don’t readily occur within the confines of the four walls of a classroom. 

Camps are also important for: 

• Developing important life skills such as independence, perseverance, and resilience.
• Developing interpersonal skills.
• Developing problem-solving skills.
• Fostering community. 
• Encouraging students to take on new responsibilities; and 
• Leading them to pursue appropriate behaviour in new situations be it public places, meeting other adults, taking on duty group responsibilities, or sharing a tent/cabin. 

‘Rich Learning’, ‘Adventurous Methodologies’, ‘Active Learning’ and ‘Integral Approach’ – are four of our 16 core understandings of Christian teaching and learning outlined in Transformational Education—and all strongly relate to our camping program at MECS. 

Middle and Senior Primary School students attend one camp per year. In Junior Secondary, students attend one to two camps per year. Year 10 students attend an eight day Discovering Country Camp where they learn more about Australia’s Indigenous culture and communities within Western Victoria. Year 12 students begin their final year at MECS attending a three day Study Skills Camp at Alexandra Adventure Resort. 

The Year 8 Wilsons Prom Camp (the 2016 version is pictured above - but you can find pictures of this years camp in the Junior Secondary section), provides many personal challenges for students within a communal setting as they participate in overnight hikes. The total length of most 2 night hikes ranges from 24 – 35km. For many students this is their first experience of overnight hiking where they are required to carry all their clothes, food, and camping equipment in and out of the southern end of Wilsons Promontory National Park. Over the years students have experienced extreme weather conditions from temperatures reaching as high as 40 degrees to leaving base camp in the pouring rain. Under such challenging conditions students often get along their fellow classmates encouraging them each step of the way. Past students often look back on this particular camp with fond memories as they retell their memories and hiking experiences, proud of their achievements.

Yvonne Verhagen

Secondary Maths Teacher