From the Head of Junior School

Last week I had the opportunity to visit not one but two camps. The first camp was with our Year 3 students at Sunnystones, just outside of Baccus Marsh, and the second was the Year 1 Sleepover at the Discovery Centre.

I have very fond memories of visiting our students at Sunnystones over the years. It is a great mix of team-building activities and environmental experiences. The bushland around the camp dormitories is used to the fullest for the activities, with students making bush huts, orienteering, bush cooking and learning about the local animals, flora, geology and geography. There are also challenging ropes courses, a team challenge course, a dam for canoeing and an archery arena. 

While the teamwork skills and new environmental knowledge are valuable, there are other important skills that are developed through camps. While they are having fun and making memories, children also develop independence. Once they are on camp, they are responsible for taking care of their belongings, organising themselves in their rooms and getting ready for each activity, which often requires a change of clothes and footwear. Our students also take turns at completing duties such as setting up for meals and cleaning up at the end. For many, this involves undertaking tasks that they have never done before. Completing them gives the students a sense of achievement and camaraderie. Students also learn resilience when they are away from home on camp, when things may not go to plan and they need to adapt. All of these experiences lead to personal growth, which is a big part of being on camp. 

The second camp involved our Year 1 students attending their first school camp. While it was only one night, it represents the beginning of their camp journey, taking a small step towards independence and feeling a sense of achievement. 

From the first extended stay in Prep through to the Year 6 camp for a week in Canberra, the Girton Junior School Camps Program helps our students grow into confident, independent young people.

Mr Don Thompson

Head of Junior School