Year 9 Pastoral Guardian

Working Together

At Mount Alvernia, we are very fortunate to offer Outdoor Education camps to students in Years 7 through to 9.  The three-year experience promotes challenge, growth, and fulfillment.  At one stage or another, adolescents can experience an inner battle with themselves that can impact their self-confidence, self-esteem, and ability to make decisions.  The four-day camp adopts a process called Traffic Light Decision Making, which encourages students to be deep thinkers, and to be rational and reflective.  The activities on camp will challenge their thinking and help them to develop the confidence to make appropriate decisions that can be replicated in our society.  I am thoroughly looking forward to exploring nature with them, engaging in exciting new activities, and observing them in variety of roles and responsibilities that ensure the safety for themselves and others. 

While I could easily continue to write about the positives for attending camp, there are a few students who are finding the thought of camp daunting.  I believe that preparation is the key to reducing any concerns, worries, or anxiety about camp.  Please join me, as I prepare your daughter for camp.  Here is how we are going to do it.

        1. Know what the purpose of the camp is and what the students will be doing.

A good start to facilitating all conversations around camp is to be informed.  Be familiar with the website (Mt A Year 9 Camp School Web Page | Adventure Alternatives) and check out what the students will be doing over the four days.  Visit the website regularly and view pictures of the beautiful environment of Kenilworth.  You may even want to take a drive up to Kenilworth one weekend or over the holidays to get a feel for the place. 

         2. Practise with sleepovers.

Camp can come very easily to some students, while others may experience anxiety. The majority of the concerns are with the sleeping arrangements and being away from home. With the holidays fast approaching, there may be an opportunity for your child to practise ‘going on camp’.  You could start with a sleepover with a family member or close friend. You may want to host a 'camp out' at your place and invite your daughter's friends over. Please also note that all students will have a friend in their group.  This should help them to feel safe and secure.

        3. Talk through concerns and make action plans.

It is important to have meaningful conversations about what is worrying your child.  Being informed (step 1) allows you to have clear discussions about what they will be doing, who they are with, and the support team they have away from home.  Next week, I will begin this conversation with the students and address some of the questions they have.  I invite you to communicate with me and involve me in an action plan for your daughter.  You can communicate with your daughter that there will be a fabulous team of Mount Alvernia staff who are solely there to care for her and to watch her grow and develop over the four days. 

        4. Resilience in Relationships

Camp preparation started two weeks ago when I asked all students to identify people they would like to be with.  Each student will have a friend in their group.  The theory behind this approach is that your daughter will feel supported.  Hartling (2008) states that "having at least one other person there for you is likely to help overcome difficulties”.  Healthy relationships and the feeling of connectedness will enable resilience and, most importantly, promote the development of resilient skills.  Speak to your daughter about being with a friend on camp and how that makes her feel.  Encourage her to be brave, to reach out to others in the group, and extend her connections - to be open to diversity, respect everyone’s story, and see the best in each person.  Please refer to Annette Butterworth’s article for more insight into Resilience in Relationships.

        5. Share the excitement.

Over the holidays prepare your daughter.  Refer to the 'what to bring' list on the web page and start gathering items she needs.  Build excitement around camp, make it a priority, and spend time to gather everything she needs.  This will indicate to her that it is an important part to her education and a wonderful opportunity to be had.  One of the activities is mountain biking.  You may want to take the bikes out and go for a ride one afternoon.  Do anything that builds confidence and shows you are excited for her. 

You would have received an email late last week containing all the information you need about the Year 9 camp.  There was also a link that requested you to complete medical and dietary requirements.  Please be aware that the forms are due next Monday, 14 June. Thank you to those who have already completed the forms.

I wish you daughter a very relaxing, calm, and enjoyable break.  She deserves it. 

Take care

Tamara Richardson

References

Hartling, L. M. (2008). Strengthening resilience in a risky world: It's all about relationships. Women & Therapy, 31(2-4), 51-70.