Year 4 Camping Adventures!

Phillip Island - 29th to 31st August

What a fabulous time the Year 4 students (and staff members) had at Phillip Island Adventure Resort for our annual school camp.

At Pakenham Springs, we have a developmental approach to camping - beginning with our overnight Year 2 sleepover, progressing to our 2 night Year 4 Phillip Island adventure camp and concluding with our 4 night Canberra Tour in Year 6. The skills that students develop, including independence, time management, self-regulation, resilience and confidence, truly are valuable skills that will become more and more important as they grow into young adults. 

This year, 102 students joined us as we set off to Phillip Island. A highlight of our camp was our stop at Amaze'n'Things for some mini-golf, puzzles, indoor illusions and time to get lost in the outdoor maze.  The giant drop was a highlight for many (although Mrs Cotterell stayed well away from this attraction!!). 

Throughout our camp, the students rotated through 8 activities; giant swing, flying fox, photo hunt, archery, canoeing, camp cooking, ropes course and a team building rescue activity. It was wonderful to see how well all students worked together, encouraging and supporting each other when friends and classmates were pushed out of their comfort zone.

Our night time activities included a movie night and indoor tabloid sports. Participating in charades, balloon relays, egg and spoon races and musical chairs was fun, but without a doubt, the favourite activity of the evening was the Chocolate game!   

Last but not least, a HUGE thank you to the Year 4 students - your behaviour at camp was excellent and your attitude towards trying new things and having a go, even when feeling a little uncomfortable, was truly admirable. You represented the school beautifully and I hope you enjoyed the camp as much as all of us staff members did!

Renee Cotterell