Successful learning is achieved by using a range of sequenced learning experiences derived from a wide variety of activities. Teachers at Tinaroo Environmental Education Centre make use of natural and built environments to challenge visiting students and provide them with unique and different experiences. For many students, school camp will mark their first time away from home without family. This experience will foster independence, resilience and self-confidence. Children will gain a sense of responsibility in a safe and supportive environment.
Taking your students on a longer camp will reap more benefits. Apart from the obvious things like being able to fit more activities into your camp, there are increased opportunities for learning. School camps should be about building relationships, becoming more independent, learning new skills, eating good food and improving one’s well-being.
Through learning experiences fashioned from canoeing, abseiling and roping activities, group challenges and problem-solving situations, bushwalking and camping, communal and social interaction, role plays and games, environmental and scientific discovery, teachers progress students towards predetermined learning outcomes.
While 3 day camps can be a good fit for some specialist programs, or for younger students in Year 5 and below, they are naturally shorter due to travel time on Day 1 and Day 3. Longer camps, however, allow students to settle in, build stronger connections, and experience a greater variety of activities. Whenever possible, we encourage schools to consider 4 or 5 day programs for the most rewarding and impactful camp experience.
Camping Away from the Centre
Camping away from the Centre is possible and requires a higher level of commitment to the program. An expedition program will involve students and teachers:
• building their own shelters/tents
• sleeping under these shelters - (bivouac / bivvy) - no walls or floor
• packing and waterproofing a backpack
• hiking up to 5 kilometres a day carrying a full backpack
• no showers
• preparing and cooking own meals on an open fire and on a trangia stove
• cleaning of all items used for the expedition
• completing all the above with a minimum impact on the natural environment.