Embracing Growth and Learning: Reflections on Our Camps Programs

This will be our last newsletter for this term, which has been a busy and rewarding one. The Easter long weekend provided us with a brief (and much appreciated) rest to see us through the final weeks to the end of this term. I have really enjoyed chatting with students, staff and parents and hearing how they spent the weekend. There was a great variety of responses, however, time spent with family was a significant theme, along with the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection.

One of the aspects of Terms 1 and 2 that make for a busy calendar is our camps program. In a time when many schools have scaled back in this area, we are committed to the long-lasting benefits of providing this opportunity for our students as a core element of our wellbeing and pastoral care programs.

Camps provide a unique opportunity for students to step outside the confines of traditional classrooms and immerse themselves in hands-on learning experiences. Whether it’s exploring nature, engaging in team-building activities, or delving into the arts, camps foster an environment where challenges are set and achieved, curiosity is encouraged, and learning happens organically.

Camp experiences are instrumental in fostering personal growth and development. They challenge students to step out of their comfort zones, develop resilience, and build essential life skills such as communication, leadership, awareness of others, and problem-solving. Through overcoming obstacles and embracing new challenges, students emerge from camp with increased confidence and self-awareness.

For some students, attending a camp may be their first time away from family, our staff understand this and are experienced in supporting those feeling a bit nervous. I encourage every student (and their parents) to embrace the challenge to get the most out of these valuable experiences. Camps provide an opportunity to develop important life skills such as independence and resilience.

One of the most cherished aspects of attending camps is the opportunity to form lasting friendships. Camps bring together students from diverse backgrounds and foster a community environment where bonds are formed over shared experiences and adventures. These friendships often transcend the camp setting and become cherished connections that last a lifetime. The sense of community is important in fostering other-person centeredness. Students participate in a range of team building activities as well as time in small groups and working together on mealtime responsibilities.This all contributes to instilling a sense of community in our students, building bonds, and forging positive year group identities.

In today’s digital age, it’s more important than ever to encourage our students to connect with God’s created world. Camps provide the perfect setting for students to unplug, explore the outdoors, and develop a deeper appreciation for nature. Whether it’s completing scenic bushwalks, building canoeing and surfing skills, or stargazing under the night sky, camps can instil an appreciation and sense of stewardship for the environment.

Above all, camps offer students the opportunity to create cherished memories that they will carry with them for years to come. Proof of this is in the speeches at our graduation ceremonies which always heavily feature stories,photos, and videos from camps over the years. From visiting our nation’s capital to conquering ropes courses and rock-climbing walls, these experiences leave an indelible mark on our students’ lives, shaping their perspectives and enriching their memories of childhood.

To give you a sense of our camps program, below is a list of camps in the first half of the year at WCCS:

•       High School Learning Support camp at Wedderburn, enjoying activities and time away together.
•       Year 6 camp to Canberra – seeing the sights and learning about our Nation’s capital.
•       PASS camp – meeting the challenge of water sports skills.
•       CAPA camp – focussing on visual art expression, composing music, and learning busking skills.
•       Year 9 camp – activities and pastoral care time with peers.
•       Year 5 camp – fun and challenge at Teen Ranch.
•       Year 11 camp – building a positive leadership culture for our senior years.
•       Year 7 camp – forging new friendships through activities at Teen Ranch

Beyond camps, our school offers students in Year 9 and above the opportunity to participate in the Duke of Edinburgh Award. This international program aims to “provide all young Australians with the opportunity to uncover their purpose, passion and place in the world to become #WORLDREADY”. The Duke of Ed Award engages young people in building skills, boosting physical activity, serving the community, and undertaking expeditions (overnight camps). The Award is designed to enable students to set and achieve goals that are individual and suitable for personal situations. Our past Duke of Ed participants have completed a huge range of camps both around Australia and overseas. I am particularly excited that we have had so many students take up the challenge this year and I look forward to seeing their growth in skills, resilience, and friendship with one another. You can find out more at https://dukeofed.com.au/about/ or by contacting Mr Kaye (kayep@wccs.nsw.edu.au)

I encourage you to head outdoors, embrace the adventure of camps, and provide our students with the opportunity to grow, learn, and create unforgettable memories.

“The heavens declare the glory of God;
    the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
Day after day they pour forth speech;
    night after night they reveal knowledge.
They have no speech, they use no words;
    no sound is heard from them.
Yet their voice] goes out into all the earth,
    their words to the ends of the world.”

Psalm 19:1-4