Benefits of school camps and outdoor education
As Outdoor Education becomes a greater part of the school curriculum, school camps are a liberating way for students to interact with the natural world while learning a range of life skills.
In an ever-changing world, the focus of education is turning towards a holistic approach where educators are considering the emotional, social, creative and spiritual development of a child just as equal as the intellectual. Schools are helping to equip young people with a variety of tools and skills that will help them to become a engaged member of community.
Here are some of the benefits of school camps and outdoor education:
- Peer bonding
School camps provide the perfect opportunity for students to experience positive interactions with each other outside of the classroom. Fun activities, team sports and teamwork challenges both help develop new relationships and deepen existing bonds of friendship.
- Being physically active
The healthy benefits of exercise among children is well researched, and school camps often focus on physical activity. Planned exercise may include hiking, canoeing, games and adventure activities, but even just being in an outdoor environment will often inspire children to become more physically active in their day-to-day.
- Freedom to be responsible
For children, being away from home means being away from their parents or caretakers – the people who usually guide them with all their decisions and routines. For some, a school camp may be the first time they are responsible for getting themselves up in the morning, making healthy food decisions or packing their own bags. They are given the freedom and accountability to make conscious and positive decisions.
- Screen-free time
Technology has become integral to the learning journey for today’s learner, but researchers warn of the dangers of overexposure in a child’s development. School camps generally allow for compulsory breaks from access to screens, bringing them back down to earth and present in their surroundings.
- New experiences
When was the last time, or the first time, your child went abseiling or snorkelling or made their own dinner over campfire? Parents may not have the time or resources to give their children all these unique experiences, but school camps offer a variety of experiences that the student may not otherwise get to enjoy. School camps are often cherished memories for students.
- Spending time in nature
Experts say that consistent exposure to nature can be a defining factor in mental health. Spending time outside in the natural environment can decrease stress and anxiety, help us sleep better and regulate emotions in adults and children alike. Not only that, but increased time in nature can stimulate a greater sense of responsibility for the environment and living things.
These experiences and skills don’t have to be limited to school camps though. Follow up on your child’s camp experience by chatting to them about what they learned and enjoyed and try to integrate some of this into your day-to-day. Encourage your children to put down their screens and go for a walk. Support their desire to try new sports or activities. Give them age-appropriate responsibilities within your household. These tools will help shape your child into a well-rounded young adult.
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Living Waters Lutheran College provides activities and experiences beyond the classroom to give students the opportunity to interact with their teachers and peers in new environments. Learn more about life beyond the classroom in our Primary School and Secondary School.
If you are interested in finding out more about how our College builds bright futures, please download our Prospectus.
