What is one of your earliest happy childhood memories? For the older generations I can guarantee it wouldn’t have been recollections of mindless swiping up or down, left to right or watching ‘funny cat’ reels. So why is this the norm for gen Z and gen Alpha? At Esperance Senior High School, we aim to create great memories for our students in an outdoor environment whilst building positive relationships with peers. We do this by providing meaningful Outdoor Education programs and camps.
Recently the Year 11 students attended a camp at Lucky Bay as part of their Outdoor Education unit. In preparation of the camp, students needed to form groups, set personal goals, plan meals, sleeping arrangements and yes, pack their own bag! They basically had to be self-sufficient. Whilst at camp the students engaged in canoeing, aquatic activities, set up and take down of tents, cook meals and hike a 7km part of the Cape Le Grand walk trail. Surprisingly, many of these activities were new to some of the students. However, through persistence and teamwork they were able to overcome the challenges presented to them.
On return, the students were asked to reflect on their camp experiences. It was remarkable to hear how much of positive impact the camp had on them. Whether it was them reminiscing about someone burning the sausages at lunch, who snored the loudest or crows getting into food boxes because lid wasn’t put back on, they all had a story to tell. These are the memories they should have, they need!
So why go camping? Here are a few benefits: Learn new skills, reconnect with nature, spend quality time with friends, make new friends, experiment with cooking, increase in physical exercise, build confidence and reduces stress. So what are you waiting for? Grab that calendar and pen in your next family camping trip!
