Junior Journeys

Independence, responsibility, courage

Camp experiences solidify connections

Recent conversations with our Year 5 student’s indicated thier excitement about the Year 5 camp was at fever pitch!

While many bags have been packed weeks in advance, for some students that this was their first time away and there was some nervous anticipation.

The three day Year 5 camp at Glen Haven Park at Stockport enables students to develop their relationships plus essential life skills, such as resilience, independence, responsibility and courage - all of which can help them navigate future challenges with ease. Coping with their personal care and hygiene, organising clothing and belongings, sharing a dorm room with their friends and eating food prepared beyond the home are all sound learning opportunities.

On camp, students were managing their emotions attached to being away from home and taking safe risks with new adventures. 

They thoroughly enjoyed activities such as team tower challenges, high and low rope climbing, giant swing, giant ladder, group initiatives and the infamous Leap of Faith! These activities are designed so students step out of their comfort zone and conquer their fears, to gain more self-awareness of emotions, how they view themselves as learners and how to work together as a team.

At camp, children are often pushed out of their comfort zones and may encounter new challenges, trying a new activity for the first time, however, these experiences help build resilience - the ability to bounce back from challenges and adversity. It was wonderful to observe the increased confidence and sense of achievement as they pushed themselves beyond their perceived limits and encouraged each other every step of the way.

Our Year 5 students were exceptional ambassadors for the Junior School and we have been so proud of the way in which they have been kind and supported one another on camp and when they have found themselves ‘outside their comfort zones’. It is just so important for our students to develop the crucial skills of perseverance and resilience, and they have done this in spades this week.

As our Year 5’s returns home from this week, I warmly encourage families to talk about the activities and times they found rewarding, easy, challenging and difficult. Perhaps your children can also reflect on the things that they missed and the insights they have gained about themselves by being away from the creature comforts and support of home. Most probably ‘sleep banking’ will be needed with lots of down time and rest over this long weekend.

Kellie Osborn
Head of Junior School