3 minute read
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE IN 2021
While we weren’t able to run our full Outdoor Education program this year due to the impact of COVID-19, we managed to run some great trips.
Glenelg River Camp
In 2021, we increased the number of days to five for this Year 9 multiactivity adventure. Year 9 student Elise Tong reflects on her camp experience.
“I’ll be honest, I was practically begging my parents to let me not go. But I’m actually really glad I didn’t go home that first day. The camp was much more enjoyable than I thought it would be, and the challenges our group faced together [lots of rain] certainly brought out a more adventurous side of me.
Through this experience I’ve felt more optimistic, especially in the face of challenging situations such as lockdowns. I now see how it [camp] can help you gain a better understanding of those around you and develop trust and form bonds – both with students and teachers – that you can’t do purely in a classroom. It can help you learn to respect others and their ideas and build confidence in your own.”
Alpine Camp
Our optional 6-day back country alpine camp for Year 10s is a challenging adventure which rewards students for pushing themselves outside their comfort zone. We were very fortunate to be able to run this camp in between lockdowns in 2021.
STARTING YOUNG IN THEIR OUTDOOR LEARNING JOURNEY
Our 3-year-old and 4-year-old Kinder children at the Centre for Early Education (the CEEd) use the spacious natural environment of our Bush Kinder area on campus to source their own learning, rain or shine, one day per week. When the situation allows, the CEEd also plans ‘excursions’ to the Mount Rowan Farm campus, where the children play in one of the revegetated areas on site and get to learn about some of the Mount Rowan farm animals including chooks, pigs, and sheep.
THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S INTERNATIONAL AWARD
The children at the Centre for Early Education love their time in Bush Kinder. Photo: Justine Locandro
Ballarat Grammar Junior School students start overnight camps from Year 2. Ashlyn and view from her adventure hike.
The Award is a development program for young people which aims to empower them to explore their full potential and find their purpose, passion and place in the world. Participants are supported to develop themselves in four areas: learning a new skill, improving their physical wellbeing, volunteering in their community, and experiencing a team adventure in a new environment.
Program Co-ordinator Jayne Craven says the program offers a real sense of achievement in activities that the participants choose. “It encourages independence and ongoing commitment. Ultimately, it broadens a student’s involvement and highlights their potential. I would like to see our students benefiting not only from their own personal growth, but also from building new friendships with other participants from both within our school and the local community. Ideally participants will come together regularly to share goals and offer support to each other.”
Year 10 student Ashlyn Hall is currently completing the Silver Award. "Through the program I’ve been able to participate in the Police Youth Enhancement Program, improve my public speaking and attend a leadership course. Not only have these experiences helped me learn new skills but also meet new people.”
