School camps are integral to the St Mary’s Catholic Primary School experience, offering students invaluable opportunities for growth, learning, and fun. Each year, students in Years Three to Six embark on exciting adventures at various camp locations, engaging in activities designed to foster their development.
2024 Camp Highlights
In 2024, our camp program kicked off in Term Two with a memorable experience for our Year Five and Six students. They travelled to Trafalgar East in Victoria for a two-night leadership camp at The Summit Adventure Camp. This new venue proved to be a hit, offering students opportunities to build resilience, confidence, and connection through various challenging and fun activities.
Year Four students followed in Term Three with their two-night adventure at the YMCA Lady Northcote Discovery Camp in Glenmore. This outdoor camp allowed students to try new things like bike riding, a giant swing, archery, and canoeing, encouraging them to step outside their comfort zones and discover their potential.
Our youngest campers, Year Three students, had their exciting one-night camp at PGL Campaspe Downs near Kyneton. This camp served as an introduction to the school camp experience, allowing students to try new activities like a flying fox, canoeing, and a low ropes course. And, for some, sleep away from home for the first time. Many returned home with a sense of accomplishment and excitement for future camps.
The Benefits of School Camps
As you can see by the countless happy faces in our photos, our school camps have been a resounding success. These experiences offer numerous benefits for our students, including:
- Personal growth: Camps provide opportunities for students to develop independence, resilience, and self-confidence.
- Teamwork and collaboration: Working together on group activities fosters teamwork and cooperation.
- Outdoor education: Camps often involve outdoor activities that promote physical fitness and a connection to nature.
- Social skills: Interacting with peers in a new environment helps students develop social skills and make lasting friendships.
- Academic benefits: Camps can support academic learning by providing real-world applications of classroom concepts.
Planning for 2025
We’re thrilled to announce that our 2025 camp program has been finalised! Details, including locations and dates, will be shared in the upcoming school newsletter. We know our Year Five and Six students are eagerly anticipating the biannual Canberra Tour and flight, a highlight of our senior camp program.
Key Points to Remember
- Parent Information Sessions: To ensure families are well-informed about each camp, we hold parent information sessions approximately 2-3 weeks before departure. These sessions provide detailed information about the camp plans, allowing students and parents to visualise the experience.
- All-Inclusive Fees: Camp fees are set in advance and encompass all costs, including travel, food, accommodation, supervision, and activities. We strongly encourage families to pay the fees before departure to ensure a smooth experience.
School camps are an essential part of our students’ education. They create lasting memories, foster personal growth, and contribute to a well-rounded learning experience.