By John Lindros
I have worked in education for nearly 40 years. During that time, schools and outdoor education providers have managed public health events, bushfires, industrial action and many other challenges. COVID-19 brought a different level of uncertainty and changed the way people lived, worked and connected.
At the time, organisations and families were trying to make sound decisions with limited information. Safety and wellbeing had to come first, but it was also important to look beyond the immediate disruption and think about the experiences young people would need when ordinary school and community life could resume.
School is more than academic study, whether it happens online or in a classroom. Sport, art, music, drama and outdoor education can all help young people build relationships, confidence and a sense of belonging.
That was the message behind this reflection in March 2020: when it was safe to reconnect, children would again need opportunities to participate, spend time outside and share meaningful experiences with other people.
School camps can be one part of that wider education.