By John Lindros
Camp format changes the experience a school can create. A venue hosting several groups at once may suit some schools, while exclusive use can give one school more freedom to shape the atmosphere, routines and learning around its own students.
As a teacher, I focused on providing the best possible learning experience for students. Where possible, that experience responded to the students and the community they came from. I carried the same view into running camps.
Charnwood helps explain the appeal of exclusive use. It sits in a bush setting where each arriving school brings its own energy and spirit to the property. The group can settle into the place, build shared routines and make the experience its own.
The same principle can be valuable on journeys. Smaller groups walking, paddling or travelling together can share responsibility, make decisions and build relationships without becoming lost in a much larger group.
When planning a camp, start with the experience you want students to have. Consider the time of year, suitable activities, the atmosphere you want to create, the relationships you hope to strengthen and the educational or social outcomes that matter to your school.
There is no single format for every group. If your school values an exclusive, tailored experience, contact AusCamp to explore the possibilities.