We all know about the three ‘Rs’: Reading wRiting and aRithmetic, but I would like to propose a fourth ‘R’ that is equally as important to children’s development: Recreation.
Download the 4th R
The quality recreation camp experience is more than just another excursion. It can assist your students to develop important life skills that can be utilised in the classroom environment, including:
- Independence, accepting responsibility and leadership.
- Cooperation and teamwork.
- Problem solving and decision making.
- Dealing with challenges and adversity.
- Building self-confidence.
Furthermore, our entry-level programs are an ideal introduction to a range of adventure recreation activities and a stepping stone to a healthy, active lifestyle.
The importance of children being physically active has been reinforced by research commissioned by the Department of Sport and Recreation (DSR) and collated by the University of Western Australia1. The report indicates a strong association between increased physical activity and improved educational outcomes for our children. The full report can be viewed on the DSR website.
Every student should be given the opportunity to partake in activities in an outdoor environment. However, having been a teacher myself, I acknowledge the fact that it is becoming increasingly difficult for educators to provide students with opportunities in the outdoors.
Loss of time inside the classroom; schools requiring a stronger basis for supporting excursions due to budgetary constraints; and risk management issues are some of the contributing factors.
Thankfully, committed educators like you recognise the value of the camp experience and are prepared to go the extra yard to organise an offsite excursion for your students. I want you to know that our department recognises your commitment and has developed this resource to make organising your camp easier.
Used in conjunction with our network of four metropolitan recreation camps, through which we provide quality, affordable outdoor recreation opportunities for the Western Australian community, this resource will aid you in preparing, booking, organising and conducting your camp excursion.
1 Martin, Karen (2010) Brain boost: Sport and Physical Activity Enhance Children’s Learning: Perth, Western Australia (Western Australian Government).
How to use this resource
We aim to provide the best support for teachers coming on camp. The 4th R resource package aims to provide guidance for educators choosing DSR Recreation Camps programs. Program resource sheets can be found from page 16 of this resource to assist you in choosing from the diverse range of programs we offer. Each program resource sheet provides important information regarding our programs, including their links to the Western Australian Curriculum Framework.
What we offer
Our recreation camps provide safe and supportive environments that promote physical activity, positive outdoor recreation experiences, interaction with the natural environment and experiential learning opportunities. We provide of a wide range of recreational programs and communal living environments ranging from tents to dormitory-style accommodation.
The outdoor camp experience
Going on school camp is more than just another excursion; it is an experience that creates memories to last a lifetime. Communal living environments away from home, interactions with the natural environment and various outdoor recreational programs assist students with:
- Gaining independence, accepting responsibility and leadership.
- Developing communication and active listening skills.
- Learning cooperation and teamwork.
- Building trust and respect.
- Problem solving and decision making.
- Learning how to deal with challenges and adversity.
- Building self-confidence.
- Providing a vehicle for responsible risk taking.
- Creating long-lasting friendships.
Not only do our programs provide opportunities for learning, regardless of age, but whenever people enter an unfamiliar environment they get the opportunity to participate in new experiences that result in a range of positive outcomes being achieved. For example, Year 5 students on a two-night overnight camp will have to pack and unpack their own bag, make their own bed, organise their belongings and fulfil group responsibilities such as preparing the dining room or keeping their dorm clean. These skill sets are generally overlooked, however they are important in a student’s progress towards becoming independent in their daily lives.
