Intro
The 4th R resource package aims to provide guidance for educators choosing the departments recreation camps programs.
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:
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 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.
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).
We provide support for teachers coming on camp and the 4th R resource package provides guidance in choosing programs. Program resource sheets assist in choosing from the diverse range of programs we offer. Each sheet provides links between our programs and the Western Australian Curriculum Framework.
We provide safe and supportive environments that promote:
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:
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.
During our programs, all students are encouraged to do their best and respect the experiences of others (Values of Australian Schooling).
The programs available at our camps are listed below. The summary table outlines the minimum age requirements and links to the Health and Physical Education learning area of the Australian Curriculum. For a more detail elaboration of the key concepts develop within the programs, please click on the program titles below.