The Power of School Camps: Lessons from Our Recent Ski Trip

Our recent ski trip to Canberra and the snow fields was a high-octane whirlwind of immense fun, educational opportunities, personal growth and relationship building. Every time I return from a camp, I’m once again impacted by the profound benefits of school camps beyond just outdoor fun. These camps are more than a change of scenery or educational opportunities; they provide invaluable lessons in relationship building, resilience, and independence while offering a welcome break from the digital world. Here’s how this recent adventure exemplified these benefits:

1. Building Stronger Relationships

One of the standout aspects of this ski trip was the opportunity for students to connect on a deeper level with their peers and teachers. Away from the distractions of everyday life, students engaged in meaningful interactions as they faced the challenges of skiing and navigating a new environment together. The bus trip alone created a sense of comradery. Shared experiences like learning to ski in our lessons, or tackling new slopes, working through small mishaps (like falling of the T-bars!), and celebrating successes fostered a sense of camaraderie and strengthened friendships. These moments of cooperation and mutual support are essential for building trust and a sense of community within the school. The students embrace each other (and us!) and social class, popularity groups and hierarchies are reduced.

2. Developing Resilience

The ski trip was a real-life classroom for resilience. It’s hard work! (Especially for us… er…older folks!).  From the initial struggle of mastering just standing up, skiing techniques like how to stop, to enduring the physical demands of the trip, students encountered and overcame various obstacles. Each challenge—from managing falls to dealing with unexpected weather—required persistence and a positive attitude. These experiences helped students build resilience, teaching them that setbacks are a natural part of learning and growth – but that practise does indeed make perfect (or nearer to perfect). The confidence gained from overcoming these challenges will benefit them not only in their academic pursuits but throughout their lives.

3. Fostering Independence

Away from home and the familiar comforts of daily routines, students were given opportunities to take on responsibilities and make independent decisions.  They learnt that anxiety can be anticipation, but that it’s worth persevering. Whether it was organising their own gear, navigating the ski slopes, or managing their time effectively, the trip encouraged students to rely on their judgment and capabilities. This newfound independence is a crucial step in their development, preparing them to handle future challenges with greater confidence and self-reliance.

4. Disengaging from Social Media

One of the most refreshing aspects of the ski trip was the chance for students to unplug from social media and engage with their surroundings and each other in real-time. With limited access to screens and online distractions, students were fully immersed in the experience, which allowed them to develop stronger interpersonal connections and focus on their personal growth. This break from the digital world provided a valuable perspective on the importance of in-person interactions and the benefits of living in the moment. And best of all, they realised they can survive without it!

In Conclusion

Our recent ski trip was more than just an adventure; it was a powerful experience that contributed to students’ personal development in significant ways. By enhancing relationships, building resilience, fostering independence, and offering a break from social media, school camps play a crucial role in shaping well-rounded individuals. As we reflect on the success of this trip, it’s clear that these experiences are essential for nurturing growth, confidence, and a sense of community among our students. I can’t wait for Year 5 and Year 6 Camp in Week 9 of this term! Bring on the fun, games and opportunities.