Camp considerations

Camp provided an excellent opportunity to experience " öut of classroom education."

The aims and goals of camp were clearly listed under Social and Outdoor Pursuits.

These included :
- to face the physical challenges presented by the camp activities;
- to follow appropriate safety procedures;
- to participate in new outdoor activities;
- to encourage and support other team members;
- to face the challenges of staying away from home;
- to recognise the similarities and differences between people;
- to respect other peoples property as well as their own;
- to continue a healthy lifestyle with grooming, showering, eating, sleep, relaxation;
- to participate in all camp activities.

The link to the curriculum was Health and Physical Education :

strand A - Personal health and physical development
strand B - Relationships with other people
strand C - Movement concepts and motor skills
strand D - healthy communities and environments

Risk Analysis and Management Strategy (RAMS):

These were composed for the four risky activities and a generic list was composed for general activiites.

Leaders were made fully conversant with these strategies.
Children were made aware of all hazzards prior to participation in the events.

Strategies were also composed re first aid kits, diets, children's medications, allergies and food allergies.

Provision made to have a vehicle available for emergencies.

Communication :

Liason was required between El Rancho personnel, parent helpers, teachers, children and their families.

Procedures :

I learnt some of the procedures required to run a successful camp :

- program - schedule activities on rotation so that over the camp children get to experience every activity;
- checking the roll on camp - ensuring that children number off to simplify roll taking;
- teachers'attitudes are more relaxed but firm control is still maintained;
- children could be grouped by class groups or activity groups;
- reward good behaviour by allowing those children to be first into meals;
- invite parents to visit camp;
- allow sufficient freetime for fun/play;
- maintain high standards re children's hygiene issues;
- planning transportation;
- carefully select the composition of groups.
- have a list of camp rules !

Conclusions :

The keys to a successful camp are :

- planning in all areas;
- a mix of activities;
- good food;
- well-briefed parent help;
- contingency plans;
- an attitude of both fun and seriousness.