There is something special about a child’s first night away from home. For many students, school camp is one of the first times they experience sleeping somewhere new without their family, managing their own belongings, and navigating a full day of activities with their friends and teachers. While camps are filled with fun and adventure, they also play an incredibly important role in the development of young people
At Glasshouse Christian College, our camp program begins in Year 3 with a one-night camp and then continues each year throughout the primary years. This gradual approach is intentional. A single night away in Year 3 introduces students to the idea of independence in a safe and supportive environment. From there, each year builds upon the last, helping students develop the confidence, resilience, and organisational skills they need as they grow.
Recently, our Year 4 students travelled to Luther Heights Youth Camp for a two-night camp, and it was wonderful to see the growth that occurs in such a short period of time
During their time away, students embraced a range of exciting outdoor experiences. They tackled the flying fox, challenged themselves on the high ropes course, learned new skills while surfing, and worked together through a variety of team-building games and activities. These moments were filled with laughter, encouragement, and the occasional nervous step outside of a comfort zone.
While these larger activities are often the highlights students talk about when they return home, much of the real growth happens in the quieter moments throughout camp.
For many children, camp is one of the first times they have been responsible for managing themselves away from home. They packed their own bags, kept track of their belongings, made sure they had the right items for each activity, and organised themselves for what was coming next. They learned to share spaces with others, work through small challenges with friends, and follow routines in a new environment.
These experiences might seem simple, but they play a significant role in helping young people develop important life skills.
School camps help nurture:
• Independence – students learn to manage their own belongings and responsibilities
• Resilience – they try new things, face challenges, and discover they are capable
• Organisation – keeping track of their items and preparing for upcoming activities
• Teamwork – encouraging and supporting their peers in shared experiences
• Confidence – realising that stepping outside their comfort zone can be rewarding
Experiences like these help prepare students not only for the transition into high school but also for the wider world beyond school. Each camp provides another opportunity for students to grow in maturity, responsibility, and self-belief.
Of course, developing independence is not something that happens in isolation at school. It is something that grows best when schools and families work together.
One of the most valuable ways families can support their children in developing independence is by giving them age-appropriate responsibilities at home. These opportunities allow children to practise the same skills that help them succeed on school camps.
Some simple ways families can encourage this include:
• Allowing children to pack their own school or sports bags
• Encouraging them to prepare their uniform and belongings the night before
• Involving them in packing for family trips or school camps
• Giving them small household responsibilities
• Encouraging them to take responsibility for personal items like hats, drink bottles, and lunch boxes
When children are given the chance to practise these skills regularly, they begin to develop a sense of ownership and competence. They start to see themselves as capable individuals who can manage responsibilities and contribute positively to the world around them.
School camps provide a wonderful environment for this growth to take place. They allow students to experience adventure, challenge themselves physically and socially, and develop life skills that will benefit them well beyond their primary school years.
We are thankful for the opportunity to provide these experiences for our students and grateful for the partnership we share with families. Together, we are helping our young people grow into resilient, capable, and confident individuals who are ready for the many adventures that lie ahead.
Adrian Ford, Assistant Head of Primary – Upper Primary