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The Wonders of the Outdoors

A key component of the pastoral care and student wellbeing program at St Edmund’s College are the camps. The camp is a 3-day experience where the group undertakes a range of academic, social, physical and spiritual activities.

On Wednesday the 17th February, Year 10 boarded coaches to travel to the Southern Highlands for their annual camp.

The Outdoor Education Group who runs the camp, focuses on the power of experiential learning in the outdoors through activities that are:

  • Meaningful – real, applied learning and experiences with purpose, actions and consequences.
  • Memorable – the experience stands out and stays with you for life. It is fun yet challenging.
  • Character Building- it enables individuals to recognise there is more to themselves and others than they realise. It improves and builds upon an individual’s strengths.
  • Transferable – learning life skills to apply in multiple situations and settings. It equips individuals to thrive throughout life.

The boys were divided into six groups and were involved in a variety of activities; hiking, high ropes, raft building, giant swing, initiative games and archery. The weather at times was trying and conditions were generally hot or rainy. These activities put the boys to the test and out of their comfort zone, it was rewarding to see students combining together to get tasks completed.

The students on a whole received the experience well and endured the hard times without too much complaint. These activities gave the boys the opportunity to build new relationships with staff and their peers that will continue to develop in the classroom on their return. A big thank you goes to the staff, Mr Jack Chalker, Mr Joel Richardson, Mr Nathan Metcalfe, Mr Alex Hausen, Mr Zach Holmes and Ms Emily Ireland who assisted the boys on the camp.

Klara Manenica
Head of Mulrooney House