IT WAS a chance to overcome challenges and fears, learn leadership skills and bond with classmates for Quairading District High School students.
They left their classroom and books behind and got a taste of life at camp last week at Woodman Point Camp in Cockburn.
They were able to take part in kayaking, hurtling through the air on the flying fox, surfing and trying their hand at roping.
.Run by the Department of Sport and Recreation, the camps are designed to provide outdoor physical activity opportunities which will help children learn skills related to a particular physical activity and be confident participants in the future, enhance their interpersonal and leadership skills, improve their self-management, decision making and time management skills and learn to appreciate the outdoor environment for future sustainability.
Minister for sport and recreation Mia Davies said camps were wonderfully valuable for children and could be some of the most memorable childhood experiences.
“We call recreation the fourth R because it fits right into the school curriculum and offers young people benefits which include learning about teamwork and collaboration, understanding responsible risk taking, leadership, awareness, managing their emotions and most importantly, fun,” she said.
Research showed active children were better learners, she said.
“Being active in the outdoors is not only good for your physical health but it’s great for children’s mental health.”
The department has recreation camp services at Bickley, Hillarys (Ern Halliday) and Point Walter plus at the heritage-listed Woodman Point (Cockburn) and Quaranup (Albany).
They are available for schools, sporting associations, community groups and corporate events with a diversity of accommodation and outdoor activity options.
For more information visit dsr.wa.gov.au/camps.
