AUTUMN 2013
THE YEAR 3 ADVENTURE
Camp teaches students new skills After dropping their bags outside in the courtyard and assembling in the gym, the Year 3 students were already beginning to show the signs of independence, maturity and courage for which this short but fun filled camp is renowned. Like a finely oiled machine, 120 Year 3 students were bused out of Discovery Bay to the YWCA campsite, San Shek Wan, on the other side of Lantau Island. There were no signs of anxiety as the three buses were filled with laughter, singing and tall tales of food stashed away for midnight feasts. Upon arriving at the camp, all the luggage was stored, activity groups were given, parent group leaders were assigned and then the 20 minute walk to Cheung Sha beach commenced. Once at the beach, gallons of water were gulped down, along with snacks and fruit, keeping the intrepid Year 3s hydrated and energised on a hot balmy morning. The groups then rotated through a range of activities from sand sculptures and team building games to environmental awareness tasks and the ever popular parachute. At 2.30pm all activities stopped and the students, parents and staff started their walk back to camp, the highlight being spotting a water buffalo in the stream.
Back at camp a hushed silence took over the sports hall as the students waited with anticipation to find out who their dorm buddies would be for the night. As names were called and buddies assigned, there were enthusiastic yells of appreciation and relief. Everyone was happy – the teachers had got it right again!
Next came a quick wash and scrub to remove half of the beach and once the ever baffling puzzle of bed making was solved the children had free range to choose from a variety of activities. Dinner was served, followed by night activities, teeth washing, bedtime and lights out at about 8.45pm. The next morning everyone woke up famished after a relaxing and refreshing night’s sleep, however, beds needed to be put away and bags needed to be packed and stored before we could start breakfast, which was followed by more camp activities and lunch. At 1.00pm all Year 3 students got onto the buses to go back to school eager to tell their parents about the experiences they had and the new skills they had gained. Thank you to all the teachers, educational assistants and parents who helped on this camp. For some children this was their first night away from home and all were able to grow and discover in an environment where they felt safe and secure. Jason Edwards Year 3 Team Leader
THE YEAR 3 ADVENTURE
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