Looking for a school camp to provide your students with learning breakthroughs and memories they’ll cherish for years to come? There are lots of things to consider when deciding on a school camp, so to help you make this decision a little easier, we highlight all the things you need to know to make an informed decision.
The benefits of school camps
School camps provide students with a platform to break out of the classroom and learn beyond the textbook, providing a range of development opportunities, both academically and personally. The benefits of a school camp for students include:
- BUILDING INDEPENDENCE away from the home and classroom environment
- BUILDING RESILIENCE to overcome challenges with determination and self-reliance
- GROWING CONFIDENCE by trying new things out of their comfort zone
- ENCOURAGING COOPERATION by working together and celebrating successes
- BOOSTING LEADERSHIP skills by offering ideas, guidance, and support to inspire and motivate their peers towards shared success
- EMPOWERING TEAMWORK by embracing roles, sharing responsibilities, and promoting respectful relationships to achieve goals collaboratively
- BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS and comradery through shared experiences and excitement
While some of these can be enhanced in the classroom, the very best place to develop these important life skills is away from the classroom, on a school adventure camp.
What to consider when selecting your school camp
When you’re looking for a camp, firstly consider your learning objectives. Understanding the motives behind your school camp is the first step. We recommend asking yourself the following questions to help you during the consideration stage to help shape your decision.
- What are you looking for your students to achieve during the camp?
- How does the school camp help you achieve these learning objectives?
How our R.E.A.C.H Framework delivers learning breakthroughs
PGL Adventure Camp’s exclusive R.E.A.C.H Framework has been developed in conjunction with teachers, and based on extensive research, to ensure the delivery of key learning outcomes. The framework delivers sequential programming for schools, from grade 3 through to senior secondary, focusing on the most important and relevant skills for each age and stage.
Grades 3-4: DISCOVER! Program This will gently take them out of their comfort zone to have first-time experiences and discover new skills that they didn’t even know they had!
Grades 5-6: GROW! Program From taking on dedicated leadership roles, to encouraging respectful relationships to enjoy success together, every element of the GROW! program has been specifically chosen for their amazing character-building powers!
Years 7-8: UNITE! Program From working together to build an unsinkable raft, encouraging each other to brave the Giant Swing, or trusting their classmates on the Jacob’s Ladder – each activity has been chosen for their amazing relationship-building powers!
Years 9-12: MASTER! Program Specifically for upper secondary students, this program enhances advanced skills such as problem solving, critical questioning, conservation awareness, strategic planning, and organisation (available at Camp Rumbug only)
When you think about it, what better environment is there than camp for students to hone their problem-solving, communication, critical thinking or teamwork skills?
A good camp provider will consult with your camp lead to assess your required learning outcomes and then provide the best activity program to meet those specific needs. A ‘Plan, Do, Review’ approach for each session will help students reflect on and solidify their learnings.
Other considerations
Once you have firmed up your learning objectives, here are some other considerations when selecting a school camp:
- How large is your cohort? Will you find a provider large enough to cater for your group?
- How far are you willing to travel?
- How can you ensure your students’ safety while on camp?
- How much are your teachers willing to participate whilst on camp?
Now let us help you answer these important questions to find the perfect camp for your school.
1. How large is your cohort? Will you find a provider large enough to cater for your group?
PGL Adventure Camps (Victoria & Queensland) are some of the largest properties available for school camps. With accommodation for up to 400 students, you’ll likely be able to bring your whole year level at once, saving you time and effort!
2. How far are you willing to travel?
Bus trips over 2 and a half hours can blow out costs and take away precious time from learning. PGL camps are conveniently located:
PGL Campaspe Downs (VIC): 1 hour north of Melbourne in the beautiful Macedon Ranges.
PGL Camp Rumbug (VIC): 2 hours east of Melbourne in stunning South Gippsland.
PGL Kindilan (QLD): 40 minutes from Brisbane, and an hour from the Gold Coast in lovely Redland Bay.
3. How can you ensure your students’ safety while on camp?
It’s safety first at PGL, and we’re happy to share everything that we have in place to ensure the safety of our guests. From our activities to risk assessments and everything in between, we make sure all bases are covered when it comes to safety.
- Risk assessments: These cover every area of Health & Safety at our camps. We have undertaken full risk assessments and have thorough Health & Safety policies and procedures in place, so we know exactly what to do in the unlikely event of an accident.
- Standards: We have been providing outstanding outdoor education for over 60 years, and we have strict standards in place to ensure that students receive the best possible experience when on a PGL camp.
- Training: All Activity Instructors undertake rigorous and ongoing training, including assessment by an external consultancy to ensure that our standards remain the highest in the industry.
- Accreditations: We are proud members of the Australian Camps Association, as well as being a Quality Tourism accredited business.
- Safeguarding training: All of our staff undergo extensive safeguarding training prior to employment, and ongoing. All of our staff hold valid Working With Children Checks (Victoria) or Blue Cards (Queensland).
- Instructor-led sessions: 100% of our activity and evening activity sessions are run by PGL staff who are fully trained and experienced in program delivery. We don’t leave the running of any sessions to teachers.
4. How much are your teachers willing to participate whilst on camp?
At PGL, we believe that our Activity Instructors are the best people to run activities while on camp, giving your teachers time to bond with, and encourage, their students. Teachers won’t need to run any sessions, day or night, while on a PGL camp. That’s our job.
How PGL meets all your school camp needs
So, now the hard part is over, the fun can begin! At PGL, we offer 3 spectacular school campsites, with the perfect fusion of adventure, learning, fun and entertainment!
Our focused approach means we’ll work closely alongside you, with a tailored itinerary designed to help you meet all of your learning objectives.
What’s more, we’ll take care of everything in its entirety, from nutritious meals throughout each day to instructor-led sessions that prioritise safety and learning above all else. That way, instead of trying to run sessions yourself, you can relax and use this time to bond with your students and gain a greater understanding of how your students are developing throughout the camp.
Throughout your stay, you’ll be able to lean on your dedicated PGL ‘Groupie’ for any advice and support. They’ll ensure you have everything you need over the course of your whole stay!
Amazing PGL locations in Victoria!
We have 2 amazing locations in Victoria that offer a school camp experience you’ll never forget. PGL Campaspe Downs is nestled amidst the stunning natural vistas of the Macedon Ranges. Here, you’ll find all our favourite PGL activities, such as canoeing, abseiling, laser tag, the giant swing and many more.
Additionally, PGL Camp Rumbug is situated in the rural hills of South Gippsland, a 2-hour drive from Melbourne. This venue will offer your students a unique educational experience in one of the state’s most spectacular locations. Camp Rumbug activity highlights include aeroball, archery, our famous mud run, and the adrenaline-packed Flying Fox.
An unforgettable adventure in Queensland!
PGL Kindilan sits within 220 acres of natural bushland just 40 minutes from Brisbane in Redland Bay conservation area. You’ll find all your favourite PGL activities at Kindilan too, including abseiling, climbing, archery, canoeing and scaling Jacob’s Ladder!
Choose PGL for your school camp
We’d love to have your school on a PGL adventure! Why not contact us today and we’ll be on hand to help arrange a fantastic school camp for you and your group!
