By Vinnie Kaur Surjit Singh, classroom teacher 5 Blue and the grade 5 students
The Grade 5 camp was a wealth of cherished memories, each one leaving a lasting impression on our young adventurers. Sonal's delight in "toasting the yummy marshmallows and being able to socialise with others in camp" encapsulated the joy of connecting with fellow campers. Amaira's warmth shone through as she shared her favourite memory, "making s'mores with my friends and hanging out with teachers," highlighting the special bonds formed not only with peers but also with educators. Mali's infectious enthusiasm radiated during the camp party, where "everyone was so happy," and the Macarena dance brought everyone together. Debrupa's fondest memory of the "beautiful campfire" and the midnight fiesta will be remembered forever. These memories will forever hold a special place in their hearts, reminding them of the joy of grade 5 camp life.
Taking charge of daily responsibilities
Independence was a prominent theme at our Grade 5 camp, where students discovered the value of self-reliance and personal responsibility. Vighan emphasised the significance of independence, highlighting how camp not only teaches self-sufficiency but also essential life skills. Atharv echoed this sentiment, expressing how living independently for three days, complete with dishwashing, sandwich-making, and sharing tents with friends, instilled newfound confidence. Geethika further underscored the transformative nature of camp by reflecting on her ability to complete tasks independently, breaking away from dependency. Pronnoy added to the narrative, sharing how various activities encouraged students to take charge of daily responsibilities, ultimately fostering their independence and maturity. These experiences have undoubtedly equipped our students with essential life skills that will serve them well in the future.
The transformation in our students' feelings before and after the Grade 5 camp was nothing short of remarkable. Eli's account perfectly exemplified the camp's power to change perspectives, as he revealed, "Before I felt nervous, but when I reached camp my feelings immediately changed because we had so much fun and we also had a dance party. That was the best part." Aadhya's experience mirrored this transformation, as she shared, “Before coming, I felt nervous, but after camp, I felt that I didn't want to leave." This shift in feelings showcased the positive impact of the Grade 5 camp, leaving our students with lasting memories and newfound friendships.
Rock-climbing, zip-lining and survival
The Grade 5 camp was a whirlwind of personal growth and excitement, with students like Sara and Adiva fully immersing themselves in a diverse array of activities. Sara recounted her journey, braving challenges in activities like rock climbing, zip-lining, archery, archery tag, and survival. Among these adventures, rock climbing stood out as a particularly rewarding challenge, pushing her limits in a positive way. These activities not only brought our students closer together but also encouraged them to step out of their comfort zones, making the Grade 5 camp an unforgettable and enriching adventure.