Preparing for Camp

Spending time with students outside of the classroom can be an experience that is not to be forgotten.

However, it also comes with some uncertainties for both the teachers and students. To help you prepare in the best way, we have put together these videos with tips of how to get the most out of camp. Depending on the year level you are supporting, there might be different themes, so check out the age appropriate resources.

Grade 5 & 6 Primary

Common Student Concerns for Their First School Camp

For most students, time away from family at a young age can be daunting. So, when it’s time for their first primary school camp, there can be some very real fears that come up for both students and parents. So, as a teacher, how can you best support your future campers before piling on the bus?

Dealing with Homesick Students

Children, and adults, of all ages can get homesick but children who have rarely been away from home tend to be more prone to it. So, how can educators best support students who are missing home during school camp?

Managing Bed Wetting At School Camp

When younger students are in unfamiliar sleeping situations, bed wetting can become a concern. How can you as a teacher address this issue and more importantly avoid any potential embarrassment.

School Based Activities to Conquer the Unknown (Before Camp)

There are a lot of unknowns for students on their first camp, and this might raise many questions:

Where are we going? Where do we sleep? What will we eat? What will we do? For some students this can lead to anxiety and even fear of coming to camp. Here are some things that you can do at school to help.

Students and Camp Hygiene

Camp is a great time to develop and experience independence. At the same time, it’s good to remind students that they’ll be staying in close quarters with others and that this independence also means responsibility.

Grade 7 & 8 Juniors

Bullying Before, During & After School Camp

Some students might be placed into groups where they are unable to truly tackle the adventure of camp due to bullying and social dynamics. Here are some tips of what we can do as educators to prevent bullying from having a negative effect on the camp experience.

Mental Health Concerns in an Outdoor Environment

Mental health, particularly in young people, can be a hard thing to identify and assist with. Especially in a foreign environment like a school camp. Anxiety might rise for some students, issues outside of school may become apparent or homesickness might get the better of someone, but it’s how we manage these concerns that makes the biggest difference.

Technology Addiction and School Camps

At Adventure Alternatives, we promote a technology-free experience to deepen the connection with the outdoors and other students.

Here is how you can promote students’ acceptance of a technology-free experience at camp.

Pushing Comfort Zones for Early Teens

“Real growth is only possible outside of your comfort zones.”

Here is how we team up with you to plant the seeds of personal growth in your students.

Periods and School Camp – Practical Tips

Many students, teachers and us as instructors can get their period while out on camp. While this is a completely normal experience, it can cause students some anxiety and may require additional management and preparation for your students.

Grade 9 to 11 Seniors

Enforcing School Policies During Camp

Although school camp is all about getting away from the four walls of the classroom and the structure of a school day, it is important for everyone involved to recognise that when on camp your school’s policies and expectations of behavior continue to be in play. We fully support you in that.

Changing your Perspective Towards Difficult Students

School camps give amazing opportunities for teachers to rethink how they approach each student’s behaviour. Consider that for even the most difficult of students, camp may just be the best school experience they have… for you and for them.

Ensuring Safety at School Camp

What should you look for when considering a school camp provider to minimise risks, and make the whole experience less stressful and… in fact, enjoyable.

Strengthening Teacher – Student Relationships

Student behaviour on camp is something that can cause teachers anxiety. But there are things you can do to improve the experience for yourself as well as your students.

Building Future Leaders through Outdoor Education

Outdoor adventure camps provide an important opportunity for students to embrace their uniques qualities and leadership traits. It imitates life in so many ways and can highlight the young leaders of the future. So how do adventure camps propel students to become the best version of themselves, and set them up for success as future adults?