For the first time in 3 years we have had a year 4 overnight camp at school. The teachers have added many hours to their workloads so tha tthe children can have a fantastic experience of their year 4 camp
Once upon a time our old buildings did not meet health and safety standards but now we meet them with bells on.
It is a very big deal for young children to find their courage to leave mum and dad overnight and find their brave. It was lovely to see most of the parents stay with their child and have dinner together before the real business of camp kicked in. There were beds, bears, bags and blankets everywhere. The teachers organised the chaos and the children had a blast. I was amazed by the resilience of the children and their determination to try independence. Neither is easy and some found their way to success through a few tears. That's the very best way to work things through because our brain registers that what we are doing won't work, and we need to change.
I think my "bestest" experience last night was the Human Battleships. Jared of course provided sound effects and a commentary, which confused the army with the navy, but who was counting?
The children made their own ice cream sundae and they were going to be judged on creativity and presentation. Now that was never going to work because the children's appetites overcame the need to delay for the judges decision. I rediscovered sherbet, so I made a SHERBET and ice cream sundae. The more sherbet the better, so I was surprised by the judge's comment that, "Less is best." Really? Who knew.
I can see exhausted children but they are so happy. Great parent helpers too who have been able to separate themselves from their own children and be a wonderful support to their whole group. I see the mamma and papa bears hairs bristling as they prepare to go to the rescue of their precious cubs, but then I see them take a breath and let them learn for themselves.
Year 4 camp is back and rocking on. Thank you everyone.
