Persuasie Writing Task - Are Year 7 Camps Worthwhile? by Gabby

I strongly believe that school camps play a very important part in

our development as students. Almost every school in Australia has a

school camp as part of the Year 7 school curriculum. I know that

many parents or even other students would not agree with this

statement and would argue that school camp is just another school

activity that we are all required to undertake. *According to NZ

Herald

Toongabbie Christian School has attended the three-day camp.

Sixth graders spend a whole year looking forward to “their turn,”

and eighth graders wish they could go again. **Seven out ten

students who attended the camp spoke positively about their

experience. I believe school camp is about making connections –

connection within yourself, connection to others and connection to

nature and God, therefore I called it journey connections.

In support of my argument, school camp is an avenue to connect

within yourself. It’s a chance for students to be away from the usual

surroundings such as school and the place we call home.

perfect environment for students to learn about things they haven’t

experienced before. They begin to realise that they are able meet

life challenges such as facing their fears and that they can do things

they previously thought they couldn’t, such as learning to rock

climb, building a raft, kayaking and doing archery. It provides a

unique opportunity for those who always try hard, but sometimes

struggle to achieve their best to excel and shine. Students are

taught how to be independent such as carrying their own bags,

“Sadly, not all schools are doing camps anymore - for some, the health and safety concerns, the necessary parental involvement and the cost, have made it prohibitive”. For several years, every seventh grader atIt’s the

making their own beds, pitching in with the camp duties and

realising that they can do a whole range of things without the

assistance of their parents. They take the experiences learned and

apply them in their everyday lives.

Furthermore, school camp is a great way to connect with others. It

provides students opportunity to build relationships with their

friends and teachers. We learn to recognise the hard work and

contribution the teachers have put in to make each camp

unforgettable. Students learn about teamwork and to communicate

effectively with one another through series of activities. The

interaction with their fellow students teaches them valuable life

skills such as tolerance, leadership, decision-making, peer support

and communication. These bonding surprisingly for some, last a

lifetime. Students create memories in school camps that will stay

with them for years to come.

My last and final point, which I believe is the most important, is our

connection with the nature and God. Some students would use their

quiet time to reflect and wonder at God’s creation. They would

admire the peacefulness and sense of freedom nature offers. In the

world that we live in, we are often distracted by what is around us.

We tend to forget how to appreciate the beauty of nature, yet in

school camp we are reminded about the simplicity of life. We

become one with nature.

Therefore though some people might argue that school camp is

nothing more than just a school activity, in my experience it is so

much more. I believe that school camp is highly educational,

exciting and rewarding. I couldn’t have thought of a better way to

describe it! My recent school camp or “journey connections” as I call

it, really gave me an insight about the true meaning of school

camp.

I think that I have shown that school camp has the power to

transform everyone even in just a short amount of time. It is a

journey to discover your self, learn about others and strengthen us

spiritually. For it is not the school camp that matters in the end, but

it is the connection we have within ourselves, the connection we

have with our friends and teachers and our connection with nature

and God, along with our memories is truly what makes a school camp educational and worthwhile.

*Sources: New Zealand Herald dated February 18, 2012, Written by: Gill South Title:

School Camps: Learning in the great outdoors

**Statistic based on Gabrielle Pamandanan’s interview with 10 former school friends,

attended Toongabbie Christian School Year 7 Camp held at Rathane Anglican

Youthworks, Port Hacking February 29th to March 3rd 2012.

 

Pleas take a moment to read the excellent writing of one of our new students, Gabby. What a fantastic effort! Well Done. (Mrs Joyce)

“Year 7 Camp: Journey Connections”

Are we to believe that school camp is just a mere activity? Or Are

we to believe that a school camp could make such an impact on our

lives?