Progress in the wilderness
Reflecting on Camp Somerset

It’s hard to believe that a week has already passed since our Years 7 and 8 students, and Year 11 Madatzim returned from Camp Somerset. As Mr Ezekiel, our Director of Students 7-12, so eloquently put it in his letter earlier this week, we take great pride in the accomplishments and personal growth of each child throughout the camp experience. Their commitment, resilience, and eagerness to tackle new challenges embody the objectives we aim to accomplish during this annual outdoor education program. 

As we reflect on Camp Somerset, it’s essential to acknowledge the varied experiences and emotions our students and families encountered in the lead up to and during Camp. While some students embraced the challenges and adventures of life away from home wholeheartedly, others grappled with homesickness, while some parents even navigated their own anxieties about separation.

Whether being away from the creature comforts of home came easily for our students, or whether it was accompanied by a sense of shock and discomfort, it is important to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of each of our campers.

The decision to send our students to camps, away from parents, is grounded in a robust research base that highlights the many benefits of such experiences: 

Social development

Camps provide a fundamentally important opportunity for children to build social skills and forge meaningful connections with peers. Research indicates that positive social interactions at camps contribute to improved self-esteem, empathy, and resilience in adolescents.

Independence and self-reliance

Separation from parents fosters independence and self-reliance as children navigate new

environments and routines under the guidance of trained camp staff. Studies suggest that experiences away from home empower children to problem-solve, adapt to change, and develop confidence in their abilities, without the immediate availability of support from home. For parents, temporary separation from your children is essential to foster the development of healthy parent-child attachment patterns, and effective communication and boundaries between parents and children.

Long term benefits

Longitudinal studies demonstrate the positive effects of camp experiences on adolescents’ social, emotional, and cognitive development well into adulthood. Research shows that overcoming challenges at camp, including managing homesickness, lay the foundation for lifelong skills such as teamwork, communication, and adaptability, preparing them for life’s inevitable transitions and uncertainties.

Home Alone

Sometimes, it’s our parents who are away from home – while students remain in Sydney to attend school. A reminder for parents to let the School know when you will be away and your children will be in the care of other adults/family members. To ensure the safety and wellbeing of our students, we request that parents inform the School in advance of any planned absences. High School families should use this email address to notify the School.

When notifying the School of your absence, please include the contact information of the designated caretaker who will be responsible for your child during your absence. This ensures that we can reach a responsible adult in case of emergencies or important communications.

Additionally, we would like to emphasise that any agreements or arrangements parents have with the School remain valid through the designated caretaker. For instance, if your child needs to be picked up from school due to illness as determined by the School Nurse, or if there are other circumstances such as excursions where the School deems it necessary for your child to leave, these agreements extend to the designated caretaker.

Your cooperation in this matter is greatly appreciated, as it helps us maintain a safe and well-coordinated environment for all our students. Thank you for your attention to this reminder.