This term started with a burst of excitement as the Year 4/5 team headed straight into camp at Arbury Park Outdoor School in the very first week. In our class, we have been learning about the South Australian learning dispositions and what it means to be a lifelong learner. Our camp was a fantastic setting for us to put these dispositions—such as curiosity, resourcefulness, resilience and confidence—into practice outside the classroom.

From the moment we arrived, everyone enjoyed embracing camp life. Staying in the dorms brought everyone closer together. We played team-building games like Web of Life, enjoyed the nature playground and gym, and treasured sharing meals with friends. A fan favourite was meeting Claude, the 48-year-old cockatoo, who quickly became one of the highlights of our stay.

A memorable part of our experience was learning about Aboriginal culture with David Booth. We listened to traditional stories, heard the sounds of the yidaki (didgeridoo), and even watched ochre paint being made before trying it ourselves. This gave us a wonderful opportunity to practise curiosity, respect, and a readiness to learn from others.

Pond life investigations were another big highlight. Everyone was amazed at the variety of creatures living below the pond’s surface, from tadpoles and fish to yabbies, spiders and insects. Using nets, we collected samples to study under the microscope, discovering a hidden world of life cycles, food chains, and adaptations. Curiosity and enthusiasm were on full display as students became real-life scientists for the day.

The wildlife nesting box activity was both challenging and rewarding. With hammers and drills, students worked together to build boxes for local native animals. This activity taught us a lot about resilience, teamwork and looking after the environment. It was also exciting to learn that special cameras could help us observe animals using these habitats in the future, just like at Arbury Park Outdoor School—where there’s even a possum living in one of the boxes!

Throughout camp, we also spent plenty of time ‘vibing with nature’ or caring for Country. Whether it was going on nature walks, spotting kangaroos and birds, or bravely handling creatures that seemed a bit scary, students displayed both resilience and respect for their surroundings. Early risers were treated to a sunrise hike, thanks to Ms. Williams, Mrs Fuller and some of the parents. We all got involved learning about nature’s recyclers—like the worms in the worm farm, and the bugs, beetles, and scorpions found in the magical forest.

Shelter building was a favourite adventure, sparking creativity and problem-solving. Working in teams, students imagined being shipwrecked, and had to build shelters to withstand a storm. This challenged everyone to be open-minded, resilient and reflective as they improved their designs together—there may have even been a few leaks, but the teamwork and communication skills shown were second to none!

Camp provided a fantastic opportunity for students to challenge themselves, work together, build independence, and create lasting memories. We are incredibly proud of how everyone represented our school.

A huge thank you to Mrs Sheppard and Mrs Najjar for organising our amazing camp experience, and to all the teachers and volunteers who supported us along the way. Your time, guidance and enthusiasm made camp the adventure it was!

We look forward to even more opportunities to grow, learn and show our very best selves, both in and outside the classroom!