8 Reasons Why School Camps are Essential for Student Growth

At Glenhaven Park Camps, we believe in the power of learning that extends beyond the classroom walls. School camps offer a unique opportunity for students to engage in a dynamic and enriching environment, fostering growth in multiple facets of their lives. Here, we explore eight key reasons why school camps are an essential part of a well-rounded education:

1. Learning by Doing:

School camps transform theoretical concepts into real-world experiences. Students can actively participate in hands-on activities that solidify their understanding of classroom lessons. Whether it’s studying ecosystems in a nature preserve or conducting historical experiments at a museum, these practical applications make learning more engaging and meaningful.

Glenhaven Park Camps Glenpark where great camps happen.

2. Stepping Outside Comfort Zones:

Camp experiences provide opportunities for students to challenge themselves and try new things. This can involve participating in adventurous activities, learning new skills, or simply interacting with unfamiliar peers. Overcoming these challenges fosters resilience, independence, and a sense of accomplishment.

3. Building Stronger Social Connections:

School camps are excellent for developing social skills. Through group activities, team challenges, and shared experiences, students learn to collaborate, communicate effectively, and work towards common goals. These interactions also promote empathy and understanding as students connect with classmates from diverse backgrounds.

4. Embracing the Outdoors:

School camps often involve outdoor activities and exploration of natural environments. This not only encourages physical activity and a break from technology dependence but also fosters a deep appreciation for the natural world. Whether it’s hiking through a forest or studying local wildlife, camps promote environmental awareness and a sense of stewardship for the planet.

5. Lasting Bonds and Memories:

Shared experiences during school camps create lasting friendships and strengthen existing bonds with classmates. Living in close quarters, participating in fun activities, and overcoming challenges together builds a sense of camaraderie and community among students. These positive interactions can have a lasting impact on student relationships.

6. Expanding Cultural Horizons:

Many school camps incorporate cultural immersion experiences, field trips, or visits to historical sites. These activities expose students to different cultures, traditions, and perspectives, fostering a more inclusive and understanding worldview. By appreciating diverse customs and ways of life, students develop a broader cultural awareness.

7. Building Confidence and Self-Esteem:

Successfully navigating challenges and participating in camp activities can significantly boost students’ confidence in their abilities. Overcoming fears, mastering new skills, and receiving positive reinforcement contribute to a greater sense of self-worth and self-belief.

8. Fun and Enjoyment:

School camps offer a welcome break from the routine of school life and provide a space for relaxation and fun. Engaging in recreational activities, games, and campfire gatherings create positive memories and a sense of enjoyment, contributing to a well-rounded educational experience.

Glenhaven Park Camps offers a variety of exciting and educational school camp programs designed to cater to diverse learning styles and age groups. Contact us today to learn more about how your students can benefit from a transformative camp experience!

Ayliffes Bridge Rd Stockport SA 5410 which is 74kms north of Adelaide CBD and approx. 20 minutes’ drive from Gawler.

*Please note for buses driving to Glenhaven Park that Ayliffe’s Bridge over the Light River is a 10 tonne weight limit so you might need to use an alternative route*

No, unfortunately we’re not on any bus routes you’ll need to drive or organise your own bus for your group to come to camp.

We’re available for group bookings only with different minimum numbers for accommodation and a single day of activities. Please contact us with your requirements and we’ll do our best to accommodate your camp experience needs.

There’s a Golf course just up the road and the Stockport Observatory is only 3 kms away from the campsite, there’s links to both of these on the Facilities webpage.

Glenhaven Park is only a ½ hours’ drive to the Clare Valley & Barossa Valley Winery Regions, see the Tourism SA website HERE for more information on the huge range of attractions available nearby.

Glenhaven Park Campsite & Adventures

Glenhaven Park Camp Site is a residential and school camp site located in a peaceful, picturesque valley at Stockport SA, 20 minutes north of Gawler. Perfect for school camps and group bookings.

We can accommodate 86 people in our 7 cabins which are fully air-conditioned with a toilet & bathroom and separated leader’s quarters, if your group is larger, the overflow can be accommodated in tents. Overall we can accommodate up to 150 people but we are on 16 acres so by prior arrangement any numbers may be possible.

Our fully equipped kitchen provides highly nutritious quality meals; fresh fruit and drinks are available at all times and are included in the standard catered charges. Special diets can be catered for with prior notice, e.g. vegetarian, diabetic etc. Our dining area has facilities for seating 100 people in air-conditioned comfort.

Reception to Year 3 Camps

Camp facilities cabins are fully air-conditioned and heated with a toilet and bathroom
Learn More Here

Year 4 & Up Camps

We can accommodate 86 people in our 7 cabin campsite. (One cabin wheelchair accessible)
Learn More Here

Adult & Group Camps

Larger groups the overflow are accommodated in tents. Seating for meals, 100 per sitting in air-conditioned comfort.
Learn More Here

Glenhaven Park Adventure Activities

All of our activities are based on experiential learning that encourages individuals to participate in a group environment and work to a level of challenge which stretches them but is not threatening. Safety is our priority so all our activities are conducted by qualified and experienced staff members using industry approved techniques; we provide all necessary safety equipment which are professionally maintained.

High Ropes Course

Our high ropes course is a series of cables, platforms, ropes, and tires. The platforms are 10 metres above the ground.

Giant Swing

The Giant Swing is always a favourite because it’s extremely exhilarating and fun! After being harnessed in by our instructor, the rest of the group pull the participant to the top of the swing (or as high as they want to go).

Low Ropes Course

Using cables, ropes and wooden beams strung among poles, teams explore risk taking, leadership and communication. The low ropes course adventure also highlights problem-solving, coaching and collaboration.

Giants Ladder

A great team relationship activity. Done in pairs, the giant’s ladder is a powerful tool. Imagine a ladder eight feet wide and 10 metres high with logs for rungs.

Initiatives

Initiatives are best described as team building challenges that focus more on planning, problem solving, and creative thinking, than on physical ability.

Leap of Faith

Participants must muster all their confidence and courage to climb to the top of our 10 metre pamper pole, before they put their faith in themselves to jump and reach to catch the mid-air suspended trapeze.

Tower Challenge

Utilising crates the team must help the participant create a tower within a time frame that challenges their ability to problem solve and work co-operatively for the best achievable outcome.

Orienteering

Orienteering is a sport wherein participants must navigate from one point to another using a map. Participants develop strategies to navigate from one site to another.

Bush Skills

An activity designed to show the advantages of team work as participants work in groups to gather food, water, shelter and fire to aid the group survival.

Archery

Archery helps improve concentration, boosts confidence, and self-image. It’s a sport that’s fun, but also allows participants of any age or skill level to compete against others or challenge themselves individually.

Recycling

Encouraging sustainability we tell the story of what to recycle and where recycled goods go, with a game and a tour of our composting area where the good bugs grow!

Warm up games

Are activities which provide an opportunity for group members to have fun; they lead to lots of interaction between each other and focus on effort rather than success/failure.

Aboriginal Dreaming

Starting with a Kaurna Dreaming story we explore the natural world through paint and then write a story using traditional Aboriginal imagery.

Planets

We explore the universe and our relation to it, art & craft activities including the making of a giant sun that will be the centrepiece of the camp dining room for the duration of the camp (this activity is on day 1 of camp).

FAQ's

Most frequently asked questions for Glenhaven Park Campsite

Ayliffes Bridge Rd Stockport SA 5410 which is 74kms north of Adelaide CBD and approx. 20 minutes’ drive from Gawler.

*Please note for buses driving to Glenhaven Park that Ayliffe’s Bridge over the Light River is a 10 tonne weight limit so you might need to use an alternative route*

No, unfortunately we’re not on any bus routes you’ll need to drive or organise your own bus for your group to come to camp.

We’re available for group bookings only with different minimum numbers for accommodation and a single day of activities. Please contact us with your requirements and we’ll do our best to accommodate your camp experience needs.

No, you can do your own thing at Glenhaven Park, we have a country oval, large indoor basketball shed, the Dining Room has a projector & screen with DVD & multi-media input. You just won’t be able to access our specialised activities as these are instructed by our fully qualified Outdoor Educators and are out of bounds to anyone not participating in our activities.

You can contact us directly by phone on 08 8528 2250, email us directly at glenhavenpark1@bigpond.com , fill in the email form on the Booking page. We will confirm the details of bookings with you. It doesn’t matter how you contact us we will respond to your request as soon as possible.

We’ll send you an invoice for the deposit once we’ve received the completed Booking & Hire Agreement form back from you, on the invoice is our bank details or you can send us a cheque.

No, you’ll have to bring a pillow and a sleeping bag (or linen & blankets if preferred) for each camper.

Glenhaven Park Camp Quick Guide On what to Pack

Please see the camp guidelines (PDF) available on the Camp Bookings webpage for information on what to bring to camp.

There’s a Golf course just up the road and the Stockport Observatory is only 3 kms away from the campsite, there’s links to both of these on the Facilities webpage.

Glenhaven Park is only a ½ hours’ drive to the Clare Valley & Barossa Valley Winery Regions, see the Tourism SA website HERE for more information on the huge range of attractions available nearby.

Our privacy Policy is available HERE

Westbourne Park Primary School
Westbourne Park Primary SchoolJo Brown - Year 5 Teacher
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Students, staff and teachers enjoyed their stay and watching kids step outside their comfort zone.
Kingston-On-Murray Primary School
Kingston-On-Murray Primary SchoolNatalie Coote - Principal
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Kids especially loved the activities and the grounds. Food was also a big hit with everyone.
Gulfview Heights Primary School
Gulfview Heights Primary SchoolBen Foley - Year 5 Teacher
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Thank you so much, we all had a brilliant time and staff were so supportive and encouraging to all kids. Special thanks to Jade for amazing food and being accommodating to fussy eaters!
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Testimonials

We get such a kick out of hearing how much people have loved our camps and activities, as much as we have had fun having them here. Thank you everyone.

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