1988 School Magazine

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GR,ANDDA[.JGfl-fl TERS OF OLD GI]R[-S

F[" Blarrcl',, N(. Step[aemson, C. [-eggo, R. Conoplia"

A. Vul,:, 1" Cnar[<, E. Wlnite, W. Levy, N. McN4asten, K. Davis. 8" Do:e, l-" i-{eiflhronra, S" lacX

tu4Eii rirORflAL OEUTDO@R EDUCATE@N CffiNTRE : EA4BSL trhis has been a transition year for Outdoor Education at Cirls'Cnammar, with Years Eight, Nine and Ten camps siiuated at lmbil. Much work has been accomplished at ihe Centre during the past twelve months, thanks mainly to a groi-rp of enthusiastic fathers. ln addition, the school has gained acceptance within the local community and now lras access to areas that would otherwise be unavaiiable to similar groups and organizations. Ihe i988 Cutdoor Education program commenced with a weekend camp for 5enior girls interested in helping out rs stL cient leaders for the junior camps. This proved to be a LisefLi I experience for all students and Imbil staff :er-ta;,rly appreciated the commitment shown by these qrils irr giving of their valuable time to support the proBram. They demonstrated a willingness to accept the .spcnsibility which goes with assuming a leadership ole and certainly felt the experience to be worthwhile. Ihe ciuration arrd format of camps has altered this year, io asto rnake greater use of the lmbil facility and to exiencj the Outdoor experience of the students. Years Eight and Ten stucJents now en joy a seven-day expeiience while the Year Nine camps have remained with the usual f ive.

The aim of the Year Eight camps has been to aliow students to undertake a general introduction into Cutdoor activities in order to establish a f irm foundation for future years. Underlying the more obvious component of skill acquisition, a unique opportunity exists for student interaction and personal development which would not necessarily occur in the school environment. The seven day time period has been effective in allowing students adequate time to settle in Io a new and differenl routine. The weather did adversely affect some of the Year Eight camps with a number of campouts being washed-out. The centre has been a bonus in wet weather as, with a few adjustments, the program has continued. Part of the Year Eight program involved students in a session of "community work" which involves work towards the improvement of the Centre and its surrounds. lt also serves as a work experience session as the girls develop some basic manual skills. The students have surprised themselves and staff with their efforts and application during this session but have asked that the staff don't let on to anyone for fear of their reputation being spoiled back at home. The Year Ten camp involved a f our-day expedition with girls departing for their campout on the Monday and JJ