P5 Camp Compass: An Innovative Approach to P5 Outdoor Adventure Camp

Introduction

Anderson Primary School has made a deliberate choice to host its Primary 5 Outdoor Adventure Camp within the familiar confines of the school premises. To pursue students' all-round excellence, the camp was aptly named "Camp Compass." The goal is to instill a sense of exploration, teamwork, and resilience in the students while fostering a deeper connection to their school environment. By camping within the school grounds, students not only engage in exciting outdoor activities but also develop a greater appreciation for the spaces where they learn and grow every day. This innovative approach to outdoor education allows the school to create memorable experiences that leave a lasting impact on the students' personal and academic growth. 

This article aims to share with the PE fraternity in Singapore about the school's decision to conduct camps in-house, along with highlighting some of the key programmes (e.g., P5 Gratitude Night, Clean Up Values-In-Action) that the school has meticulously designed to meet syllabus requirements while promoting interdisciplinary learning. Furthermore, it emphasizes the integration of the school values—L.I.G.H.T (Learning unceasingly, Innovation, Gratitude, Hand-in-hand, Trustworthiness)—into these activities, fostering holistic development among the students.

Why School?

Conducting the Primary 5 Outdoor Adventure Camp within the school premises gives the school an advantage in terms of calendar planning and flexibility. By maintaining control over the camp venue, the school can strategically schedule the camp according to the academic calendar and other school activities, without being bound by external constraints. This facilitates seamless integration of the camp into the overall curriculum and calendar of events, ensuring optimal alignment with instructional objectives and minimizing disruptions to the academic schedule. Moreover, this approach allows the school to provide a holistic education by incorporating outdoor experiences that complement classroom learning.

In view of MOE’s Outdoor Master Plan

Anderson Primary School's decision to host the Primary 5 Outdoor Adventure Camp within its own premises is not only a practical one but also stems from a strategic consideration of the broader educational experiences available to its students throughout their academic journey. By utilizing their school grounds, the school can ensure continuity and coherence in the students' learning experiences. Familiarity with the environment also allows for deeper engagement and exploration, fostering a sense of ownership and belonging among the students within a familiar and supportive setting. Another key factor influencing this decision is the availability of camping experiences outside of the primary school setting. The school acknowledges that students will have ample opportunities to engage in camping activities at external venues as they progress onto their secondary education (e.g., Secondary 1 Camp, Outward Bound Singapore Challenge). 

Inclusivity for all

Another advantage of hosting the camp within the school premises is the enhanced level of inclusivity. The familiar environment of the school campus promotes a sense of security for students, particularly those who may require additional support. Moreover, conducting the camp within the school premises allows for greater flexibility in transport arrangements, particularly in the event of medical emergencies or the need to provide support for students with higher needs. Whether it involves coordinating transportation for an unwell student to go home or facilitating communication with parents/caregivers, the school can effectively manage and address the needs of all students while ensuring their safety and well-being. By creating a supportive and inclusive environment, the school fosters a sense of belonging and empowerment among its students, enriching their overall camp experience and facilitating their holistic development.

Resolving Manpower and Venue Constraints through Home-Based Learning

P5 Gratitude Night Performance

Anderson Primary School has made a strategic decision to enhance the preparation for the Gratitude Night dance performance by incorporating a dance program in the weeks leading up to the camp. This approach was adopted after recognising that the limited preparation time during the camp, typically two days sporadically, resulted in students feeling unconfident during the performance. Moreover, with the latest syllabus requiring at least two recreational competitions or performances by the end of Primary 6, it became imperative to provide students with the opportunity to develop their performance skills in a supportive and structured environment. This ensures a higher quality performance and instills a sense of pride and accomplishment in the students as they showcase their gratitude to their peers, instructors and teachers through the dance performance.

Infusing Values-In-Action programme into Urban Orientation

Anderson Primary School has seamlessly integrated its values-in-action program into the camp curriculum, particularly through the cleanup activity conducted in conjunction with the urban orientation at Sentosa. This approach not only enriches the students' camp experience but also allows them to contribute meaningfully to their community while earning valuable values-in-action hours. During the cleanup activity, students actively engage in environmental stewardship by collecting litter and debris from the shoreline and around Sentosa, thereby promoting environmental conservation and raising awareness about the importance of keeping our environment clean. Through hands-on participation in this service-oriented activity, students learn the values of responsibility, citizenship, and empathy as they work hand-in-hand together to make a positive impact on the environment and community.

NYAA Butterfly Award

In addition to the values-in-action program, Anderson Primary School also empowers its Primary 5 Student Leaders through participation in the National Youth Achievement Award (NYAA) Butterfly Award. The camp programme is carefully planned to offer opportunities for students to fulfill several categories within the NYAA Butterfly award. By aligning the camp curriculum with the requirements of the award, the school not only encourages student leadership and personal development but also provides them with a tangible pathway to achieve recognition for their achievements and contributions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Anderson Primary School's decision to host the Primary 5 Outdoor Adventure Camp within its own premises embodies a commitment to inclusivity, accessibility, and strategically planned educational experiences for its students. By choosing to conduct the camp within the school grounds, the school ensures that every student, regardless of ability or circumstance, has the opportunity to participate fully in the outdoor adventure and learning activities. Moreover, this approach facilitates greater flexibility in planning, allowing the school to seamlessly integrate the camp into its academic calendar while minimizing logistical challenges associated with external venues. Through innovative initiatives such as incorporating values-in-action programs, providing opportunities for leadership development, and offering authentic outdoor experiences, Anderson Primary School demonstrates its dedication to holistic education and student well-being, empowering its students to thrive and succeed both inside and outside the classroom.

Article Contributed by: 

Mr Ferdinand Mar - PE Teacher & Camp Commandant

Ms Jan Hu – HOD PE/CCA 

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