RENDELSHAM Primary School stoked the fires and cooked up a storm last week at their annual Camp Out Day.
Students and staff were joined by family, friends and the wider Rendelsham community in spending the day outside on Friday for the event.
The camp out day, which coincided with the International Outdoor Classroom Day, started with a bush walk through the Rendelsham landscape, Indonesian games and a camp oven lunch.
After students were fed, they participated in a number of classic games including the three-legged race and ‘What’s The Time Mr Wolf?’.
Acting principal Emma Howell said school and community members had enjoyed the opportunity to learn and play in an outside environment.
“The kids have not stepped inside all day and we have made a real point of being outside,” she said.
“Studies have shown kids learn better when they’re comfortable and spend more time outdoors so it is a good way to teach in a different environment.
“We had some of the kindy kids join us earlier in the morning for the bush walk, which has been great and there have also been some grandparents come and enjoy the day too.
“The whole school appreciates the opportunity to get outside and this year it has been great to have other members of the community who may not have children old enough to attend kindy or school coming along.”
Ms Howell said the day was devised by parents and inspired by the school’s long-running beach picnic event.
“It came about when our parents were discussing our annual beach picnic day and they talked about having a similar type of event later in the year,” she said.
“It has been really successful and the kids love it.
“I think now the day will be built into the culture of the school like our beach picnic day.”
Year 3 student Sylvie Barlow said she enjoyed the campfire.
“I liked having a barbecue with everyone and the chocolate pudding,” she said.
“The games were fun too.”
Year 2 student Elise Carlson had fun spending the day with friends and family.
“I liked playing the games,” she said.
“I did the three legged race with my mum and it was funny.”
