Camps
Of all the activities at Chrysalis, one of the most memorable is the Class Camp. Some classes prepare all year for this event with lessons devoted to studies that will enhance the experience.
In the early years, Classes 1-3, camps are a short time of social interaction where the children learn to live with and care for each other, with emphasis on observing the natural world from which their lessons are drawn. By Class 4 the children are studying local geography in their Main Lessons and this is a time of focussing on longer bush walks and overnight outings close by.
From Class 5 on these excursions extend further afield and link in with exploration, geography, botany, farming and industry lessons. Examples of these could include trips to the western mining area, the Snowy Mountains, the Great Barrier Reef, tracing river systems from source to sea, and trips to cities to study architecture and culture.
In the High school, class camps involve physical challenge and an experience of our historical, artistic and political culture. In these camps students are required to show an increasing sense of responsibility, cooperation and independence.
Over their schooling not only will the students cover many geographical regions but also meet people from all walks of life. This time away as a class strengthens the relationships between students and the teacher to create a strong identity as a class group, working and growing together.
Through the Class Camp Program the teacher is provided with many opportunities to observe and learn about the children, observations that are invaluable in the years and months to follow. The children themselves learn resilience, sharing, cooperation, reverence for nature, the excitement of exploration, interest in the world around them, independence and many outdoor camping skills. Both past and present Chrysalis students fondly remember class trips and all agree they have gained enormously from the experience.