Education with QTS Students working at Camp Kodiak
Four students from the BA Education with QTS course at the 窪蹋勛圖厙 had the experience of working over the summer at Camp Kodiak summer camp in Canada, with children with ASD, ADHD and Learning Disabilities.
Catrin Williams, Emily Palmer, Liv Mathias and Jamie Le Messurier travelled to Canada after one of the camp directors came to the university to hold a session to promote the camp and its opportunities, and show them what kind of activities they were providing for children out there.
Once the students arrived in Canada, they received training from camp staff. They had the opportunity to chat to former campers and hear about their experiences, and discuss themes such as mental health and safeguarding children.
Catrin said:
As we are all studying the Primary Education (QTS) course it was beneficial to see strategies and opportunities given to children in another part of the world. It was a residential camp, and offered a range of activities that would expand the children’s skills as well as our own.
During their time in the camp, the children learnt various skills through a number of fun activities, and were given an academic hour each day from Monday to Friday. There was also an emphasis on teaching them social skills, and giving them the opportunity to work as a team in order to carry out daily tasks such as tidying the cabin, and laying the lunchtime table.
The opportunity to work with children with additional learning needs has been a valuable experience for the students. The children followed a clear structure and rules in the camp, something similar to a school day. Because of the children’s needs, they didn’t like change, so the students had to share news with the campers the night before to ensure consistency. The skills have helped them prepare for the degree course modules at university as they have had real experience of dealing with health and wellbeing.
Catrin added:
Camp Kodiak opened my eyes to the difficulties children can experience while at school, and it was lovely to see how much the camp meant to them. Many of the children described the camp as home, somewhere safe and their favourite place in the world! Every child had developed, and it was amazing to see.
Canada has opened my eyes to the ability of all pupils, and seeing techniques allowing children to develop over the summer was amazing.
Jamie added:
My time in Canada was an amazing experience. It allowed me to experience teaching in a different environment, and with a diverse group of campers. The Kodiak camp gave me the opportunity to develop unique skills in teaching. I managed to build an incredible relationship with the counsellors and campers, and seeing the progress of the campers over the summer deepened my appreciation of the impact of hands-on learning.
Overall, my time at Camp Kodiak was not just about teaching, it was a journey of self-discovery, friendship and self-growth that I will treasure forever.
The time in camp has also taught the students how to adapt activities under unforeseen circumstances, which compelled them to suddenly make important decisions an essential skill to prepare them for their teaching career.
The four led one specialist activity each in the camp, Emily with the sailing, Catrin with the riding, Liv with the rocks and ropes, and Jamie specialising in the sporting field, which provided them with a golden opportunity.
Emily said:
It was an opportunity for us to expand and learn new skills in areas we wouldn’t be able to do at home, for example, sailing - an unforgettable experience! If you ever get the chance, go for it!
Liv said:
My experience at Camp Kodiak was truly amazing and has changed my life. Not only did I learn invaluable new skills such as patience, resilience and leadership, but I also formed lifelong friendships with other workers and campers.
As a trainee teacher, this experience has shaped me personally and professionally, helping me to grow in ways I never expected. Although I had no previous experience with rock climbing or high ropes, after a week of training, I was confident, and trained to ensure the safety of the campers. I would totally recommend Camp Kodiak to anyone considering it
Fiona Jones, BA Education with QTS Programme Director at 窪蹋勛圖厙, said:
The experiences the students have had out in Canada have been very valuable. As they take the BA Primary Education course with QTS, it has allowed the students to teach in a different environment and develop unique skills in teaching. The experiences they have received enable them to think about authentic real-life context lessons, through outdoor experiences, which is vital to Curriculum for Wales 2022. Unforgettable memories.
Further Information
Lowri Thomas
Principal Communications and PR Officer
Corporate Communications and PR
Email: lowri.thomas@uwtsd.ac.uk
Phone: 07449 998476