Camp Australia’s before, after school and holiday programs for children in the 9-12 age range offer both participants and parents the confidence that there will be a range of age-appropriate activities to keep them interested and entertained.
Children in this age range have a few advantages over younger school children; they are generally more settled in with the routines and experiences of school and have a better sense of who they are and what they enjoy.
Activities That Aid in Children’s Development
Children in their senior primary school years have different needs from their younger peers. That’s why Camp Australia has a range of activities that appeal to this age group, offering them the opportunity to be engaged in areas that interest them and stimulate their sense of curiosity and exploration.
Here are some activities that Camp Australia offers, tailored to enhance their skills and interests and promote well-rounded development.
1. STEM Challenges and Experiments
At this age group, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) challenges appeal to the curiosity of young people through the combination of science and creative problem-solving activities.
Building simple battery-operated electronic circuits or basic science experiments encourages children to think critically while working through solutions. The element of trial and error brings fun into learning that children love to experience and re-live when they share with their parents afterwards.
2. Cooking and Nutrition Education
Cooking offers children the opportunity to combine fun and life skills by creating culinary experiences they can share with their friends and family. They understand how foods combine different ingredients to create something tasty and nutritious.
Plus they get to enjoy the labour of their efforts by eating their creations before going home – what a way to enjoy the end of their day!
3. Outdoor Adventure Games
This is perfect for highly energetic children who need some fuel to burn at the end of the day. Games like scavenger hunts and obstacle courses help with problem-solving, teamwork and physical endurance – the perfect antidote to combat screen addiction through physical activity outdoors.
4. Art and Craft Projects
Art and craft is a popular way for children in the 9-12 age group to express themselves creatively. Painting, paper-mache and creative collages help stimulate their imaginations while refining their fine motor skills such as hand-eye coordination and overall dexterity.
Art and craft time lets children slow down and focus on attention to detail. It’s also a great way for them to communicate their feelings and ideas through the art they produce. This is an excellent opportunity for parents to talk about their art and craft projects when their children are home.
5. Mindfulness and Yoga Sessions
Children at this age can sometimes become overwhelmed with the demands of school and outside activities, so taking the time for connection with mind and body is an excellent opportunity to slow things down a notch.
Basic yoga poses and simple breathing exercises can help children connect with their inner thoughts, develop resilience and manage stress.
Benefits of Activities Camp Australia Offers for Growing Kids
Activities offered by Camp Australia are full of benefits helping to support the development and growth of your children. These include developing and building upon essential skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, creativity and self-expression while building confidence, independence and making learning fun!
Camp Australia’s team leaders create environments where children can thrive while making friends and developing life skills that will help them into their senior school years and beyond.
Benefits of Children Completing Activities With Other Kids Their Age
When children complete activities with peers their age, they gain many benefits compared to activities done solo. Not only is it fun to share experiences with friends, it also helps children develop skills including communication, cooperation and empathy. Completing activities together builds motivation and healthy competition as they try to come up with interesting art projects or compete at sports.
Camp Australia focuses on activities that are inclusive and help develop a sense of belonging for children in this age group. Social belonging and acceptance are important in children of all ages, particularly in the age range of 9-12, so our activities aim to help nurture socially capable, emotionally curious and intelligent children.