Thirty three pre-schoolers from Creative O Preschoolers’ Bay – carrying backpacks, water bottles and torchlights – are on an immersive exploration to spot nocturnal critters far away from home.
However, she values the school’s approach to education – explore play-and-learn through real-life activities – and believes it is beneficial for children in the long run. The school also adjusted its programmes to prepare the children, as early as Kindergarten 1, to be physically and mentally ready for the graduation camp.
Accompanying the children are Ms Tan, four teachers, nine volunteers, three camp instructors and one support staff member from Two.kii Adventures, a camp organiser specialising in children camps.Over a period of three days on St John’s Island, the pre-schoolers set up their own sleeping bags. Volunteer Tan Beng Tian , 57, assisting Oriana Liu and Zou Jiangxin as they prepare bee hoon soup for everyone.
“Telling them does not work. If we allow the children to experience and draw their own conclusions, they learn why some things are not practical,” said the 69-year-old. Ms Tan believes that children should be exposed to new experiences within age-appropriate limits, so they have opportunities to learn to care for themselves and become independent. “When they push themselves, they realise that it is not so difficult and they can overcome it. So Guo Liang’s slogan is: You try, and try, and you don’t cry.”Lucas Li learning how to use his body to slide down a slope safely, with the assistance of volunteer Ng Yimin, 38.
“They gain a sense of confidence and belief when they complete their tasks and challenges. That’s the biggest change I see, besides a tighter bond between the children and teachers after the camp.”