School Groups

Schools have been coming to Camp Banksia for nearly 50 years. Something about the place must be right!

Could it be the quiet setting that allows time for reflection? Or perhaps the sense of connectedness with nature; being so close to the beach. Whatever the reason you can be confident that your group of students will have all the opportunity they need to gain the most from a camp experience.

Being away from home and their familiar environment seems to bring out certain qualities in some children that aren't always evident. The need to spend extended periods of time with people they haven't had to spend more than a few hours in class with can give them a new perspective on things. Also, the need to be responsible for one's own circumstances, be they getting to meals on time, washing up or keeping ones room clean, is often an experience that young people can gain a lot from.

Our camp site is big enough that people can let off steam with an outdoor game of footy or cricket but not so big that people loose contact with each other. There is room to find a quiet space; to take a breather from each other if need be (with your permission of course).

Some groups use our camp as a base to visit the many and varied attractions within easy bus trip from Port Sorell. Sheffield - Town of Murals, Tazmasia, The Imaginarium Science Centre and Anvers Chocolate Factory are some of the popular destinations. So too is the C-max movie Centre, Mini Golf and Ten Pin Bowling in Devonport.

Locally, penguin viewing (at the right time of year) is always fascinating. Volunteer "Discovery Rangers" from The Department of Parks And Wildlife are happy to arrange tours of the colonies on dusk to view the activities of these unique creatures. Just simple beach combing can be a very relaxing, enjoyable AND educational activity as well.

There are many indoor areas available so even if the weather isn't the best there will always be somewhere different that students can use for their program segments.

Camp Banksia is planning to have a range of organised activities available for school groups who visit us but for now we are able to supply a selection of sporting equipment for their use. We have Kanga cricket sets, totem tennis sets, basketballs, footballs, soccer balls and volley balls.

Our audio visual equipment comprises a large screen TV, DVD player, overhead projector and screen.

Although Camp Banksia is right next to a popular beach it is a very private place. Only pre-booked groups are allowed to stay. No backpackers, no campervans. If there is more than one group staying at any time you can be assured that management will have consulted you to as to the compatibility of the groups. Even Banksia Retreat, which is a separate family accommodation complex sleeping 14, is somewhat separate from the main clusters of cabins and dining room and anyone staying there need have no contact with your group. This, together with the monitored fire alarm system to all habitable rooms, means you can be assured that Camp Banksia is a safe secure place to bring your students.

The Camp Banksia Community Centre which is on site has its own separate access off Pitcairn St. This may from time to time be booked by members of the local community for meetings or activities but otherwise is available, free of charge to any group staying at our camp. Indeed, once a group has booked a fully catered camp with us there is no additional charge for the use of any of our facilities, be they kayaks, the tennis courts or the gymnasium.