14 Nov 2022
This week is Coolendel Camp for all our Year 7 Students. We thank all our hardworking camp coordinators for both Yr 11 Pretty Beach coming up and Coolendel, and it reminds us of all the unmeasured outcomes of our camps, that have long-lasting benefits for our students, today and for their lives. It is proven that the outdoors replenishes the soul, connects to country, and supports mental health. Childhood days spent on the beach, or around rivers, can have significant benefits for our mental health and wellbeing in adulthood, according to a recent study. The study found that individuals who recalled childhood experiences in blue spaces, such as coasts, rivers and lakes, placed greater value on natural settings and revisited them as adults. "Developing skills, such as swimming, at an early age can have previously unrecognised life-long benefits," said the researcher. It seems that being in and around water is a viable way to support mental health of future generations. Co-author of the study, Dr Leanne Martin, said that, while water settings "can be dangerous for young people", their research suggested they would benefit more, if they were supported to feel comfortable in these settings. She says the solution to this is swimming lessons. We believe our camps are a terrific way to provide supported access to these life-giving blue spaces. May the UHS 2022 Camps begin. #Bepreparedforlife #Bluemind #UHSCampsRock.