School camp is an important stepping-stone in a student’s journey towards resilience, connectedness and independence. Bendigo Bank Community Bank Seddon and Urban Camp Melbourne have partnered to support Sunshine Primary School’s grade 5/6 school camp from 2023 through to 2025.

The collaboration, a first for a school group at Urban Camp, ensures Sunshine Primary School students are provided an invaluable opportunity for independence and growth away from the classroom and home from Urban Camp’s unique purpose-built location in Royal Park, Parkville.

Sixty-five students embarked on a fun-filled three-day city adventure, enjoying a raft of educational and social experiences together in April.

Urban Camp’s experienced team created a program of activities which included Melbourne’s top educational attractions including Scienceworks, the Planetarium and Melbourne Museum. The students also visited the bustling Queen Victoria Market, explored the Royal Botanical Gardens and the colour of graffitied Hosier Lane. In the evening they had the unique opportunity to explore Urban Camp’s Royal Park neighbour, Melbourne Zoo after closing hours.

CEO of Urban Camp Elizabeth Compton notes the generosity of the partnership Bendigo Bank Community Bank Seddon, ‘we are delighted our partnership has made this camp possible for Sunshine Primary School. We look forward to the third camp next year.’

Natalie Talbot, teacher at Sunshine Primary School reflected ‘Our Year 5/6s loved that it was a leadership camp. They loved the independence of catching trams, reading timetables and being with the general public. They also supported each other, and every student was able to engage with every activity.’

Sunshine Primary School students returned home with an even greater connection with their friends, peers and teachers through their shared experiences in the city.

• Belinda Johnston, Urban Camp

More information about Urban Camp may be found at www.urbancamp.org.au