RAINFOREST RETREAT
YEAR
6 students from Hermit Park State School have travelled to Paluma Rainforest for a threeday camp to explore the wonders of the environment.
Students took part in a host of fascinating activities based on an environmental space that tested and challenged them.
Not only were these challenges fun but they educated the students and taught them many key skills.
Students ventured into the rainforest finding wildlife and participating in an activity called Shinrinyoku ( Sin- ling- yok). This is a Japanese word that means ‘ forest bathing’.
They were dropped off individually at various points in the forest and experienced a calm, relaxing time in pure silence, focusing on the sounds, smells and sights created by their surroundings.
Each day students explored the aquatic wonders finding lots of aquatic macro invertebrates in local creeks.
They also built shelters, using limited materials, which tested their building, teamwork and improvising skills. They spotted a variety of birds such as Lewin’s Honeyeater, Crimson Rosella, Scrub Turkeys and more. In their morning stroll with binoculars they observed the mating dance of the Victoria’s Riflebird.
Not only did they participate in great activities each day, they also took part in activities at night. Students experienced a campfire. This seemed to be the most enjoyable activity for most students, loving the warmth that the flickering fire created, also socialising with friends, discussing and sharing scary stories.
Another activity was the Bandicoot Bench. Students could observe animals under a red light without them knowing. Many students became fascinated with the white tailed rats they spotted. An adventurous activity was the night walk.
This took place in the rainforest where students used their torches to find interesting things. They turned their torches off for a pitch black experience and found glowing fungi. This was a satisfying new experience. These activities were a mountain of educational fun and satisfied all.
“The experience was very cool and fun. My favourite activity was sitting by the campfire, telling scary stories with my friends,” said student Kieran Alberich. “I liked it because we roasted marshmallows. Overall, I found the experience at camp incredible.”
Paluma is a unique experience highlighting nature’s beauty and the children found lots of environmental pleasures. Everyone would love to go again to learn more about nature.