This year’s ISZN Primary Camp brought together students from Grade 1 to Grade 5 for a programme of outdoor learning, adventure and community building.

Spanning Tuesday to Friday at Kloten Pfadiheim, the camp included different activities and overnight experiences for different year groups across the week. Grades 4 and 5 stayed over on Tuesday and Wednesday, Grades 3, 4 and 5 took part on Tuesday, and Grades 1 and 2 enjoyed their overnight experience on Thursday evening.

Across the programme, ISZN Primary students took part in outdoor activities and shared experiences, creating lasting memories together.

Outdoor Learning at Kloten Pfadiheim

All camp activities were based outdoors at Kloten Pfadiheim, providing the perfect setting for exploration and adventure.

Students enjoyed a varied programme, including stand-up paddle boarding, nature walks, a swimming day, a ropes park challenge, a singing afternoon and a sports morning. Each activity encouraged students to collaborate, try new things and enjoy being active outdoors.

While there was no single theme for the week, the camp centred around team building, collaboration and fostering a love of the outdoors.

Primary Camp also gave students opportunities to develop teamwork, communication, confidence, independence, resilience and outdoor learning skills. It gave them the chance to strengthen friendships and discover new strengths in themselves and others.

Confidence and Community Beyond the Classroom

One of the highlights of the week was seeing students step outside their comfort zones, take positive risks and truly shine in an outdoor environment. Seeing students away from the classroom setting revealed different strengths, leadership qualities and moments of genuine joy.

The Community BBQ at the campsite brought together students, parents and staff for an enjoyable afternoon of connection. Families gathered to share delicious food, enjoy conversations and strengthen relationships in a relaxed outdoor setting. The event created a warm sense of community and provided a wonderful opportunity for everyone to celebrate the camp experience together.

There were also plenty of lighter moments along the way. During evening room checks, Ms Lowery and Ms Curtin were greeted by the Grade 4 and 5 girls opening the door wearing full face masks, fully prepared for their very own “pamper evening”.

Another highlight came at the ropes park when Fabian from Grade 5 took on the monkey tree challenge. What started as a confident climb quickly turned into something remarkable as he started climbing higher and higher, much to the surprise and amusement of those watching below. He then made a dramatic Tarzan-style swing back down, landing to loud cheers and laughter from his impressed audience.

One of the Grade 1 and 2 highlights was a special moment that deeply impressed Ms Meintjes and Ms Schappert. When they checked on the students to make sure everyone was getting ready for bed, they found students taking turns reading bedtime stories to one another. It was a wonderful display of kindness, independence and friendship.

A Memorable Week for ISZN Primary Students

The Primary Camp strongly reflects ISZN’s approach to learning, care and community. By combining experiential learning with teamwork and wellbeing, the camp created meaningful opportunities for students to develop within a supportive and inclusive environment.

“Primary Camp is about so much more than outdoor activities. It is an opportunity for students to build confidence, strengthen friendships, and experience learning in a completely different way. Watching our students collaborate, take risks, and thrive outdoors has been one of the highlights of the week,” said Sarah Lowery, Head of Primary.

A big thank you goes to all Primary staff members who dedicated their time to planning, supervising overnight stays and ensuring the camp was a memorable experience for every student. Special recognition also goes to Mr Arsens, whose fantastic cooking kept both students and staff well-fed and energised throughout the week.