After arriving at the College Settlement Camp on Tuesday (13/03/18) and settling into our new home for the next 11 weeks, Jocelyn and I made ourselves familiar with the camp. We took a walk round some of the 235 acres of camp, and discovered many of the onsite facilities. For example; a dining hall, boys and girl cabins, a campfire, a park, play courts, an organic farm and animals.

This week, Jocelyn and I joined Karyn (Camp Director) and Josh (Camp Leader) at 2 presentations in schools in Philadelphia. It was really interesting to see what schools are like over here in comparison to Scotland, and meet some of the children and teachers who will be visiting the Outdoor School.

The first school which we visited was close to China Town in Philadelphia and therefore, there was a rich population of Asian children. Furthermore, the school had an increasing mix of backgrounds, with some children coming from extremely deprived areas. The second school which we visited was a much larger school in the district named King of Prussia. Unlike the previous school, this school was situated in a business district which funds the school through taxes which the local businesses pay – showing the differences in schools and education in one city in America alone (SPR 1.1).

In terms of the presentation itself however, it was really interesting to see Josh and Karyn talk about the Outdoor School, and see how passionate they get about it. Their enthusiasm and confidence had the children fully engaged, with laughs, claps and ‘ooh’s’ and ‘ah’s’ when they showed the children pictures of the Outdoor School. Furthermore, it was interesting for us to see, in physical form, what we are to expect at camp and what activities we will engage in throughout our placement. It really opened my eyes as to what this next 11 weeks was going to be like, and got me really excited about what’s to come!

Additionally, we also had the opportunity to shadow a small group of children, from a local Horsham Quaker school, who visit Pennypack farm every week. Mike, one of the camp leaders, explained to us that the school specialised in teaching pupils with additional support needs. Furthermore, he also explained that the children thoroughly enjoy visiting the farm and having the opportunity to engage in hands-on learning. Most the lessons which the children engage in include; planting seeds, making their own soil and growing and eating their own crops. Furthermore, alongside Mike, the ASN assistant – Jonathon – was great with the kids. They both gave clear, precise instructions and provided praise and encouragement to the pupils to keep them engaged and enthusiastic. It was a valuable opportunity for us to engage in this lesson, and work with the staff and children, as it was interesting to observe the teaching styles and management of the staff with the ASN children.

It was extremely useful to have this first week to make ourselves familiar with the camp, get to know the staff we will be working with and understand some of the schools which we will be working with over the course of our time here (SPR 1.2).