Giant Steps for autism at Milson Island

This article appears in the June 2010 edition of Sportshorts.

A recent media report outlining the importance of time spent in the natural environment for children (SMH 10 May 2010 “Children respond to the call of the wild”) has brought into sharp focus the benefits of outdoor education.  And none more so than for children with health or other challenges. 

This is no surprise to a Sydney-based school Giant Steps, founded to help educate children and families experiencing autism.  This development disorder affects social and communication skills and, to some extent, motor and language skills.  Giant Steps has been visiting Milson Island Sport and Recreation Centre on the beautiful Hawkesbury River for the past four years where they hold outdoor education camps for secondary school children aged between 12 and 17.

“Giant Steps usually comes to camp for about three days,” says Dean Butler from Sport and Recreation.  “The school brings a number of teachers and aides, with a ratio of almost 1:1.  The teachers provide activities in the lead up to camp to help familiarise children with a new daily routine – the food, activities and of course, the boat trip to the Island.  This really helps them adjust when they arrive.”

Mr Butler has been working with Giant Steps for the past three camps and believes this continuity helps students establish a connection and become familiar and comfortable with whom they will be working.  “The program is very rewarding for both students and teachers,” says Mr Butler.  “The teachers are able to develop a stronger relationship with the students and see them in a different 'light' and setting.  They also see the growth and achievement of each individual student as they reap the rewards of increased self esteem, a renewed sense of self and a better understanding of their abilities.”

Because the program integrates several 'life' skills such as enabling students to take part in food preparation, cooking, washing and cleaning up, they learn decision making skills.   They participate alongside their peers in various outdoor recreation and outdoor education activities such as canoeing, rock climbing and cookout. 

“These are things that perhaps they would not normally have the opportunity to do,” says Mr Butler. “And being able to spend time with their peers in a residential setting promotes and strengthens friendships outside of the classroom environment.

“The whole camp setting enables the students to interact and communicate with other campers, eat alongside others, play games and other do recreational activities with students from various other schools. They develop resilience, which helps them be a part of a community in a safe, secure and enjoyable environment.

“The students enjoy their time here at Milson Island and it is difficult to describe in words the whole range of benefits, outcomes and rewards for them. They are encouraged to participate, quite often go above and beyond their comfort zones.

“Camp provides a highly valued and enjoyable experience, full of opportunities,” says Mr Butler.  “It’s how outdoor education can make a practical difference to the lives of children, no matter what their individual challenges and circumstances.”