SINGAPORE — To meet the camping needs of some 100,000 students participating in cohort camps and uniformed group programs each year, the Ministry of Education (MOE) has unveiled plans to consolidate eight education sites outdoor adventure in four locations by 2032.
This approach aims to improve Outdoor education for students from all schools, allowing them to organize upper primary and lower secondary cohort camps at these sites.
In a press release issued on Friday (February 23), the Ministry of Education said: “This will improve the capacity and quality of outdoor education, which significantly contributes to the holistic development of students, especially in skills and values such as resilience, responsibility and adaptability. »
The consolidation project meets the needs of school camping
Existing Outdoor Adventure Learning Centers (OALCs) and campsites only meet about 60 percent of schools' camping requirements. The remaining 40 percent is covered by camps held at outdoor locations or on school premises, some of which may not be specifically designed for outdoor education.
Under the new plan, the four consolidated sites will include the existing dairy farm OALC, as well as two new OALCs planned for construction in Mandai and Sembawang. The specific site for a third new OALC is being studied in consultation with other government agencies, and details will be released when ready.
The MOE added that existing facilities at Changi Coast, Jalan Bahtera, Labrador, and various campsites used by organizations such as the Singapore Scout Association, Singapore Girl Guides, Red Cross Youth and the Boys and Girls Brigade will be returned to the city. the State will support the long-term development of Singapore land use and development needs. This will happen once the new centers are operational.
Features of the new outdoor adventure learning centers
Meanwhile, new centers will prioritize sustainability and safety, using the surrounding green and blue corridors to offer travel-based expeditions. This approach aims to cultivate a greater affinity with nature, develop robustness and promote learning about a sustainable lifestyle.
The Mandai OALC, for example, will be located on the site currently occupied by the Mandai Executive Golf Course at Upper Seletar Reservoir after its lease expires. This location provides students with the opportunity to participate in water activities and facilitates larger scale camps hosted by the uniformed groups.
Similarly, the Sembawang OALC will be established near PAssion WaVe @ Sembawang. This center will be equipped to support water activities such as kayaking and outrigger canoeing. This will also provide uniformed groups with the opportunity to participate in land and sea expeditions.
Environmental impact assessments for the Mandai and Sembawang OALCs are expected to begin in 2025, guiding the precise site selection and development process. For the preliminary phase, the MOE engaged with nature conservation groups such as the Nature Society (Singapore) and Singapore Youth Voices for Biodiversity.
“We will also continue to collaborate and, where possible, incorporate public feedback from stakeholders near the new OALC,” added the Ministry of Environment.
Do you have a tip for a story? E-mail: sgnews.tips@yahooinc.com.
You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Tic Tac And Twitter. Also see our South East Asia, FoodAnd Games channels on YouTube.
