Retreats for building resilience in children, with Stuart Clark, educator + head of campus at Pymble Ladies’ College

Psych for Life with Dr. Amanda Ferguson

In this episode, I chat with Stuart Clark, educator and head of campus (Vision Valley) at Pymble Ladies' College. Stuart has been involved in the education sector for more than 25 years. He’s worked in outdoor, classroom, and adult education, as well as in educational leadership. He holds numerous qualifications, including Master of Teaching and Master of Education degrees. The Residential Program at Vision Valley for Yr 9 students involves all elements of a holistic education including a bespoke academic program, outdoor education and adventure-based learning, life skills courses, service, personal reflection.

Listen in to hear our discussion on:

- Why being in nature and contemporary tech-driven, pressured life seem to be becoming increasingly separate

- The philosophy behind the Residential Program holistic education offered

- Why these programs foster character development, team building and resilience for adolescents, setting them up for success in the world after school

- What a 24 hour Wilderness solo is

- The benefits of digital detox for teens

- Other opportunities for all adolescents via programs like Duke of Edinburgh, Outward Bound and ways parents can initiate and support this development

- Plus listen in to hear how wild, shy echidnas are helping the children get through nights on their own in the bush – without any prompting from anyone!

Links:

You can find all all resources mentioned in this episode below:

Pymble Ladies College - Vision Valley

Outward Bound

Duke of Edinburgh Program