Paul Adams

Monday, 22 March, 2004

School camp fears a tragedy

United Future's youth affairs spokesman Paul Adams today decried the increasing trend to wrap children in cotton wool - this time by having them pitch tents in the schoolyard rather than enjoy the adventure of school camps.

"We've got to let our children live a little. To allow them to develop skills and a spirit of adventure; we've got to allow them to tackle the world that surrounds them," Mr Adams said.

Responding to weekend reports of schools abandoning their traditional camps because of the burden of OSH bureaucracy and the like, Mr Adams called for a common sense approach.

"It really is getting ridiculous when parents and teachers feel bowed by bureaucracy gone mad.

"The flying fox, mud slides and grotty old cabins are something our kids should be enjoying with gusto.

"And it is not just about the simple pleasures of childhood; it's about allowing young people to develop the skills that will prepare them for the adult world.

"Cotton wool kids will be timid, under-developed adults," Mr Adams said.

Ends.

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