New initiative bringing the classroom to life

For families around Australia, caravan and camping trips are the perfect way to explore Australia’s great outdoors, and they also present a fantastic educational opportunity.

Caravan Industry Association of Australia’s 2017 Real Richness report found that 94% of campers believe camping enables children to engage socially, 97% believe it allows children to learn about the environment, and 71% believe it improves children’s behaviour.  Importantly even 69% of non-campers surveyed believe it teaches children important life skills.

Australia is home to some of the most unique nature, sights and travel opportunities in the world, all of which offer fantastic educational opportunities.

Now, two families are set to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey combining adventure and education.

Caravan Industry Association of Australia has come together with Tourism Central Australia to create a “Real-Life Classroom” competition, supported by Apollo Motorhomes and Ted’s Cameras.

The initiative was officially launched on Studio 10 to a national television audience.

The competition is open to families with children between the ages of 5-13, with the lucky winners set to receive the ultimate real-life classroom prize – an incredible trip to see some of our country’s most iconic sights in the great Northern Territory.

The children will become ultimate junior explorers as they set off (with their parents) on a 28-day trip in an Apollo Motorhome with return economy flights to Alice Springs, $100 per day to spend, entry to show-stopping Outback tourism experiences and an incredible Ted’s Camera’s prize pack worth $2,000 to help them document their trip.

The winner will document their four-week outback adventure using their new Ted’s Cameras ‘digital tools of the trade’ to create blog posts, photos and videos.

We will be promoting the Real Life Classroom competition across both our industry and consumer platforms in addition to reaching out to a variety of media publications and platforms. This exposure will not only bring caravan and camping holidays front-of-mind for families, but also highlight the educational opportunities available around Australia.

Caravan Industry Association of Australia CEO Stuart Lamont said “more and more Australians are taking time off work and taking their families on a caravanning and camping adventure.”

“While exploring this great country it is important to maintain consistency with the education system, and many parents will work with their children’s school to ensure that not only do their children receive the benefits of what they learn in the great outdoors, but they remain connected with the school curriculum.”

For more information visit www.reallifeclassroom.com.au