Outdoor Education

Insights and self-knowledge gained in the outdoors can contribute to the way a boy manages the situations he meets in other parts of his life. The outdoor program provides learning experiences on many levels. These are enjoyed by boys as they extend their knowledge of themselves, their fellows and the natural environment.

Junior School

During the year, Junior School boys experience a variety of camps. Students in Years 4-6 attend two camps each year, both of which are designed to build friendships and provide physical challenges.

Boys in Year 4 and Year 6 attend Camp Rumbug together for three days, while Year 5 boys travel to Portsea for three days in Term 1. Year 6 boys spend an additional two nights at Waratah Bay after attending Camp Rumbug earlier in the year.

In Term 4, Year 3 boys participate in a one-night camp at Mt Morton. Year 4 boys spend two nights at Beechworth, our Year 5 students visit Sovereign Hill in Ballarat for three nights, and Year 6 students travel to Canberra for a four-night stay.

All camps undertaken during Years 4-6 enhance and expand upon the unit of inquiry being studied in the classroom.

Senior School

The Senior School’s outdoor program begins at the School’s Outdoor Centre overlooking Lake Eppalock in central Victoria. It provides facilities for residential camping and access to a variety of outdoor instructional venues. These include forests, rivers and the lake.

In Years 7 and 8, each boy spends a week at either Lake Eppalock or Lake Nillahcootie. These camps focus on ‘learning by doing’. Enjoyment, fun and new experiences combine with elements that will extend each boy.

A major focus for Year 9 (five days) and Year 10 (nine days) is an expedition to another area in Victoria. Depending upon the season this may be rafting, cycling or hiking. The School uses the Licola campsite (600 acres) for Year 9 base camps, bushwalking and some kayaking.

Whilst instruction is geared to the beginner, more experienced students have opportunities to extend their capabilities. In successive years, basic skills are consolidated and extended. They include first-aid, map-reading, bush navigation, outdoor cooking, minimal impact camping, sailing, canoeing, rafting, bushwalking, rock climbing and abseiling. Students operate in small groups and are fully involved in the day-to-day aspects of outdoor living. They set up camp, cook and clean, organise and maintain group and personal equipment.

Other Outdoor Education opportunities include:

Bushwalking Club, Inter-School Park Street Orienteering Challenge, Junior School Camps, Kokoda Tour, Outdoor Leadership Program, Somers Leadership Camp, Victorian Interschools Rogaining Championships, Victorian Secondary School Orienteering Championships, Year 7, Year 9 and 10 Camp