The Outdoor Education program starts in Year 2 and culminates in Year 9, unless students choose to study VCE Outdoor Education in Years 11 and 12. By providing a sequential program, we allow students to develop their confidence in the outdoors while learning more about themselves, their peers and the natural environment. There will be parts of the program which will challenge students, whether it be sleeping in a tent, being away from their family overnight or climbing to the top of the high ropes course. We encourage a culture of challenge by choice; every student has different strengths and areas for improvement. Therefore, what will be a challenge for one student may not be the same for another. Students outline their specific challenges for activities and the group supports individuals in achieving their goals. Students often return with stories of overcoming these challenges, the elation of doing so and the support that they received from their close knit group.

Exploring the natural environment

The growing challenge of enticing and keeping young people outside is one we relish. Yarra’s Outdoor and Experiential Education program encompasses fun and physical activities that foster a love of nature and helps students to stay fit and healthy.

The program also supports the development of independence with camps and activities that challenge them physically and encourage an appreciation for the natural environment. Students learn about themselves and bond with classmates and teachers.

The aim is to nurture independent, resilient young people by taking them out of their comfort zone, challenging them and creating a sense of achievement.

The Junior School Outdoor and Experiential Education program extends and enhances classroom learning with practical, hands-on experiences. The focus is on fun, resilience, interdependence and independence, whilst also catering for cross-curricular priorities investigating sustainable actions and the connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures across all programs.

Health and wellbeing days encourage environmental and self-awareness across our expansive campus, which features extensive grounds and a large tract of bushland. Beyond the school gates, camps engage, challenge, and expand upon student understanding of outdoor environments.

The journey begins with an overnight sleepover, progressing to longer camps in a range of attractive locations. The Outdoor and Experiential Education program consists of:

• Year 2 A one-night school sleepover incorporates a Puffing Billy trip and adventurous activities.
• Year 3 Two nights/three days at the Briars Camp in Mt Martha focussing on challenges and independence.
• Year 4 The three night/four-day return to the Briars Camp aims to extend students confidence in the outdoors with a walk to Cape Shank and overnight experience setting up tents for the first time.
• Year 5 This three night/four-day experience at Gilwell Park in Gembrook, emphases advancing skills in self-sufficiency in the outdoors, including two nights in a cabin and one in tents.
• Year 6 A two night/three-day camp at Waratah Bay Beach Camp and Wilsons Promontory gives the students an ideal opportunity to connect with each other and opportunities to demonstrate leadership. Students also undertake a four-day Canberra trip in Term 4.
• Year 7 The Camp Manyung Orientation camp builds connections and establishes friendships with two nights getting to know each other in Mt Eliza. In Term 4, students then undertake a two night/three-day ‘Journey’, camping and canoeing their way along the Murray River.
• Year 8 Our week-long, award winning Mount Buffalo camp challenges students with cycling, hiking, caving, abseiling, kayaking and an environmental research project ranging all across the historic plateau.
• Year 9 Our extensive ‘Step Up, Step Out’ program encourages personal challenge and features mountain bike riding, rock climbing, hiking, surfing, rafting and canoeing options across Victoria, Tasmania and Western Australia. This adventurous journey is a culminating experience for all of our Year 9 students to achieve their Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award. From Year 10, students can choose VCE Outdoor and Environmental Studies, and VCE Physical Education.

Tutors attend aspects of the Middle Years camps to help build connections with students. These programs can be physically challenging, but those who complete the activities feel an enormous sense of satisfaction.

Through all camps, students develop the skills to enable togetherness through adversity as they navigate challenges and build connections. Life skills are developed, and lasting bonds formed.

In some cases, they may approach tasks differently, reflecting varied thinking and personalities. This challenge-by-choice framework enables students to take ownership of their actions, either alone or in a group.

Many later reflect upon these experiences as some of their best at Yarra.

It has never been more important to keep our minds and bodies active. Yarra’s outstanding facilities and programs are perfectly placed to develop in students a lifelong love of nature and being outdoors.