Year 10 Outdoor Education Camp: Learning Through Adventure at Wilsons Promontory
This semester, our Year 10 Outdoor Education class have been working hard to plan, prepare and train for their journey-based camp to Wilsons Promontory, an experience that challenged their endurance, strengthened their teamwork and deepened their connection with nature.
Last week, the class set off on their expedition, completing a multi-day hike to Oberon Bay Beach Campground before continuing to Tidal River, where they spent the remainder of their trip. Students undertook a challenging hike but were rewarded with breathtaking views and the satisfaction of completing a demanding outdoor experience. During the camp, they engaged in self-reflection and explored the human impacts on the natural environment at Tidal River. On Thursday, they also investigated their own selected inquiry questions as part of their learning experience.
The experiential learning undertaken by the students helped them develop a wide range of outdoor and planning skills, from budgeting, itinerary and menu planning, and map reading, to sourcing water and understanding camping and hiking equipment. They also considered the sustainability, engineering and technology behind modern outdoor gear, exploring how design and innovation contribute to safety, comfort and environmental responsibility in outdoor experiences.
Below are some reflections from the Year 10 students:
“The Outdoor Education class had the privilege to organise and run a camp to Wilsons Promontory where we aimed to understand and explore the natural environment and how to protect it sustainably. The journey wasn’t easy as we were on a tight schedule, but we managed to make it happen. Overall, our hard work in class paid off as we were able to attend the camp, creating lasting memories.”
~ Eric Gao
“This camp has been an enjoyable experience, despite the adversities we faced along the way such as the long and treacherous hikes. I had a fun time where lots of valuable memories were made along the way, especially volleyball at the beach and playing card games at night feeling the cool breeze from the ocean. From complaining about how tiring the hiking was to laughing with our peers, the experience I gained throughout this camp was unlike any other.”
~ Sophia Wang
“Camp at the Prom was a challenging but rewarding and exciting experience. Hiking to Oberon Bay while I was sick was tough, but it showed me how much resilience I actually have. Setting up tents, cooking with my group and spending time away from my phone made me enjoy nature and the people around me more. Even though it was hard, I’m glad I pushed through to the end as the memories are unforgettable.”
~ Cooper Flinn
The Wilsons Promontory camp was more than just an outdoor adventure, it was a journey of self-discovery, teamwork and resilience. The students returned with a sense of accomplishment, valuable new skills and a deeper appreciation for the environment and each other.
