Outdoor Education
At Sophia Mundi, Outdoor Education is more than just hiking and camping; it’s a vital part of nurturing capable, self-aware, and resilient young people. Rooted in a rich educational philosophy, our program invites students to step beyond the classroom and into the rhythms of the natural world. Each camp offers a space to explore not only new landscapes but also the inner terrain of selfhood, independence, and meaningful connection.
The Outdoor Education Program is an invitation for students to ask and begin to answer critical questions:
- How do I live with purpose and care in the world?
- What is my relationship with nature?
- What does it mean to belong to a place?
- How do I face challenge with courage, and hold stillness with reverence?
Each journey whether to a wild river, misty mountain, or coastal trail challenges students to carry their lives on their backs, to lead and follow, to listen deeply to themselves and the land. We believe that "mindscape shapes landscape," and in turn, "landscape shapes mindscape." Through real experience, students learn about needs over wants, about trust and humility, about care for each other, for country, for future generations.
Our program is designed around Connection to Place - building a relationship with different environments, and through that connection, fostering a stewardship of the natural environment. It aims to prepare students to overcome adversity, work alongside others, provide meaningful experiences and become comfortable in the natural environment. We build skills in adventure activities that enable our students to complete major journey based expeditions in the senior years. Each camp has been designed to meet the developmental stage of the students, while also strengthening their growing capacities to care, question, create and lead. We welcome you into this evolving and essential part of our school life where challenge meets beauty, and learning is lived.
The primary base camps are the introduction to many varied environments (coastal, bushland, arid/desert, forests, rocky, rivers, lakes). The secondary school camps see the students return to many of these environments by way of journeying: through hiking, paddling, and cycling. Students embark on a journey through Sophia Mundi’s enriching outdoor education program, enhancing their love for nature and fostering essential life skills.
To get a taste of our camps, please watch these videos of the Class 10 canoe trip down the Murray River, and the Class 9 hiking adventure at Cape Liptrap.
Outdoor Education: Sample Program Overview
Below is a sample of some of our school's previous camps. Please note that the location, duration and number of camps do change from year to year.
You can see our 2026 camp program here: 2026 Camp Program Handbook.
Prep
Food & Fire Cooking introduction - spring growth and story.
In this gentle introduction to outdoor living, our Prep students will help create and tend a safe fire, learning the fundamentals of fire safety under careful guidance. As the meal cooks, students will be invited to listen to First Nations stories, connecting them to the ancient traditions of gathering around a fire to share food, wisdom, and community.
Education Focus Outcomes: Fire safety, food preparation, awareness of seasonal cycles
Main Activities: tending fires, walking, cooking, nature play
Student Developmental Stage: Imitation, imagination, rhythm, and wonder
Class 1
Camp incursion - nature immersion: Wurundjeri Country
This gentle, outdoor experience introduces Class 1 students to the rhythms of bush life.
Education Focus Outcomes: Confidence in outdoor environments, a sense of responsibility for themselves and their belonging, walking and moving safely as a group
Main Activities: walking, nature play, hut building, nature based art
Student Developmental Stage: Imitation, imagination, rhythm, and wonder
Class 2
Camp incursion - Bush Adventure: Wurundjeri Country
Students immerse themselves in nature through hands-on, imaginative, and cooperative activities. Working in small groups, students will explore the bush through hut building, knot tying, miniature village construction, and a range of outdoor games.
Education Focus Outcomes: Confidence in outdoor environments, a sense of responsibility for themselves and their belonging, walking and moving safely as a group, collaboration, resilience
Main Activities: walking, knot tying, nature play, hut building, nature based art
Student Developmental Stage: imagination, rhythm, joy and wonder
Class 3
Bunurong Country: Point Leo Foreshore Reserve Base Camp
Camp independence and discovery
Students immerse in a three-day coastal camp, learning about local ecosystems and beginning their journey in outdoor education.
Education Focus Outcomes: Nature observation, map skills.
Main Activities: Nature walks, map reading, tent pitching.
Student Developmental Stage: Creativity, practical learning.
Class 4
Wurundjeri Country: Lerderderg Gorge Forest Base Camp
Connection to Australian history and environmental impact.
A four-day forest immersion deepens students' connection with nature and introduces survival skills.
Education Focus Outcomes: Curiosity, observation.
Main Activities: Bushcraft, bushwalking, river exploration.
Student Developmental Stage: Inquiry, nature study.
Class 5
Taungurung Country: Cathedral Ranges Base Camp
Connection, Culture & Curiosity
During this four-day camp, students engage with the history and culture of indigenous communities and local ecosystems.
Education Focus Outcomes: Cultural respect, ecological understanding.
Main Activities: Bushwalks, hut building, cultural learning.
Student Developmental Stage: Social skills, physical coordination.
Class 6
Dja Dja Warrung Country: Kooyoora Base Camp
Independence & Exploration
This five-day camp in the dry woodlands and open forests introduces students to First Nations learning and consolidates their outdoor living skills.
Education Focus Outcomes: Cultural heritage, navigation.
Main Activities: Orienteering, cave exploration, environmental education.
Student Developmental Stage: Independence, self-reliance.
Emerald Base Camp
As they near the end of primary school, students take a four-day journey to reflect on their transition to secondary education.
Education Focus Outcomes: Self-sufficiency, teamwork.
Main Activities: Meal preparation, group activities, transport navigation.
Student Developmental Stage: Responsibility, communal living.
Class 7
Yorta Yorta Counctry: Murray River Raft Builder Journey
Students embark on a five-day rafting experience, honing their teamwork and problem-solving skills on the river.
Education Focus Outcomes: Leadership, trust-building.
Main Activities: Raft building, water navigation, campfire cooking.
Student Developmental Stage: Ethical thinking, physical endurance.
Dhudhuroa Country: Northeast Victoria Cycling Journey
A five-day cycling journey encourages students to explore regional trails and develop their understanding of social justice and ecological issues.
Education Focus Outcomes: Cycle touring, ecological consciousness.
Main Activities: Road and trail cycling, group management.
Student Developmental Stage: Physical coordination, risk management.
Class 8
Gunditjmara Country: Glenelg River Canoe Journey
Over five days, students learn about the local ecosystem and biodiversity while developing their canoeing skills.
Education Focus Outcomes: Ecological systems, biodiversity.
Main Activities: Canoeing, water safety, environmental studies.
Student Developmental Stage: Identity, cultural appreciation.
Jiatmathang Country: Yackandandah Mountain Bike Base Camp
An eight-day adventure challenges students with mountain biking through rugged terrain, promoting individuality and leadership.
Education Focus Outcomes: Personal development, wilderness skills.
Main Activities: Mountain biking, trail navigation, endurance.
Student Developmental Stage: Self-expression, peer leadership.
Class 9 – Comprehensive Outdoor Education
The Year 9 program is particularly intensive, featuring five distinct camps. This is a pivotal year where students are on the cusp of entering their final phase of schooling. By engaging in multiple camps with varied focuses, students are equipped with a broad range of experiences that foster resilience, adaptability, and resourcefulness. The variety and frequency of the camps serve several purposes:
-
Skill Consolidation: Multiple camps allow students to solidify the skills they've learned in previous years, ensuring they're second nature by the time they reach senior years.
- Maturity and Independence: With adolescence comes a search for identity and a push for independence. The range of experiences allows students to explore these aspects of their personality in different settings and contexts.
- Social and Emotional Development: Year 9 students are at a stage where their social and emotional skills are rapidly developing. Engaging with peers in diverse environments strengthens these skills.
- Intellectual Challenge: The intellectual capabilities of students expand significantly at this stage. The camps offer complex, real-world problems to solve, which can enhance critical thinking.
- Preparation for Senior Responsibilities: As students approach their senior years, the expectation for them to take on more responsibility increases. The camps introduce leadership roles and self-directed learning opportunities to prepare them for Year 10 and beyond.
Dja Dja Warrung Country: Kooyoora Expedition Hike
Embarking on a four-day hike, students develop their bushwalking skills and self-sufficiency in the rugged terrain of Kooyoora.
Education Focus Outcomes: Navigation independence, bushwalking skills.
Main Activities: Off-track walking, cave camping, nocturnal navigation.
Student Developmental Stage: Intellectual exploration, emotional and social growth.
Gadubanud Country: Otways Bushwalk Expedition Journey
This four-day expedition through the Otways fosters a connection with coastal environments and introduces students to the rich local history.
Education Focus Outcomes: Adventure expeditions, historical insights.
Main Activities: Coastal bushwalking, environmental exploration, team building.
Student Developmental Stage: Communication skills, emotional intelligence.
Boon Wurrung Country: Wilsons Promontory Bushwalking and Surfing
A five-day exploration of Wilsons Promontory's bushland and coastal areas, where students learn surfing and deepen their environmental appreciation.
Education Focus Outcomes: Outdoor skill consolidation, personal reflection.
Main Activities: Bushwalking, surfing, remote camping.
Student Developmental Stage: Self-reliance, environmental engagement.
Taungurung Country: Lake Eildon Combined Hike and Canoe Journey
Students undertake a nine-day combined hiking and canoeing journey, honing their wilderness skills and team dynamics on land and water.
Education Focus Outcomes: Expedition planning, open water navigation.
Main Activities: Bushwalking, paddling, camp management.
Student Developmental Stage: Resilience, collaborative problem-solving.
High Plains Bushwalk Expedition
In a five-day alpine expedition, students challenge their outdoor abilities, engaging with sensitive ecosystems and enhancing problem-solving skills.
Education Focus Outcomes: Alpine camping, environmental adaptation.
Main Activities: Alpine bushwalking, ecological studies, survival techniques.
Student Developmental Stage: Critical thinking, resilience.
Class 10
Dyurrite, Jardwadjali Country: Arapiles Rock Climbing and Abseiling Base Camp
A five-day camp at Arapiles invites students to engage in rock climbing and abseiling, promoting independence and career exploration.
Education Focus Outcomes: Risk management, personal growth.
Main Activities: Climbing, abseiling, leadership challenges.
Student Developmental Stage: Career interests, identity formation.
Class 11
Djabwurung Country: Grampians Peaks Trail Bush Walk Expedition
Over five days, students traverse the Grampians, reflecting on their journey and preparing for their future roles as leaders and environmental stewards.
Education Focus Outcomes: Outdoor leadership, journey reflection.
Main Activities: Advanced bushwalking, environmental immersion, peer leadership.
Student Developmental Stage: Future planning, adulthood preparation.
