Outdoor Education

Students at Canterbury actively engage in learning experiences outside the classroom, designed to challenge them physically, emotionally, and cognitively.

Outdoor education is a cornerstone of developing well rounded, resilient young people. Creating opportunities for students to connect with nature and learn through real world experiences is more important than ever. Canterbury’s sequential Outdoor Education program, engineered from Years 3-11 is designed to do just that, providing meaningful activities that nurture emotional growth, build confidence, and strengthen essential life skills.

These experiences go far beyond recreation. Each challenge is intentional, encouraging students to develop emotional intelligence, boost self-esteem, and discover their personal strengths and limitations. Through adventure-based learning, students gain resilience, teamwork skills, and a deeper understanding of themselves, allowing them to demonstrate confidence, compassion and optimism. These qualities are all important in helping shape students who are World Ready.

Canterbury’s Outdoor Education Program, in particular, Years 7 and 9, are also supported by the Rites of Passage Framework, developed by Dr Arne Rubinsten from the Rites of Passage Institute.

Download the Outdoor Education Flyer

Outdoor Education Camps Framework

Year 3

Nights: 1

Outdoor Education Focus
Growing Independence

Building confidence through new experiences and learning to take small steps toward independence.

Sleeping Arrangements
Dormitory

Venues include
PGL Kindilan – Redland Bay

Year 4

Nights: 2

Outdoor Education Focus
Resilience in Action

Developing coping strategies and resilience by facing challenges in a supportive environment.

Sleeping Arrangements
Dormitory

Venues include
Tyalgum Ridge Retreat, Tyalgum, NSW

Year 5

Nights: 2

Outdoor Education Focus
Meaningful Connections

Strengthening relationships with peers and deepening appreciation for the natural world.

Sleeping Arrangements
Base camping (1 night) and dormitories (1 night)

Venues include
Glendalough Outdoor Education Centre, Peregian Springs, Sunshine Coast

Year 6

Nights: 2

Outdoor Education Focus
Choices and Community

Developing decision making skills while creating supportive, collaborative spaces for everyone to thrive.

Sleeping Arrangements
Base camping (1 night) and dormitories (1 night)

Venues include
Glendalough Outdoor Education Centre, Peregian Springs, Sunshine Coast

Year 7

Nights: 2

Outdoor Education Focus
Connected Through Community and Rites of Passage

Exploring identity and connections during this important stage of transition.

Rites of Passage Elements
Talking Circles, Honouring Ceremony and Returning Ceremony

Sleeping Arrangements
Camping on site (2 nights)

Venues include
Adventure Alternatives – Kenilworth

Year 8

Nights: 2

Outdoor Education Focus
Character in Challenge

Discovering both our personal and character strengths and values through decision making in unfamiliar situations

Sleeping Arrangements
Camping on site (2 nights)

Venues include
Adventure Alternatives – Brooyar
Located on Mary River, 10km North of Gympie

Year 9

Nights: 2

Outdoor Education Focus
Choose Your Journey and Rites of Passage (opportunity for Bronze Level Duke of Edinburgh Certification)

Rites of Passage Elements
Enrolment (students choose the program they wish to undertake) Talking Circles, Honouring Ceremony and Returning Ceremony

Sleeping Arrangements
Camping on site and other expedition areas

Venues include
Adventure Alternatives – Kenilworth
Expedition Sites: Charlie Mooreland & Boolooumba Creek

Year 10

Nights: 2

Outdoor Education Focus
Leading Through Challenge

Building teamwork, leadership, and effective communication strategies for success while tackling demanding historic and real world challenges.

Sleeping Arrangements
Dormitories

Venues include
Emu Gully, Helidon Spa

Year 11

Nights: 2

Outdoor Education Focus
Leadership in Action

Reflecting on individual and collective influence which shapes today, tomorrow, and the future

Sleeping Arrangements
Dormitories

Venues include
Luther Heights, Coolum – Sunshine Coast