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.
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









