Program

Gibberagong Environmental Education Centre's Biodiversity Camp is a specialised High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) science program for Year 10 and 11 students with a passion for biodiversity, ecology and conservation. During this immersive two-day camp at Muogamarra Nature Reserve, students work alongside environmental educators and expert presenters to conduct authentic biodiversity surveys, identify wildlife using field techniques, analyse ecological data and investigate conservation practices. The program extends scientific inquiry, critical thinking and environmental problem-solving while developing the intellectual domain of the NSW High Potential and Gifted Education framework.

This program is delivered by Gibberagong Environmental Education Centre (NSW Department of Education) in conjunction with the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.

Briefly, the Biodiversity Camp:

is a two day and one night camp at Muogamarra Nature Reserve
has capacity for 20 students only - maximum 6 students per school (DoE schools only)
does not require a teacher to attend, however they are encouraged to stay overnight and support their students' learning
Teachers or parents/carers are required to drop off and pick up student

Target group

Year 10 and 11 students with a strong interest in nature, science, and the environment.

Students should be:

comfortable studying in a bush setting
responsible and willing to participate in group work

2027 date TBA.

Please contact our centre to register your interest.

Key information

Learning activities

Conducting biodiversity surveys

Students undertake authentic field investigations including fauna surveys, dawn bird walks, wildlife camera monitoring and track and scat identification to investigate biodiversity in Muogamarra Nature Reserve.

Learning from environmental experts

Students work alongside environmental educators, the Frog and Tadpole Study Group and National Parks and Wildlife Service volunteers, gaining insights into biodiversity conservation and ecological monitoring.

Field data collection and ecological analysis

Students collect, record and analyse ecological data using field journals, observational techniques and wildlife monitoring equipment before applying their findings to a biodiversity project.

Developing scientific inquiry through outdoor learning

Designed for high-potential science students, the camp develops critical thinking, scientific investigation, collaboration and evidence-based decision-making through immersive environmental fieldwork.

Sample timetable

Day 1
Time	Activity
9.00am	Acknowledgement of Country, Introduction, Overview of the day
9.30am	Morning Tea
10.30am	Camp setup
11.30am	Survey techniques Expert presentations
12.30pm	Lunch
1.00pm	Setup sand plots and cameras Biodiversity Survey 1
5.00pm	Rest
6.00pm	Dinner
7.00pm	Biodiversity Survey 12
10.00pm	Bed
Day 2
4.45am	Biodiversity Survey 3
7.00am	Breakfast
8.00am	Collect cameras, check plots
9.00am	Packup camp
10.00am	Morning tea
10.30am	Data tabulation and analysis
12.00pm	In school project prep
1.00pm	Lunch
2.00pm	Camp concludes

Cost and details


Target age	Year 10 and 11 students
2026 Cost (2027 cost may be different)	DoE $80 per student - GST free
Transport	Schools are required to organise transport for students to and from the location. Maps will be sen in the confirmation package
Catering	Students and staff will need to bring their own recess and lunch on the first day of camp. Gibberagong EEC will purchase and prepare food for the other meals. Visiting teachers and students will assist in, serving and cleaning up for all meal times. This allows us to provide such cost effective camps.
Risk assessments	A complete risk assessment will be sent upon confirmation.
What to bring	An information package will be sent to the nominated teacher.
Accommodation	Participants will be staying in tents supplied by Gibberagong EEC. Participants are welcome to bring their own.
Adverse weather	On days where the weather is unsuitable (see risk assessment), a Gibberagong staff member will contact the organising teacher to discuss alternative arrangements.