Biodiversity camp
Secondary HPGE students
Program
The Biodiversity Camp is an overnight (two day) experience for high school students in Years 10 and 11 who are interested in biodiversity, ecology and conservation. Held at Muogamarra Nature Reserve, the program gives students the chance to participate in biodiversity surveys and learn from environmental educators and expert presenters. Students will stay in tents (supplied) and be immersed in the natural environment while conducting surveys and analysing data.
It 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
2025 Date
24th to 25th September, 2025
Key information
Learning activities
Students will:
- Participate in fauna surveys (including a dawn bird walk)
- Collect data using observational and field recording techniques
- Identify scats and tracks and record sightings in field journals
- Analyse images from wildlife cameras
- Hear presentations from the Frog and Tadpole Study Group and a local bird expert (NPWS volunteer)
- Prepare a small biodiversity project to be completed at school
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 | DoE $70 per student - GST free |
| 2026 Date | 24th - 25th September |
| 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. |
More Information
Email: gibberagon-e.school@det.nsw.edu.au
Phone: 9457 8245
Program location
Find our more about the location below
