Overnight Camp Programs | School Camps Gibberagong
Gibberagong Environmental Education Centre offers engaging overnight camp programs in Sydney that combine curriculum learning with adventure, wellbeing and environmental education. Located at Bobbin Head in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, our two-day camps immerse students in nature while developing leadership, teamwork, resilience and problem-solving skills.
Located at stunning Bobbin Head in the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, The Gibberagong Building is the perfect venue for hosting small groups of students for overnight programs.
Schools can tailor their program by choosing from a range of curriculum-aligned camp experiences, including environmental investigations, Aboriginal cultural learning, leadership development, STEM, visual arts and recreation, or work with our experienced NSW Department of Education teachers to design a customised camp that meets their learning goals.
Alternatively, choose from one of our popular programs:
Team challenge camp
Stage 3 or 4
Our most popular camp. Challenge your students' through a series of fun, team building and recreational activities that encourage teamwork, build friendships and teach wellbeing strategies. This is all set in the beautiful natural surrounds of Bobbin Head.
The program is ideally suited for small schools or cohorts of students in Stages 3 or 4 who are looking for an enriching, fun and unique camp experience.
Student leader camp
Prefects, SRC, Peer support leaders
The School Leader program provides an opportunity for students to learn leadership skills through activities designed to encourage teamwork, negotiation, problem solving and leadership.
The program is ideally suited to student leadership groups in schools or networks of schools (SRC, leadership/prefect groups and peer support teams) that have taken on leadership responsibilities within their school.
Possible activities may include:
Leadership and teamwork qualities
Students define leadership and identify the qualities they believe make great leader. This will provide the focus and reflection whilst completing challenges during the day
Teamwork, problem-solving and resilience
Student will work in small teams to complete a series of challenges. Each of these activities is designed to assist students to understand and develop leadership qualities, teamwork and resilience.
On completion, students will reflect on each activity and the qualities they thought were important in providing an effective outcome.
Rainforest navigation challenge
Working in small groups, the students will use maps to navigate a course to the rainforest, finding solutions to cryptic questions along the way. They will then find the special code word using what they have learnt along the way.
Once in the rainforest, the students will find a spot to practice mindfulness and reflect on their leadership day.
Kayak/canoe challenge (optional)
The students will undertake a kayak/canoe activity. During this activity, students will work in a coordinated way to solve problems, requiring effective teamwork, communication and critical thinking skills. There will be a discussion after each challenge to help develop students’ skills in reflection and critical thinking.
OR
Campsite challenge (optional)
Students work to define leadership and identify characteristics to work on.
They will then work in small teams to build a shelter. This leadership in action activity provides an opportunity to practice leadership and develop qualities of leaders.
On completion, students will reflect on each activity and the qualities they thought were important in providing an effective outcome.
Ecosystem investigation camp
Stage 6 Geography or Science
The focus of the two-day program is to undertake a scientific or geographical investigation of the mangrove or eucalypt ecosystem at Bobbin Head.
During the program, the students will work collaboratively in small groups to explore the local environment, use fieldwork equipment to gather data and finally create a short film to communicate their findings.
This program is suitable for Stage 6 Geography or Science students and can be used to help complete a depth study.
Aboriginal cultural immersion camp
Stage 6 Aboriginal Studies
Run in collaboration with Hornsby Local AECG, the Cultural immersion overnight camp is for local students studying Stage 6 Aboriginal Studies.
The aim of the overnight camp is to:
connect and engage with the local Aboriginal culture
gain a better understanding of Aboriginal Peoples' relationship to Country
learn about Aboriginal Peoples' physical, spiritual and cultural connection to Country
Students will achieve this through visiting culturally significant sites and collaborating with community to explore and enhance their understanding of Aboriginal identity and heritage.
Nature's Canvas visual arts camp provides an opportunity for students in Years 7 to 12 to be involved in an engaging, challenging and stimulating visual arts program led by an experienced visual arts teacher.
The aim of the camp is to provide students with an opportunity to observe, interpret and respond to their immediate environment at Bobbin Head in the Ku-ring-gai National Park. Students will learn strategies to explore their immediate experience of the landscape to create preliminary works as departure points for resolved studio-based artworks.
The City experience camp is designed for rural and remote schools to experience Sydney city. Design an experience of a life time for your students!
Gibberagong EEC is nestled in the beautiful Bobbin Head and is only a short drive to major sightseeing venues such as Taronga Zoo, Manly Beach, The Opera House, Homebush, the Central Coast, plus more.
When staying with us, students will be encouraged to learn about the natural environmental, focus on wellbeing, leadership skills through activities designed to encourage teamwork, negotiation and problem solving. Some of the activities include bushwalking, canoeing and art.
Gibberagong EEC provides a staff member to be on-site until 8.30pm to assist visiting teachers in running evening activities. Gibberagong staff do not stay overnight.
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 groups. Visiting teachers and students are responsible for heating, serving and cleaning up for all meal times. This allows us to provide such cost effective camps.
* Cost
For a standard two day/one night camp:
2026 DoE
Accommodation: $50 No GST per student
Catering: $50 No GST per student
NOTE: National Parks entry is $3.30 No GST per student in addition
* costs may vary depending on requirements
2026 Non-gov School
Accommodation: $70 No GST per student
Catering: $70 + GST per student
NOTE: National Parks entry is $3.30 No GST per student in addition
* costs may vary depending on requirements
What to bring
A full package will be sent upon booking which includes a list of what to bring to camp, menus, maps, emergency procedures, guidelines, medical notifications and risk assessments.
Canoe information
(only applicable to those who book a canoe experience with their excursion)
Please refer to the DoE policies for canoe activities to ensure your students meet the requirements before attending: Canoeing recreational
Accommodation features
The Gibberagong building has the following features:
Overnight accommodation for 28 students
Fully equipped kitchen and dining room
Four bunk rooms each sleeping a maximum of 6-8 students.
Separate teachers’ rooms
Bathrooms with hot showers
Classroom (including Interactive TV and Video Conferencing)
