Learning activities

Emergency shelter building

Building an emergency shelter is an important skill that can be crucial if ever caught out in the bush overnight. Working as a small team, students must construct a shelter using a tarp, ropes, pegs and any natural resources around them. Students must work together to design and build their shelter, using the skills of the whole group.

Bush walk

The bush walk provides the students with an opportunity to discover some of the traditional foods and other resources that are found in the area. This includes plants and other natural materials that provided tools, medicine and food to the local Aboriginal Peoples. Students will hear of the interconnected nature of traditional Aboriginal people and the land.

During the walk, students will also need to respond to an incident that requires the students to apply first aid.

Mapping skills

Students will learn how to orientate a map. They will then use their map to locate a number of items in the bush that are required to be packed into a bag as part of a safe bush walk.

Suggested timetable

Time	Classes A & B	Classes C & D
10.00am	Welcome Acknowledgement of Country, Overview of the day
10.10am	Morning tea
10.30am	Emergency shelter building and mapping skills	Bush walk and first aid
12.00pm	Lunch
12.30pm	Bush walk and first aid	Emergency shelter building and mapping skills
2pm	Conclusion and depart

* Please call the centre if you have more than 4 classes.

Syllabus outcomes

PDHPE K-10 Syllabus (2018)

Outcomes

• PD3-8 creates and participates in physical activities to promote healthy and active lifestyles
• PD3-9 applies and adapts self-management skills to respond to personal and group situations
• PD3-10 selects and uses interpersonal skills to interact respectfully with others to promote inclusion and build connections

Content

Healthy, Safe and Active Lifestyles

• participate in physical activities in natural environments in the local area and reflect on the enjoyable components of participation, eg outdoor recreation
• identify and practise strategies to promote health, safety and wellbeing

Health, Wellbeing and Relationships

• explain how persistence and meeting challenges strengthens identity

• explore how overcoming a challenge or adversity can unite a group of diverse people

• make positive contributions to group activities, for example:

  • work in a group to achieve a set task or goal

Cost and details

Bus access map	Map for access to venue will be sent with the confirmation. Please ensure you print a copy and provide it to the bus driver on the morning of the excursion.
Cost	2026 DoE $20 per student - GST free 2026 Non-gov school cost $25 per student - GST free, minimum charge $750 per class NOTE:  National Parks entry is $1.10 per student in addition - GST free
Class numbers and size	Up to 4 classes Max. 30 students per class Please contact the centre if you have more than 4 classes.
Risk assessments	A complete risk assessment will be sent upon confirmation.
What to bring	Backpack, medication, low-waste food, water bottle, sunblock, raincoat, hat, sturdy shoes. Students wear sports uniform.
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. Please check your bus company’s cancellation policy.
Medical notifications	Notify Gibberagong EEC by completing and returning the medical form before the excursion. This form will be sent out upon confirmation of booking.