Program
Gibberagong Environmental Education Centre's Stage 4 Explore Outdoor excursion provides an engaging outdoor learning experience that develops teamwork, leadership and resilience through practical, hands-on activities. Students participate in bushwalks, shelter building, team challenges, nature-based art and reflective wellbeing activities in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park and Muogamarra Nature Reserve, strengthening confidence, communication and connections with the natural environment.
Learning intentions
Students are learning about:
- teamwork
- resilience
- wellbeing
Key information
Learning activities
Teamwork and leadership challenges
Students will work in small groups to complete a series of challenges. Each of these activities is designed to assist students to understand and develop leadership qualities, teamwork and resilience and may include the plank walk, cannonball run and magic carpets.
On completion, students will reflect on each activity and the qualities they thought were important in providing an effective outcome.
Shelter building and outdoor skills
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.
Wellbeing through nature
Students will navigate their way through the bush during a bush walk. On arrival at their destination, they will participate in a silent challenge encouraging positive connections with nature and developing skills in reflection, relaxation and resilience.
Creative learning outdoors
Students will sit in a special nature spot to connect with the natural environment around them. Using watercolours (provided by Gibberagong), the students will draw and paint their chosen subject. This immersion experience provides each student with the opportunity to study the detail and beauty of the natural setting. Artworks will be provided to the teacher to be taken back to school.
Suggested timetable
| Time | Class A, B | Class C, D |
| 10.00am | Acknowledgement of Country, Welcome, Overview of the day | |
| 10.10am | Morning Tea | |
| 10.30am | Teamwork games | Shelter building |
| 11.15am | Shelter building | Teamwork games |
| 12.00pm | Wellbeing through nature | Art in nature |
| 1.2.45pm | Lunch | |
| 1.15pm | Art in nature | Wellbeing through nature |
* Please call the centre if you have more than 4 classes
With multiple locations, the school is able to host up to 8 classes on one day
Syllabus outcomes
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 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, mask. 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. |
Excursion locations
With multiple locations, the school is able to host up to 8 classes on one day.