Immersive outdoor education programs
Extended Programs
Immersive school programs of nine days or more that combine community living, outdoor education, shared responsibility and continued learning.
Choose a format with purpose
How this program works
An Extended Program gives a school community more time to grow together. Over nine days or more, students can take increasing responsibility for daily life while participating in outdoor education, journey components, group projects and continued academic learning.
The longer format allows challenge, reflection and community routines to develop gradually. AusCamp works with your school to create an itinerary around educational goals, participant needs and the chosen venue rather than stretching a shorter camp across more days.
Venue and route fit
Extended Programs can be designed around Charnwood, Anglesea Valley Lodge or Nillahcootie. The setting, accommodation, activity access and school requirements help determine which venue provides the better base.
Learning through experience
Objectives and possible activities
Learning objectives
- Develop independence through sustained community living
- Build leadership, adaptability and collaborative decision-making
- Practise shared responsibility for daily routines
- Connect outdoor experiences with continuing academic learning
- Create time for deeper reflection and personal growth
Activity possibilities
- Outdoor adventure and venue-based activities
- Journey or expedition components suited to the group
- Shared meal preparation and community routines
- Environmental learning and practical projects
- Leadership, planning and collaborative decision-making
- On-site or online school learning arranged by the school
See the possibilities
Ways to shape the experience
Community living
Students share practical routines, contribute to group decisions and learn how daily choices affect the whole community.
Adventure and journey
Venue activities and a suitable journey component create progression across the longer program.
Continued learning
The itinerary can include space for school-led classroom or online learning alongside the outdoor program.
9x9 Lifestyle Program
This nine-day concept for Years 9 and 10 combines community living, school learning, shared food planning, practical site responsibilities, outdoor activities, camping and reflection. The final venue and activity mix are tailored to the school.
Plan the practical details
What planning covers
Program inclusions
- A tailor-made extended program design
- Accommodation and venue arrangements described in the proposal
- AusCamp staffing and activity support for agreed components
- Coordination of community routines, outdoor activities and journey stages
- Planning for catering, equipment and transport
- Space in the itinerary for school-led academic learning
What AusCamp needs from your school
- Agreed educational goals for the extended format
- Preferred dates, duration, venue and group size
- School staffing and arrangements for academic learning
- Medical, dietary, wellbeing and accessibility information needed for planning
- Clear expectations for student roles and community responsibilities
- Time for school approval, family communication and participant preparation
Supervision and support
A longer program needs clear and sustainable responsibilities. AusCamp and the school agree staffing, supervision, learning, daily routines and participant support before the final itinerary is approved.
A flexible structure
How the program can unfold
This example shows the rhythm of the experience. Your final itinerary is built around your school and group.
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Phase 1
Settle into community
Establish routines, responsibilities, learning expectations and the practical rhythm of the venue.
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Phase 2
Build skills and trust
Use venue activities, group tasks and reflection to prepare students for greater responsibility.
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Phase 3
Take on a journey
Add an appropriate travelling or expedition component that asks students to apply what they have learned.
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Phase 4
Contribute and consolidate
Return to the residential community, continue school learning and complete shared projects and responsibilities.
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Phase 5
Reflect and return
Recognise growth, review the community experience and prepare students to apply their learning at school.
From first conversation to departure
Plan the program together
Define the extended purpose
Clarify why a longer format is valuable for this group and what the school wants students to learn.
Choose the base
Compare Charnwood and Anglesea Valley Lodge against timing, group needs and program priorities.
Design the learning rhythm
Balance community living, outdoor activity, journey stages, rest and school-led learning.
Prepare the community
Agree responsibilities and give staff, students and families a clear picture of daily life.
Your final program
An Extended Program is a significant school undertaking. Dates, venue, activities, journey stages and services are confirmed through a tailored proposal and detailed preparation process.
Prepare with confidence
Explore school camp planning information
Review AusCamp's approach to planning, practical preparation and school support, then ask about the details that matter to your group.
A low-pressure next step
Could Extended Programs suit your school?
Tell AusCamp about your students, timing and goals. The team can help you compare formats and shape a practical program proposal.