By John Lindros
Moving into winter 2021, AusCamp was preparing the Alpine Lodge, planning snow programs and looking ahead after a year of significant disruption.
The previous 12 months had brought challenges for staff, insurance, venue maintenance and the restart of programs. The pause also created time to improve facilities, rebuild activities, review equipment and welcome new people into the outdoor sector.
When groups returned, even familiar infrastructure needed attention after months without use. Pumps, heaters and refrigeration all had to be brought back into regular operation. It was a reminder that reopening a camp involved much more than unlocking the gates.
Four different settings
Charnwood, Nillahcootie, Anglesea Valley Lodge and AusCamp Alpine Lodge each offered a different setting and style of experience. Together, they gave schools choices across bush, lake, coast and alpine environments.
AusCamp also supported activity-based journeys beyond its venues. These experiences could combine walking, paddling, camping, travel and shared group responsibilities, depending on the school, destination and program plan.
Why consider AusCamp?
For me, the answer came back to experience, relationships and flexibility. My background in teaching and outdoor education shaped an approach where the team listened to schools, developed programs around their goals and was prepared to be honest about what could or could not be delivered.
AusCamp aimed to build partnerships with schools and communities, collaborate with other providers where appropriate, and create experiences that students could learn from and remember.
That commitment had developed over many years in outdoor education. To explore the venues and programs as they operate today, view AusCamp venues or start a conversation.