From centre-based camps to challenging outdoor expeditions, The Outdoor Education Group leads students on a journey of self-discovery, community building, and environmental connection through carefully designed outdoor education programs.
Outdoor education experiences transform student perspectives far beyond traditional classroom learning.
As a Year 10 student from International Grammar School who attended a camp in Tasmania run by The Outdoor Education Group (OEG) put it, “This is not about getting from point A to point B, but about what is created along the way. This journey helped me restate who I am to myself and who I am to others.”
The Outdoor Education Group is an independent not-for-profit organisation that provides outdoor experiences for more than 32,000 participants per year. Founded in 1984, and with more than 300 staff working across the country, it is Australia’s most established outdoor education provider.
Students discover personal growth through OEG’s immersive programs that challenge their comfort zones.
A Perth College student who attended a camp at Margaret River captured this sentiment, noting the experience was “challenging, but very rewarding,” while highlighting how stepping out of familiar environments can spark significant personal development.
A student from St Michael’s Grammar School in Melbourne described their Eildon camp as an opportunity that “helped me grow as a person in many ways and let me get out of my comfort zone.”
These students’ experiences reveal a consistent narrative of transformation. Group leaders play a crucial role, with one student praising their educator for making them “think deeper about not just ourselves, but also what surrounded us.”
These experiences are less about physical activities and more about creating meaningful, reflective journeys that equip students with skills and insights that extend far beyond traditional classroom learning.
“It’s really about developing a core understanding of self,” says Mr Pete Griffiths, CEO of The Outdoor Education Group. “It’s prompting students to question: Who am I? What’s my challenge limit? What am I good at, and what can I build on?” he says.
OEG’s strategic sequential approach is a carefully designed sequence that progressively builds student capabilities year-on-year. This can start at any year level between primary or secondary school students.
Commencing at centre-based camps with structured environments, students learn foundational skills that become increasingly complex as they advance through secondary school.
“In Year 7, we focus on designing programs that strengthen connection and community. This is especially important as students are moving up to their first year of senior school. Throughout Years 8 and 9, the focus is more on teamwork, leadership and increasing towards decision-making and critical thinking,” Mr Griffiths says. “We start to mix and match different activities, gradually increasing challenge levels.”
The program’s core focuses extend beyond mere outdoor activities. Students develop critical competencies including communication skills, teamwork, leadership capabilities and resilience.
What sets this approach apart is its holistic methodology. Students aren’t only learning outdoor skills; they’re developing a deeper understanding of themselves and their relationships with others and the natural environment.
“We’re looking at how students work together within a small team,” Mr Griffiths says. “How do they lead? How do they learn from each other?”
The progression from centre-based camps to more challenging journey programs represents a sophisticated educational model. Initial stages provide supported, structured environments with cabins, high ropes courses, and guided activities. As students advance, they face increasingly complex challenges that test their newly acquired skills. The bridge between a traditional centre-based camp and journeys is a bush camp. Where components of both centre-based programs and journeys are blended to extend the student experience.
“Unlike centre-based camps, which are typically activity-based and site-bound with fixed facilities, our Journey Programs prioritise simplicity, autonomy, and personal growth. Students move each day, carry what they need, and work together to thrive in changing outdoor environments. There are no cabins or daily schedules here – just purposeful learning through challenge, reflection, and community living,” Mr Griffiths says.
“Centre-based experiences are excellent for introducing younger students to the outdoors, teaching foundational skills, and building social connection. Journey Programs, however, are where these foundations are tested and deepened, offering students the opportunity to lead, reflect, and grow on a deeper level.”
Both Government and Independent schools Principals consistently report significant student transformations, highlighting the program’s broader educational impact.
Environmental connection forms a crucial component. Students develop not only practical skills, but an understanding of ecological systems and their personal relationship with nature.
“It’s about deepening that connection to nature and understanding environmental stewardship as a whole,” Mr Griffiths says.
It’s a powerful approach to developing adaptable, self-aware young adults prepared for complex life-ready challenges.
Programs
Camps: 3-5 days (Standard)
OEG guides students through adventure activities, tailored challenges and exploration at its hardtop camps (VIC, NSW).
Introduction to Journeys: 3-5 days (Standard)
These bush camp programs incorporate base-camp and journey components to enable students to extend themselves with full support (VIC, NSW, WA).
Journeys: 3-5 days (Standard)
Journeys focus on experiential learning through adventure activities, camping and community living (VIC, NSW, WA).
Expeditions: 10-30 days (Standard)
Expeditions form the peak experience of a robust outdoor education sequence and are uniquely created in partnership with your school (VIC, NSW, WA).
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Australia
Working to the requirements of the Award and under the guidance of qualified instructors, OEG can assist with Bronze, Silver and Gold Practice Journey and/or Qualifying Journey (VIC, NSW, WA).
For further information about OEG programs, contact enquiries@oeg.edu.au or phone 1800 888 900.
