New research shows school camps play a vital role in building student wellbeing, resilience, and confidence, yet half of Australian children miss out on these experiences.
According to the Australian Camps Association’s first national census, nearly two million Australian school-aged children attend camps each year – around half of the student population – leaving many without access to structured outdoor education experiences. The census also highlights the broader role camps play in supporting wellbeing, education outcomes, and regional economies.
This gap sits alongside a growing body of research indicating that time in nature-based learning environments is associated with improvements in mental health, social skills, and engagement. For school leaders, the issue is not simply participation rates, but the implications of non-participation. Without access to these experiences, students may miss structured opportunities to develop independence, resilience, and peer connection outside the classroom setting.
Mr Graham Ward, CEO of The Great Aussie Bush Camp, says the current environment has amplified the need for these experiences. “School camps have never been more important. At a time when young people are facing unprecedented levels of stress, screen time, and social pressure, camps provide something rare: real-world challenges, real confidence and real connections,” he says.
Outdoor programs are typically structured around experiential learning, where students engage in activities such as climbing, canoeing, and team-based challenges. According to Mr Ward, these environments allow students to encounter controlled levels of risk and challenge. “When students climb a tower, paddle a raft, or take a leap of faith, they’re not just doing an activity, they’re rewiring how they respond to challenge,” he says. “Research shows these experiences activate the brain’s reward systems, reduce fear over time, and build resilience. That confidence carries back into the classroom and into everyday life.”
The documented benefits extend beyond the duration of the camp itself, including improved sleep, reduced stress levels, and increased emotional resilience following participation in adventure-based activities – outcomes that align with broader school priorities around student wellbeing and engagement. Mr Ward also notes the longer-term impact: “The lessons learned at camp don’t fade when the buses leave. Students return more confident, more independent, and better equipped to handle setbacks.”
Providers have responded by designing programs aligned to school objectives. The Great Aussie Bush Camp, which operates seven centres across Australia, delivers curriculum-linked experiences in natural settings, with activities and accommodation located on-site. Programs follow a ‘challenge by choice’ approach, allowing students to engage at their own pace while working toward shared learning goals.
Despite these established benefits, the participation gap identified in the census remains, raising questions about access and resourcing. “Outdoor education is a powerful tool to support student wellbeing,” Mr Ward says. “What’s concerning is that despite these benefits, only about half of school-aged children attend camp each year – meaning millions of young Australians miss out on experiences that support confidence, independence, and mental health.”
To learn more about The Great Aussie Bush Camp outdoor education and its seven centres across Australia, visit https://bushcamp.com.au/.
