School camps are more than overnight trips – they’re opportunities for growth, academic enrichment and unforgettable experiences. Because when you step away from the classroom and into nature, something remarkable happens. Students conquer their fears through adventurous activities, become leaders during team challenges, and see academic concepts come to life through environmental exploration.
At Y Discovery Camps, we believe the right outdoor education can unlock hidden potential in every student. So if you’re searching for a school camp and aren’t sure where to start, we’re here to help!
This comprehensive guide will help you find the best camp for your school. We cover what to look for, how to choose the right location and programs, and the outcomes you can expect from a quality school camp.
What to look for in a school camp
Tailored programs that meet your educational goals
The most effective school camps don't follow a one-size-fits-all approach. They work closely with schools to develop customised programs that align with specific educational objectives.
At Y Discovery Camps, we use a comprehensive educational learning framework to design programs that complement your curriculum. Whether you're seeking to enhance teamwork, develop leadership skills or reinforce specific academic concepts, we tailor activities to meet your goals.
Sequential programs that build skills over time
Camps with sequential programs provide students with opportunities to build and expand their skills year after year. These programs are thoughtfully designed to introduce progressively challenging activities as students grow older.
For instance, younger students might start with foundational team-building exercises, while middle schoolers tackle more advanced leadership challenges. By the time students reach their senior years, they could be mastering outdoor survival skills or engaging in impactful environmental projects.
Opting for a camp with a sequential program ensures a sense of continuity, growth and achievement for your students.
Adventure-based activities led by qualified professionals
Quality camps offer a range of adventurous activities delivered by qualified outdoor education leaders. These might include:
- Archery programs that develop focus and patience
- Flying fox adventures that build confidence and courage
- Giant swing experiences that encourage students to face their fears
- High ropes courses that foster trust and communication
- Canoeing expeditions that develop teamwork and leadership
Activities like these should help students develop resilience in a supportive environment. When students successfully navigate a challenging ropes course or complete a difficult hiking trail, they build confidence that transfers to academic and personal challenges.
The key is ensuring activities are appropriately challenging — difficult enough to require growth, but achievable with effort and support from peers and instructors.
Accessible and inclusive programs and activities
True transformation happens when every student can participate fully in camp activities. Y Discovery Camps has pioneered accessibility in outdoor education, creating Australia's first fully accessible adventure high ropes course.
Our award-winning accessibility initiatives include:
- Universal harness design that accommodates participants regardless of ability
- Adapted activity options that ensure everyone can participate meaningfully
- Trained staff who understand how to support diverse learning needs
- Inclusive program design that celebrates different abilities and learning styles
Inclusive camps don't just accommodate differences — they celebrate them as strengths that enrich the entire group experience. Make sure the school camp you choose can offer programs and activities that accommodate and include every student.
Environmental education that inspires action
Choosing a school camp that offers environmental education is a great way to ensure your students have a meaningful experience that shapes the way they interact with the natural world.
Camps that are located within or surrounded by nature enable students to directly engage with the environment. Through this hands-on exploration, students are able to learn about different ecosystems and create lasting connections to nature.
This environmental awareness extends beyond the camp experience. It encourages students to become passionate advocates for conservation, influencing their choices and actions throughout their lives.
Technology-free environments that encourage connection
Camp environments naturally encourage students to disconnect from technology and connect with each other. This creates space for deeper conversations, stronger friendships and more meaningful learning experiences.
Students often report that some of their most valuable camp experiences happen during quiet moments — around campfires, during evening reflections or while sharing meals with classmates.
If the school camp you choose promotes a technology-free environment, your students will be able to truly connect with one another and get more out of the camp experience.
Choosing the right camp location and program
There are a few important factors to consider when choosing the right camp location and program for your school, such as:
- Educational objectives: What specific skills or knowledge do you want students to gain?
- Student demographics: What challenges and interests do your students bring?
- Curriculum connections: How can the camp experience reinforce classroom learning?
- Accessibility needs: What accommodations are required for full participation?
- Budget considerations: How can you maximise impact within your resources?
For example, you might want to focus on building specific skills like resilience or confidence, or you might want your students to explore a certain environment to complement their learning in the classroom.
Y Discovery Camps have six camps located across Victoria, each offering unique opportunities for students. Check out the different experiences available at each of our camps below.
Alpine adventures that build character
Howmans Gap Alpine Discovery Camp sits just 4km from Falls Creek, surrounded by pristine mountain ash bushland. Winter programs here specialise in building resilience through alpine challenges that push students beyond their comfort zones.
The mountain environment naturally creates opportunities for teamwork and problem-solving. Students learn to support each other through physical challenges while developing an appreciation for Victoria's unique alpine ecosystems.
Coastal learning that connects students to marine science
Our coastal camps — Anglesea Discovery Camp and Camp Manyung — offer direct access to marine environments that bring science textbooks to life. Students engage with real-world conservation challenges while developing practical skills in marine biology and environmental monitoring.
Anglesea sits along the famous Great Ocean Road, providing a stunning backdrop for beach-based learning activities. Meanwhile, Camp Manyung offers a more intimate coastal experience on the Mornington Peninsula, where students can explore tide pools and coastal ecosystems up close.
Water-based adventures that develop leadership skills
Lake Dewar Discovery Camp and Lady Northcote Discovery Camp specialise in water-based activities that naturally develop leadership skills. Canoeing requires clear communication and shared responsibility. High ropes courses demand trust and encouragement between team members.
Lake Dewar's location near the Werribee River, surrounded by picturesque gorges, creates an ideal setting for outdoor exploration. Lady Northcote's position in the scenic Rowsley Valley provides a beautiful natural environment for adventure activities.
Forest immersion that fosters environmental awareness
Mt Evelyn Discovery Camp nestles in the Dandenong Ranges, surrounded by lush forests and diverse wildlife. This location excels at connecting students with nature-based learning experiences that develop environmental stewardship and conservation awareness.
Students engage directly with forest ecosystems, learning about biodiversity, sustainability and their role as custodians of the environment. The camp's forest setting provides countless opportunities for hands-on learning that reinforces classroom environmental science concepts.
The impact you should see from your camp experience
The best school camps provide opportunities for growth, connection and discovery.
Whether it’s through immediate changes in behaviour or long-term personal development, a well-designed school camp can leave a lasting imprint on students.
Here are some of the immediate and long-term outcomes you should expect to see from a quality camp experience:
Immediate outcomes
- Increased collaboration and teamwork among students
- Greater confidence in facing new challenges
- Improved communication skills and leadership abilities
- Stronger connections between students and teachers
- Enhanced appreciation for natural environments
Long-term outcomes
- Increased resilience when facing academic and personal challenges
- Stronger environmental values that influence lifestyle choices
- Enhanced social skills that improve relationships and collaboration
- Greater self-confidence that supports academic achievement and personal growth
- Lasting friendships that began during shared camp experiences
See what learning outcomes your camp offers and ensure this meets your school’s needs.
Learn more about our school camps
Transformative school camp experiences require careful planning, quality programs and a commitment to creating inclusive, challenging and supportive environments for all students. But it’s worth it.
Outdoor education provides benefits that extend far beyond the camp experience itself, as students return to school with enhanced confidence, stronger relationships and valuable life skills that support their academic and personal growth.
We’ve spent years perfecting camp programs that deliver these transformative experiences. Our six camps across Victoria offer diverse environments and specialised programs designed to meet your school's unique needs and objectives.
Ready to give your students an experience they'll never forget?
Learn more about our school camps and contact us today to see how we can create a tailored program that transforms your students and supports your educational goals.