Term 1 marks a significant milestone for all Year 7 students as they embark on their first Middle School Outdoor Education experience at Camp Toonallook. Set on the stunning Gippsland Lakes on Gunaikurnai Country, the five-day program allows students to immerse themselves in a variety of water and land-based activities, culminating in a two-night expedition to the breathtaking 90 Mile Beach. This adventure serves as both an introduction to Middle School Outdoor Education and a meaningful orientation to their new Homeroom class.
Whilst at ‘Toona’ students partake in activities aimed at developing collaboration and effective communication skills in a fun and engaging outdoor context. Activities such as raft building, small group navigation tasks and sailing as a team with staff ask students to challenge themselves and build connections with each other. Students also write a time capsule letter to themselves which will be archived and opened on the last day of Year 12 for the Class of 2030 – a reflective process which becomes a key part of the Year 12 celebration.
Undertaking expeditions is a key component of Outdoor Education programs in Middle School, and the Year 7 expedition equips students with foundational outdoor skills that will support their growth in future Outdoor Education experiences. Journeying to Bunga Arm within the Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park via a retired prawn trawler gives a sense of remoteness to the students experience; living as a group over two nights in hiking tents, sharing a meal cooked over a fire and exploring the lake system both on kayak and on foot becomes more than an adventure for our Year 7s, it allows them to live out the Carey Values of Care, Respect and Growth in a real-world context.
Outdoor Education’s focus on the Complex Competency of Active Citizenship continues to be trialled through the Year 7 Outdoor Education experience. An active citizen contributes to the wellbeing of a community and when asked ‘What can I do to create a positive home room culture?’, Year 7 student Ollie H reflects:
‘Respect other people when they are talking by paying attention and not ignoring them by talking to your other friends. You have to also show them that you are listening to them by showing full body listening. Finally, you should not laugh at your classmates’ answers because it might make them feel embarrassed or uncomfortable.’
The theme for 2025 at Carey is Respect, one of our School Values. Ollie’s answer leans into this theme, highlighting how learning outside of traditional classroom settings provides opportunities for us to see the student beyond their academic self and celebrate them for all that they are.
Josh Edwards (Head of Outdoor Education) and Jake Biddulph (Outdoor Education Teacher)
