Where resilience grows.
Every passion can lead beyond the classroom
At ELTHAM College, Outdoor Education gives students the opportunity to step outside their everyday environment and discover what they are capable of.
Through shared experiences, challenge and exploration, students build confidence, resilience and a deeper connection to the world around them.
Program Overview
The Outdoor Education Program is a College-led initiative that introduces students to a diverse range of outdoor environments and experiences.
From marine and forest ecosystems to alpine and mountain landscapes, students develop an understanding of the natural world while building independence and resilience.
Each experience is carefully designed to align with the student’s stage of development, ensuring a progressive and supportive journey.
The ELTHAM Approach
Outdoor Education at ELTHAM is built around experience.
Students are encouraged to step outside their comfort zones through practical, hands-on learning that promotes:
• independence and self-confidence
• respect for others and the environment
• a strong sense of community
This flexible, self-directed learning approach supports personal growth and helps students develop a strong sense of responsibility and connection.
Developing Confidence Through Challenge
The program is designed to gently challenge students in a supportive environment.
Through these experiences, students develop:
• resilience and adaptability
• problem-solving skills
• teamwork and collaboration
• a deeper understanding of themselves and others
Key Information
Leadership Opportunity
Year 10 students can apply for the Year 10 Outdoor Education Leadership program where they receive additional training and attend the Year 3 – Year 9 camps, working alongside staff to run them.
Facilitators
Led by our Outdoor Education Program Coordinator Guy Mitchell, in collaboration with camp volunteer teachers; the Year 10 Outdoor Education Leaders; the ELTHAM College Wilderness Student Leaders; and external providers.
Program Planning
Our programs build on students’ skills year on year. Each program is age-appropriate in the types of activities offered and the skills being developed. This generates positive student engagement, providing everyone a mix of activities – from challenging outdoor adventures in the day, to relaxing social activities in the evening.
All programs prepare students before departing on their expeditions. If any accommodations or support systems are required, staff from the Outdoor Education program and Student Services consider the student’s requirements individually to create a tailored plan within their existing year level program.
Skills and Competencies
Students complete assessed projects in Outdoor Education, which can include:
- Trangia stove cooking, hygienic food storage, self-sufficient food preparation and production
- Minimal environment impact camping
- Packing for journey-based hiking
- Recognising weather and environmental conditions and making safe decisions
- Recognising confidence and anxieties when exposed to various activity settings
- Understanding the concept of journey programs
- Route planning, navigation
- Emergency procedures in the wilderness
- Wilderness first-aid
Where It Can Take Them
For some students, Outdoor Education sparks a lifelong connection to the environment.
For others, it builds confidence and resilience that carries into every part of their learning.
What remains consistent is the opportunity to step outside the familiar and discover what they are capable of.
“The program pushes students in a really healthy way… it’s about challenging yourself, stepping out of your comfort zone and seeing how far you can go.”
Guy Mitchell, Program Coordinator
Take the next step in their journey
We invite prospective families to experience ELTHAM firsthand and see how each pathway supports students to explore their passions and realise their potential.