This article is sponsored by The Great Aussie Bush Camp.

For a generation that has never known life without a smartphone, the constant buzz of screens and social media has become the norm. But as concerns about overstimulation grow, schools are discovering one of the most powerful learning environments isn’t always found in a classroom at all. It’s in the bush.

The Great Aussie Bush Camp runs seven sites across NSW, Victoria and Queensland, providing outdoor education that helps kids become more confident, resilient and better at working with others.

Not your average school camp

For Principals weighing up their options, many school camps can look remarkably similar on paper. However, The Great Aussie Bush Camp CEO Graham Ward says there is one key point of difference that students notice from the moment they arrive.

"What really sets The Great Aussie Bush Camp apart is the sheer variety of adventure activities we offer," Ward tells The Educator.

"We're proud to offer one of the widest ranges of adventure activities in Australia, spanning high-adventure, low ropes and ground-based challenges, water activities and night-time adventures, along with curriculum-linked activities."

Ward says students aren't coming to Bush Camp "just to kick a ball around a field."

"They're coming for a genuine adventure," he says. "Our itineraries are packed with exciting, challenging and purposeful activities that keep students engaged from morning until night."

One school leader who has seen the value of The Great Aussie Bush Camp firsthand is Sharnee Klempert, the Relieving Principal at Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College’s Tumbi Umbi Campus.

“When our students go on camps like this, we see both their resilience and confidence grow,” Klempert says. “The staff–student mud run challenge is always a highlight, but it was especially memorable this year due to the involvement of our teachers who were leading the charge.”

Klempert says the experience also gave staff a revealing glimpse into how each student ticked.

“From there we could see which kids held back, which kids were comfortable being on their own, which kids led in a positive way, and which kids lost control quickly,” she says. “That one activity gave us a really clear window into social and interpersonal skills, leadership, and where some students need extra support.”

Ward says the aim is to leave every student with more than just memories.

"We want every student to have the opportunity to try something new, step outside their comfort zone and discover what they're capable of," Ward says. "Our programs are designed to strike the right balance between adventure, personal growth and, of course, plenty of fun." 

Keeping watch while teachers recharge

Ward says one of the company's biggest points of difference is its dedicated overnight supervision.

"Our night supervisors patrol the camps throughout the night, helping teachers get a proper night's sleep so they're ready to enjoy the next day's adventures," he says. "We believe this is such an important value-add to the camp experience."

Ward says giving teachers that much-needed break allows them to be more present and engaged with their students throughout the day.

"Rather than simply supervising, they have the opportunity to share in the adventure, celebrate achievements and build genuine connections with their students in ways they rarely get to in the classroom," he says. "This is something we currently offer across our NSW camps, with plans to introduce the same service at our Queensland and Victorian camps."

But what also makes The Great Aussie Bush Camp different is how much its staff look after the teachers.

"We know how much work goes into organising a school camp and how exhausting those few days can be," he says. "That's why we've put just as much thought into the teacher experience as we have the students."

Across the company's NSW camps, teachers have access to dedicated cafés where they can enjoy a quiet coffee, snacks or even an ice cream between activities, Ward notes.

"We also offer special teachers' menus and separate dining areas where staff can relax and catch up with colleagues while their students are looked after by our instructors," he says. "Our instructors also stay with their allocated group throughout the camp experience."

Ward says this allows them to build genuine relationships with students, understand their individual strengths and challenges, and encourage them to get the most out of every activity. 

"With the activities and day-to-day running of camp taken care of, teachers have the opportunity to enjoy the experience alongside their students," he says.

"Ultimately, we want students to leave camp with incredible memories, greater confidence and a real sense of achievement. And we want teachers to return to school with stronger relationships with their students and a whole new appreciation for what they can achieve together."

Life after the bus ride home

Few experiences bring students out of their shells like a few days at school camp. But for Principals, the bigger question is whether those gains in confidence, friendships and wellbeing last once the bus pulls back into the car park.

"There's a growing body of research showing the positive impact outdoor education can have on students' social and emotional wellbeing," Ward says, adding that adventure-based experiences provide opportunities to develop important life skills, particularly self-confidence, resilience, communication, teamwork and problem-solving. "We see this firsthand at Bush Camp, and it's something we regularly hear about in feedback from students and teachers."

One of the most rewarding things is hearing about new friendships that have formed at camp and continued back in the classroom, says Ward.

"Our programs place a huge emphasis on teamwork, encouraging students to connect with classmates they might not normally interact with, support one another through challenges and celebrate their achievements together." 

One of the largest studies of its kind points to the same lasting effect.

The UK's Learning Away initiative (a study over 5 years on residential camps) found that 84% of secondary students reported getting along better with their classmates, while 87% felt more confident trying new things following their residential experience. 

But it's not just the students who benefit, says Ward.

"Camp gives teachers the opportunity to see a completely different side of their students, discovering hidden strengths, emerging leaders and abilities that might never have surfaced in the classroom," he says. "Those shared experiences help build stronger relationships and give teachers something meaningful to build on back at school." 

Ward says the true impact of camp often isn’t felt until students return home.

"Of course, a few days at camp won't magically change every student. But it can create those breakthrough moments that build confidence, strengthen friendships and encourage personal growth," he says. "We often talk about the memories students take home from Bush Camp, but we believe the real value is in how they carry those experiences into everyday life, both at school and beyond."

Growing bigger without growing apart

From humble beginnings at Tea Gardens, The Great Aussie Bush Camp now operates seven camps across NSW, Queensland and Victoria. So how does a growing business hold on to the hands-on approach that set it apart in the first place?

Ward says growth has never been about simply adding more camps. 

"Bush Camp started as a family-run business, and maintaining that personal, family feel has always been incredibly important to us," he says. "It's about bringing the experience we've spent more than 30 years building to more schools and students across the country, while continuing to grow, innovate and improve what we offer without losing the Bush Camp touch that makes us who we are." 

Maintaining that personal, hands-on feel comes down to building relationships, Ward explains.

"Every school has dedicated instructors who stay with their group throughout camp, getting to know the students and teachers and building genuine connections along the way," he says. "Our Centre Managers are also actively involved, regularly checking in with schools to make sure everyone is well looked after and has everything they need."

Ward says it's this personal approach that has always been at the heart of Bush Camp, and something the company is committed to maintaining as it grows. 

"One of the things we're most proud of is the culture we've built," he says. "Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and no matter how big we grow, we never want to lose that personal, hands-on approach."

Ward says the relationships the company builds with schools will always come first.

"We want schools to feel like they're dealing with people who genuinely care about their students, rather than just another booking," he says. "As we grow, we don't want every Bush Camp to look and feel exactly the same."

Ward says each of the company's camps has its own personality, activities and unique environment.

"That's something we want to celebrate," he says. "What brings them together is the same commitment to safety, service and adventure, along with that personal Bush Camp family feel that schools have come to know and love."

Looking ahead, Ward says the company's focus is on investing in its existing camps, developing new activities and facilities, and continuing to create even better experiences for students and teachers.

"We're certainly excited about what the future holds, but one thing won't change: our commitment to delivering the kind of school camp experience that students remember for years to come."