School Outdoor Education
Bushcraft Survival course
Our courses are conducted entirely outdoors from an expedition style base camp in natural surroundings
Fun and challenging experience
Held outdoors in an expedition type field camp, Bushcraft Survival Australia offers fun, challenging and educational experiences for students to develop problem-solving, teamwork, self-discipline and leadership skills as well as developing their confidence and self-reliance.
Students will learn valuable life skills such as the priorities of survival, how to construct shelters and make fire, acquiring water and food and making them safe for consumption, natural navigation, rescue signalling, bush hygiene, campcraft and traditional cooking methods. Students implement knowledge from the sciences, health, physical education, design and technology.
The aim of our programs are to:
- Create unique learning opportunities in distinctive and challenging environments
- Encourage intellectual, physical and social development
- Help students gain an insight into traditional skills and culture
- Provide opportunities to learn life skills, responsibilities, self-discipline and self esteem while becoming self reliant
- Re-connect students to the natural world and our place within it, ultimately helping them to respect and look after it
Bushcraft is the practical knowledge of the natural world we carry with us in our minds and muscles. Much more than just survival, Bushcraft is a treasure trove of wisdom that enables us to feel a real kinship with the landscape and gain an insight into traditional cultures.
Bushcraft Survival Australia Outdoor Education programs are based on our Junior, Fundamental and Intermediate Courses, with the flexibility to customise and tailor content to suit your school outcomes and curriculum needs. Programs can run either as standalone courses or as part of a larger program.
Programs run between April and November (after bushfire season) and range from short workshops (suitable for all ages) to multi-day courses (Year 6 and older).
BSA School Outdoor Education Courses
Our Junior Bushcraft Survival Course is based on our 3 Day Fundamental Module 1 Bushcraft Survival Course. It covers the key components of the 3 Day Fundamental Module 1 course, and can be delivered in a 2-Day or 3-Day format. The course delivery is tailored for each school or private group based on the length of the course chosen, as well as the age, prior experience and demonstrated engagement and ability of the students.
Key components covered in all Junior Bushcraft Survival Courses:
- Survival priorities (what to do in what order)
- Essential equipment and clothing
- Safe use of cutting tools
- Simple knots
- How to set up a shelter
- Fire lighting using modern methods
- Responsible fire management
- How to collect water and make it safe to drink
- Useful plants of the local area
- How to be seen and signal for help
- Finding your way in the bush (natural navigation)
- Simple campcraft
- Camp cooking
- Camp hygiene
- Environmental stewardship
NOTES:
Compared to the 2-Day course, the 3-Day course includes more in-depth information, and provides the opportunity for students to learn a wider variety of skills.
The minimum age for Primary School students is Year 5.
We recommend that High School students (Year 7 and above) complete the 3-Day Course.
We also offer tailored Workshops/Talks either at our venue or or your venue.
The invaluable life skills students will learn on a Bushcraft Survival Australia course will help to instil self-confidence and help them to become more self-reliant
Key components covered in all Junior Bushcraft Survival Courses:
- Survival priorities (what to do in what order)
- Essential equipment and clothing
- Safe use of cutting tools
- Simple knots
- How to set up a shelter
- Fire lighting using modern methods
- Responsible fire management
- How to collect water and make it safe to drink
- Useful plants of the local area
- How to be seen and signal for help
- Finding your way in the bush (natural navigation)
- Simple campcraft
- Camp cooking
- Camp hygiene
- Environmental stewardship
NOTES:
Compared to the 2-Day course, the 3-Day course includes more in-depth information, and provides the opportunity for students to learn a wider variety of skills.
Accommodation
Our programs are held outdoors in an expedition type field camp and students will either be sleeping in the selected camping equipment they will be instructed to bring themselves (see course clothing and equipment list) or in the emergency and natural shelters which they will build themselves.
Amenities
A screened trench latrine and gravity fed canvas bush shower in a secluded private spot, along with strict camp hygiene measures will give a natural wilderness expedition feel to your experience as well as teaching you essential outdoor toilet etiquette and how to leave no trace. You will be taught how to wash with limited water and stay clean in the bush. Our measures are low-impact and environmentally friendly.
Food
All meals will be provided on the course, with the opportunity for students to learn and practice some outback bush cooking. Hot chocolate, biscuits and fresh water, as well as a fruit bowl will also be provided at the base camp.
Take a look at the School Equipment and Clothing list for detailed information on what you need to bring for the course.
For more information on recommended equipment and brands, please refer to our Fundamental Module 1 Kit List.
Lead by highly skilled, trained and experienced instructors, the teaching styles and methods available for presentation will keep your students engaged, enthusiastic and will be remembered for years to come.
Please complete the “2025 Expression of Interest” form to provide a few details about what you would like Bushcraft Survival Australia to provide for you, and select available dates.
We will then contact you to discuss pricing options and a package to suit your school’s specific needs.
