School Outdoor Education
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 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 5 and older).
BSA School Outdoor Education Courses
| Primary School | Middle School & High School |
|---|---|
| 2 Day Junior Bushcraft Survival Course (Years 5 & 6) | Fundamental Module 1 Bushcraft Survival Course (3-Days) |
| Workshops / Talks | Fundamental Module 2 Bushcraft Survival Course (4 Days) |
| 7 Day Fundamental (Modules 1 & 2) Bushcraft Survival Course | |
| Intermediate Module 3 Bushcraft Survival Course (4 Days) | |
| 2 Day Junior Bushcraft Survival Course | |
| Workshops / Talks |
Our courses cover things such as:
- Survival priorities and survival psychology
- Essential equipment and how to use it
- How to construct man made emergency shelters and natural shelters
- How to find water and make it safe to drink
- How to find food and make it safe to eat
- Modern and traditional fire lighting methods
- Safe and responsible fire management from start to finish
- How to stay seen and signal for help
- Campcraft
- Man made and natural cordage
- Useful and retainable knots and hitches
- Natural navigation using solar and celestial means
- Safe use of cutting tools
- Edible and useful plants
- Traditional cooking methods
- How to live hygienically in the bush
- How to look after the environment and leave no trace
To see mapping of some of the Year 7-9 school curriculum outcomes and competencies against our Bushcraft Survival subjects, please click here:
Catering and Food
All meals are provided on our fundamental and intermediate courses. Students are given opportunities to prepare and cook over a campfire using modern and traditional methods. They learn how to prepare simple meals, use a camp oven, bake bread and cook in the coals.
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.
Toilets and Bush Hygiene
Our courses are conducted in an expedition style field camp with either (depending on venue) limited or no public amenities. A screened trench latrine in a secluded private spot, along with strict camp hygiene measures will give a natural wilderness expedition feel to the students overall experience as well as teaching them essential outdoor toilet etiquette and how to leave no trace. Students are taught how to wash with limited water and stay clean in the bush. Our measures are low-impact and environmentally friendly.
Instructors
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.
Pricing
Please click on the “Expression of Interest” to provide a few details about what you would like Bushcraft Survival Australia to provide for you. We will then contact you to discuss pricing options and a package to suit your school’s specific needs.
What Others say:
The 3 Day Basic Bushcraft Survival Course was certainly challenging yet very rewarding for our students. Gordon’s high-level of expertise, knowledge and passion for his craft was very evident in all aspects of the three day experience. Our students enjoyed developing personal and practical skills necessary to cope in an emergency survival situation. Not only was there bushcraft survival skills learnt, there was also a subtle focus on personal leadership skills across the three days including organisation, patience, team-work and perseverance.
Amanda Holt, Year 9 Coordinator Darwin Middle School
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- Natural navigation without map or compass
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- Learning how to erect an emergency shelter using a garbage bag
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- Learning how to use a sparking tool and tinder to make fire
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- Improvised tongs to remove boiled water from the fire
