Campus-based school programs
Fun on the surface, growth and development at its core!
Our Tharwa campus has all the good stuff for a one-of-a kind school camp—packed with adventures for thrill-seeker and plenty of options for those who prefer a quieter pace. With activities for all ages, we can co-design a program that delivers on your school’s learning outcomes, with flexible accommodation options to suit your needs.
Organising is a breeze
Collaborative planning
Tell us what you need, and we’ll draft a tailored program to suit and then refine it with your feedback.
We’ve engaged with hundreds of schools to craft age-appropriate camps that align with their goals and students’ abilities.
Streamlined process
Once your program is sorted and booked, your dedicated client manager steps in to provide full administrative support and guide your team seamlessly through all the pre-trip prep.
From parent comms to in-person presentations, we have it covered.
Peace Of Mind
Our insurance, safety, and risk assessments have been honed over 70 years of experience, simplifying the paperwork process for your school team.
Tharwa Campus
An easy 30 minute drive from Canberra, our Tharwa campus is surrounded by nature, full of rustic charm and complete with modern amenities. It’s also the perfect base for a camp that includes a day-trip to Canberra!
FACILITIES
- Commercial kitchen with catering
- Accommodation for 140 people
- Wood fired pizza oven
- Dining hall
- Hot showers
- Open shed & undercover areas for activities
- Large fields and areas for sports, initiatives and games
- High Ropes Activity Centre
- Fire pits
- Conferencing halls perfect for a movie night!
Tharwa Activities
Depending on your learning outcomes, we can help suggest the activities we think will suit your students best!
Links to Curriculum
Outward Bound programs align neatly with the core aspects of the Australian Education Curriculum, with a strong emphasis on the General Capabilities and Cross-Curricular Priorities, including Personal & Social Capabilities, Critical and Creative Thinking and Sustainable Patterns of Living. Other parts of the Australian Curriculum, particularly related to the Learning Areas of Geography, Science, Health and Physical Education can also be taught on our programs. Ask us for more information on how we can incorporate these learning aspects into your program design.
Need a little more info?
Our immersive, hands-on experiences build real-life skills like teamwork, leadership, problem-solving, and conflict resolution. Called Experiential Learning – or learning by doing – it helps to foster emotional and mental resilience for youths to navigate academic pressures and personal challenges in a healthy way.
Catering includes Breakfast, Morning and Afternoon tea, Lunch and Dinner. Meals are generously portioned to suit full activity days on campus and we cater to a range of dietary needs.
Once you’ve booked your school camp, your OBA Client Manager will reach out to gather any dietary requirements for your school group and whip up a personalised catering plan.
Head over to our Accommodation page to explore all the options for staying at the Tharwa Campus.
Whether you are camping or staying in our cozy cabins, hot showers and flushing toilets are available at Tharwa Campus.
Got specific needs, group size, or a budget in mind? Let’s chat—we’ll help craft the perfect plan just for you!
No two programs are designed the same, allowing you to have variety and excitement week in, week out. We tailor each individual program to the needs of the specific school.
See our Example Packing List.
Please note, you will be sent a program-specific packing list. Be sure to read it carefully as specific items are required depending on what activities your program is doing.
Should I wear hiking boots?
Hiking boots are recommended. Otherwise, try to find lace-up, fully enclosed shoes with rigid soles and good ankle support.
What about wet weather clothing?
Rain jackets are essential for warmth (especially against the wind) and rain protection. Programs continue in most weather conditions, so these items are an essential safety item. Rain pants are recommended but optional.
Will thermals be needed?
Thermals are required for programs running from May to September. For other times, thermals are optional but recommended as a lightweight jumper or pyjamas. Check your specific packing list for further details.
Can I bring my phone?
We’re all for a digital detox – getting back to nature without the daily distraction of mobiles, gaming consoles or tablets. Please leave your devices at home, or our Group Leaders will keep them safe at our base.
How heavy will my bag be?
Your backpack weight and group equipment is specifically designed to stay below 25% of your body weight, so extra items you bring may not be allowed on program. Your legs will thank you for not packing that third jumper- trust us! Your bag should be one third for personal clothing and sleeping bag, one third for group equipment and one third for food and water.