Junior Adventure
Get outdoors these school holidays on a 5-day adventure made just for 12–15 year olds! Team up with other teens from around Australia and take on epic challenges the Outward Bound way. You’ll hike and camp overnight, climb, abseil, and tackle high ropes – all in the great outdoors. It’s your chance to push your limits, discover what you’re really capable of, and pick up real-life skills you’ll use long after the adventure ends.
Scroll down for full itinerary details.
The details
This is a generic route and is subject to change
Itinerary for Junior Adventure
Are you considering Junior Adventure for your Duke of Ed Bronze Adventurous Journey?
Junior Adventure is a suitable choice for those who are doing the Duke of Ed Bronze Award, have no experience in overnight hiking and camping, and do not have all their own hiking and camping equipment.
If you have some previous experience in overnight hiking and camping and have, or have access to, all your own clothing, equipment and food, you may be interested in the 2-day Bronze Qualifying Adventurous Journey.
Day 1
Arrive at Outward Bound Australia’s National Campus in Tharwa for a 10.30am start. Meet your group and your Group Leaders, who you will be with for the duration of your program. We will issue your equipment and check you have everything you need for the week before getting straight into games and activities.
In the afternoon you will arrive at your first campsite, learn how to set up your bivvy and cook your first group dinner meal.
Day 2
Wake up, fill up on a hearty brekky of Weetbix, then pack down your campsite. Put everything away in your hiking pack and get set for your first full day in the bush. An abseil is the first activity to get your heart rate up and lean on your new friends to support you through the descent.
After lunch, progress to your new campsite. Throughout the day, you will learn a new bushcraft skill, which may include fire-building, damper making, natural shelter construction, or works of natural art.
Day 3
Today is the start of your expedition and overnight hike! You will begin with some introductory lessons and skill-building to read topographic maps and use a compass. Once the group has the fundamental skills down, you will head into Namadgi National Park to start your hiking adventure.
Heading out on expedition is an exciting opportunity to truly build your own adventure. With your Group Leaders, discuss and decide on the best route to reach your next campsite. Will you meander around every hill, or will you tackle a more direct route going up and down the summits? The group will practice leadership, decision making and communication skills to work together to decide on their chosen route into camp.
Day 4
In the morning, continue your hike through classic Aussie eucalypt forests and bushland. You will head through valleys filled to the brim with kangaroos and wallabies. Have lunch during your journey, then return triumphant to Outward Bound’s National Base in time for an epic high ropes activity.
Under the endless stars, you will chill around the campfire to celebrate your successes this week. You will discuss your key learnings and personal discoveries and plan on some strategies you can adopt to continue these new strengths back at home.
Day 5
It’s the final day! Wake up, have breakfast, and pack down your campsite one final time. Today it is your time to give back, with an environmental service activity that will contribute to the ongoing restoration of the Murrumbidgee River ecosystem.
It’s time for your only shower during the week, and then a celebration BBQ lunch. Your family and friends are welcome to arrive at Tharwa Campus for 1.30pm to celebrate your Blue Peter Ceremony, where you will receive a certificate of completion and an Outward Bound Australia t-shirt. You’ll share your final debrief with your new-made besties and have big hugs as you wave goodbye to your OBA adventure! Everything is finished at 2pm, and it is time to return home.
Program Details and FAQs
Arrival Day 1: Please arrive at Tharwa Campus at 10:30am
Departure Final day: The program concludes at Tharwa Campus at 2:00pm.
A Certificate Ceremony will be held at 1:30pm, and families are warmly invited to attend.
Transport Options
If you are not self-driving, we offer the following transport services:
Pick-up (Day 1):
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9:30am – Jolimont Tourist Centre in Canberra (we will pick you up outside EzyMart)
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10:00am – Canberra Airport (downstairs arrival area pick up details here)
Drop-off (Final Day):
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2:30pm – Canberra Airport
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3:00pm – Jolimont (Canberra) Coach Station
To use these services, you must let us know on the Pre-Program Transport Form. You will be sent all pre-program forms 8 weeks prior to your program.
Here is your Junior Adventure Packing List
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?Â
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 stored 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.
Outward Bound Australia provides a supportive environment for your child to thrive, regardless of their prior experience on an adventure like this.
We are committed to inclusivity and diversity and we cater to people of different ages, genders, backgrounds, and abilities. However, our team are not trained disability support workers or trauma support workers. Programs are delivered in a group setting and we are unable to provide 1-on-1 ongoing support throughout the program for individual participants with complex additional needs. If your child is unable to self-manage basic tasks such as cooking, packing a bag, and following instructions, this program may not be appropriate for them at this time.
Participants need to:
- Be respectful: physical or verbally abusive behaviours will not be tolerated.
- Co-operate and partake in the fundamental elements of the program, without deliberately disrupting group activities.
- Self-manage living skills in an outdoor camping environment.
Participants may be removed from the program if they fail to meet these standards. For a more comprehensive understanding of our minimum behavioral expectations, see here.Â
Will there be a toilet?
Toilet facilities vary depending on your program. You may encounter:
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Flushing toilets at established campsites
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Drop toilets in more remote areas
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An expedition toilet bucket
During hikes, groups will use a variety of toilet systems depending on the location and route. Each option ensures a hygienic sanitary option while maintaining environmental responsibility in remote areas.
What if I need to go to the toilet during the day while hiking?
While on expedition between campsites, participants may dig a small personal hole with a provided trowel. Group Leaders will give instructions on where and how to do properly.
What if I get my period on program?
You are not alone! Many people have managed their periods in the field before you, and many will after you. It is a very common experience in the field so please rest assured that you are not alone in this experience.
Please read our guide to Menstrual Hygiene here. This is our thorough guide on managing your period on program.
PrivacyÂ
There will a designated private bathroom area at every campsite to change. Throughout the day, time and space can be made each 4 hours or as often as you need to change. A small garbage bag is used to then carry the waste in your backpack until the trash bin at camp.
Still Have Questions?
Head to our FAQs page if you still have questions. Or chat with us today!