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Adventure is calling

Give your child an unforgettable adventure

Give your child a chance to try new things. A journey to wild landscapes they’d never normally see. Time to disconnect from technology and connect with friends.

Our adventures are designed to break away from the everyday, experience awe and wonder and build self-discovery. It’s about real moments of growth—wrapped up in some seriously good fun.

Why Outward Bound?

Authentic Adventures

Where adventure meets genuine connection.
Explore the wild, embrace new challenges, and rediscover yourself while building a deeper bond with nature and those around you.

A true escape

A new environment offers a break from school pressures and common adolescent stressors.
Time outdoors reduces stress and anxiety, helping students reset, recharge, and return to school with better focus and a positive mindset.

Caring, expert hands

Our crew are warm, passionate highly skilled and impeccably trained.
They cultivate a supportive, relatable environment where students feel safe and inspired to take charge of their journey—helping them grow, gain confidence, and realise they’re capable of more than they ever imagined.

And we receive rave reviews!

Living their best life

Authentic wilderness

A new environment provides a break from school pressures and common adolescent stressors. Strong new friendships, created through shared challenges, also broaden their support network.

Digital Detox

Time away from screens helps students reconnect- with themselves and each other. By being fully present and sharing meaningful experiences with peers, they build stronger unity, empathy, respect, and a sense of community within their group.

Personal Reflection

Immersion in nature allows students the space for reflection, exploring their identity, gaining perspective, and making thoughtful decisions away from daily distractions.

After I book my child onto an adventure, what happens next?

We’ll be straight in touch to help with all your pre-trip planning. In the meantime, check out our FAQs or find more details on the School Holiday Adventure and Duke of Ed pages. If your child is going on their school camp, your school’s camp coordinator will be in touch with all the details.

If your child is on a school camp, contact your school coordinator through your usual channels.

For School Holiday Adventures or Duke of Ed programs

For pre-program information, a client manager will be in contact and will send the program information pack to your email. During program, the Program Coordinator is accessible for immediate concerns or home emergencies. You can always call the Outward Bound phone line to get in touch.

Our programs involve physical activity every day, so will likely introduce new challenges that will stretch your child’s physical capabilities in fun, unexpected ways. These may involve movements they’re not accustomed to, but that’s part of the adventure! Our experienced Group Leaders guide them through every step in a safe, encouraging environment where the focus is on trying, not on the outcome.

For journey-based programs, participants walk with their overnight equipment in their hiking bag. They should be confident to walk a minimum of 10km daily on uneven ground, while carrying around 12kg in an expedition-style backpack.

We ask that all participants follow our Participant Expectations– please take a look and chat through them with your child before their Outward Bound program.

Where will I sleep?
Participants sleep in tents or tarps, shared with 2-3 others. You’ll carry and set up your own tent or tarp at each campsite—with clear instructions from Group Leaders.

What gear do I need for sleeping?
You’ll need to bring:

  • A sleeping bag (suitable for cold weather)

  • Outward Bound provides Tent / Tarp
  • Outward Bound provides sleeping mat (you are welcome to bring one however!)

Will it be warm enough at night?
We camp in outdoor environments, so temperatures can drop—especially in alpine or winter conditions. A good-quality, season-appropriate sleeping bag is essential. Group Leaders will also give tips for staying warm at night.

What if I’ve never camped before?
That’s okay! Many participants are new to camping. Our leaders will show you how to set up your tent, stay dry and warm, and have a comfortable sleep outdoors.

What kind of food is provided on the program?
Please see the Expedition Menu Information

How does meal time work on program? 

Participants work together to prepare and cook meals using woks or outdoor camp stoves, under the guidance of their Group Leaders. It’s a great opportunity to learn outdoor cooking skills!

Will there be food drops on program? 
Food drops depend on the duration/nature of your program.

What about dietary requirements? 
Any dietaries will be accommodated if disclosed on your Medical Form. We regularly cater to Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Vegan, Vegetarian and Halal. Don’t worry, if you have complicated or specific dietary needs, we can develop a plan with you, just chat with your Client Manager. 

What about anaphylaxis and allergies?
We are a nut-aware program:

  • No nuts are brought on programs, though trace ingredients may still be present.

  • All Group Leaders are trained in anaphylaxis response and carry an EpiPen.

  • If you have any allergies or medical conditions, please inform your client manager well in advance.

I’m a picky eater and don’t like the meals provided—what do I do?
No worries! Please contact your Client Manager as soon as possible. They’ll arrange a meeting to discuss your needs and make sure you’re looked after.

Will there be a toilet?
Toilet facilities vary depending on your program. You may encounter:

  • Flushing toilets at established campsites

  • Drop toilets in more remote areas

  • 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.

Privacy 
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.

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.

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.

Our next adventures are...