The BDC outdoor education program varies significantly from the standard recreational camps as it provides students with sequential programs that develop new skills at a level suitable to their abilities. The skills, experiences and relationships developed during these opportunities provide students with the confidence to face future challenges both during and beyond school. 

Outdoor education is led by our college's Outdoor Education Coordinator and assisted by staff and qualified instructors from some of Australia’s premier outdoor education providers.  Annual camps are compulsory components of the Bishop Druitt College experience.

Our Outdoor Education experiences aim to support student growth through:

• Helping our students to learn more about themselves
• Supporting and role modelling positive ways to interact with others
• Providing an opportunity to explore nature
• Building leadership and mentoring opportunities and skills
• Building an adventurous spirit

Research shows that one week of camping without electronics resets our biological body clock and synchronises our melatonin hormones with sunrise and sunset.

Philosophy

The philosophy of Outdoor Education at Bishop Druitt College is grounded in meaningful learning that extends beyond the classroom and into the natural world. The college values outdoor education as a powerful tool for fostering personal growth, resilience, leadership, self identity and environmental stewardship. Through carefully structured programs, students are challenged physically, emotionally, and socially, encouraging them to develop confidence, independence, and teamwork. 

Outdoor Education at Bishop Druitt College is not just about adventure; it is about shaping students to be prepared for life’s challenges, connected to their peers, and ‘World Prepared’.

Outdoor Education at Bishop Druitt College have intentional themes which shape the program design, activities and language.

Year 3- Independence, Challenge and Change

Year 5- Exploration, Grit and Adversity 

Year 7- Challenge and Change

Year 9- Make a Change in my World

Year 11- Leadership and Legacy

Outdoor Education, contributes significantly to the holistic education offered at Bishop Druitt College, shaping well-rounded, capable young individuals.

Outdoor Education and the Curriculum 

School camps play an important and structured role in supporting the NSW Curriculum by providing experiential learning opportunities that reinforce outcomes across multiple Key Learning Areas. Camps and programs complement classroom learning by enabling students to apply knowledge in real-world settings, develop personal and social skills, and engage with the environment and community in ways that aren't always possible at school.

Some examples include:

• Decision making and problem solving
• Movement and skill development
• Understanding people and society
• Earth and Environment

Rites of Passage

Rites of Passage refers to a structured, intentional process that marks and supports a person's transition from one life stage to another, most commonly from childhood to adolescence, and adolescence to adulthood. These transitions are universal across cultures and history, though they may take different forms.

At Bishop Druitt College, the Rites of Passage framework is integrated into the Outdoor Education program to guide students through key developmental milestones during their schooling years. This process recognises that as students grow, they benefit from experiences that symbolically and practically acknowledge their maturity, increased responsibility, and evolving identity.

Key elements of a Rites of Passage experience at the college include:

Separation – stepping away from everyday routines and environments (e.g. going on camp).

Transition – guided time to reflect on personal values, strengths, and direction, often involving challenges supported by teachers or peers.

Integration – celebrating growth, achievement, and readiness for the next stage in life.

Year of Camps

Outdoor Education Camps at Bishop Druitt College play a vital role in the personal and social development of students during the key school years of 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11. These camps are thoughtfully designed with a Rites of Passage framework and themed  to provide age-appropriate challenges that build resilience, teamwork, independence, and leadership skills. Years 1 and 2 embark on Adventure Days designed to be fun day held between school hours. 

Duke of Edinburgh

Bishop Druitt College is excited to facilitate the Duke of Edinburgh program for students 14yrs+. The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award (often called the Duke of Edinburgh Program or simply DofE) is a global youth development program designed to encourage personal growth, leadership, and community engagement in young people.

The Award is comprised of three levels, (Bronze, Silver and Gold). To complete each level, participants must set goals and complete activities in the following four (Bronze/Silver) or five (Gold) areas:

1. Voluntary Service – Helping people or community.
2. Physical Recreation – Improving fitness or participating in sport.
3. Skills – Developing practical or social skills (e.g., music, cooking, coding).
4. Adventurous Journey – Planning and completing a self-sufficient expedition in nature (e.g., hiking, kayaking).
5. Gold only: Residential Project – A shared activity or course away from home for 5 days and 4 nights with people you don’t know.

The goal of the DofE program is to challenge young people to develop resilience, confidence, leadership, and a sense of service, all through self-directed personal goals.

Completing the program is highly regarded by:

• Universities
• Employers
• Volunteer and leadership organisations

It’s considered a mark of initiative, perseverance, and personal development.

Snow Sports 

The annual Snow Sports Program to NSW ski fields offers students a unique opportunity to engage in physical activity, develop skiing and snowboarding skills, and experience the natural environment of the Snowy Mountains. This amazing program supports the students physical fitness, resilience, teamwork, and safety awareness in a challenging outdoor setting. Students participate in professionally guided lessons tailored to all skill levels, developing confidence and personal growth.

The program also encourages social development through shared experiences, making it an enriching extension of classroom learning in a dynamic and inspiring winter landscape.

Mountain Biking

The BDC MTB Program was created to promote skill development in mountain biking, outdoor engagement, and a sense of community amongst participants. Mountain biking offers a unique blend of exercise and adventure, contributing to overall wellbeing. The program seeks to develop confidence in riding ability and connect interested students with the local mountain biking community so that the sport can be enjoyed beyond the school gates.