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St Leonard’s College students in Years 2 to 10 participate in overnight year level experiences that encourage group bonding and individual growth.”
We believe in educating the whole person, and our overnight camps play a pivotal role in providing transformative experiences for our students; they are a cornerstone of our holistic approach.
Students participate in a sequential and integrated program that offers a unique blend of adventure, personal development, and environmental education. Students are immersed in a series of carefully curated outdoor and environmental activities that go beyond the traditional classroom setting.
Year 2
Students embark on a magical overnight adventure as they delight in an on-campus sleepover. Nestled in the heart of the Junior School Marjorie Menzies Hall, they camp in tents and engage in camaraderie through games, dance, and the excitement of selecting a movie before bedtime. This immersive experience not only cultivates social connections but also nurtures the budding sense of independence in our young learners.
Year 3
For our Year 3 students, the journey extends to the picturesque Anglesea for a thrilling 3-day camp. Amidst the natural beauty, they dive into a spectrum of outdoor activities, including canoeing, archery, climbing, and the exhilarating flying fox. Accommodated in cosy cabins, this experience goes beyond adventure, emphasising teamwork and fostering resilience. As they navigate challenges together, students not only learn to work as a cohesive unit but also build the inner strength needed to overcome obstacles.
Years 4 to 8
Students in Years 4 to 10 visit our very own outdoor haven, Camp Ibis. Nestled on the scenic Banksia Peninsula, near Paynesville on the Gippsland Lakes, it serves as the backdrop for their enriching experiences. With its breathtaking waterfront location, the camp provides an ideal setting for students to enjoy the beauty of nature whilst engaging in a variety of activities, including sailing, canoeing, mountain biking, orienteering, and initiative challenges. This unique experience fosters the development of essential interpersonal and technical skills, empowering students to navigate challenges and appreciate the importance of personal and environmental sustainability. They create lasting friendships, memories and skills that will serve them throughout their lives.
Year 9
Year 9 students participate in another level of independence by travelling by foot or boat or a combination of the two, through the Ottways State Park. Students carry their own food and tents, whilst navigating their way on the water or the paths to a secluded and serene campsite each night. Students learn self-sufficiency and life skills with navigation, cooking and survival skills developed under the watchful eye of staff with extensive pastoral care and outdoor education experience.
Year 10
Students in Year 10 participate in an extended six day hike through the Victorian Alps. Whilst planning their meals and their journey, students are challenged to push past their perceived capabilities and receive stunning rewards with spectacular vistas, sunsets and even possibly a sunrise! Students travel in groups of 8 to 10 with experienced guides and travel through glorious scenery whilst forging friendships and solidifying their survival skills. This is often seen as one of the most rewarding and challenging experiences for students in the core OED program.
