Published on: 31 October 2014




The School’s Outdoor Education program at Kooringal concluded for the year last week with the final Year 6 Camps. Four classes enjoyed the spring weather with the Jarrah forest in flower during Weeks 1 and 2.

The four-day camp began with a visit to Dwellingup Forest Heritage Centre where boys participated in a Living with Fire workshop, presented by the Near to Nature program. During the workshop, the boys learnt about the impact of bushfires on native plants and animals and were also introduced to methods of bushfire prevention, mitigation and the importance of being prepared for a bushfire.

Once at Kooringal, the boys immersed themselves in a range of activities including camp cooking, rafting, hiking, nature studies (including forest investigation and water way monitoring) and an overnight camp out. On the final night, the boys had a special visit from an Indigenous educator who offered Indigenous perspectives and bushcraft skills.

Assistant Director of Kooringal Mark Cucciniello said nature play was at the heart of the experience with boys given an opportunity to explore and interact with each other and the natural world in a safe way. “The boys showed a great depth of understanding towards the natural environment and their place within it and further developed their understanding of the way we impact our world,” Mr Cucciniello said.

“As a cohort, the boys were exceptional in their behaviour and the way they took on the challenges of camp. We look forward to having them back at Kooringal next year as Year 7s.”

The Year 10 Venture, the pinnacle of Christ Church’s Outdoor Education journey, departs in Week 6. Venture is an 11-day expedition, which places 14 groups on walk routes through the bushland and coastal setting of Walpole-Nornalup National Park.