Primary school camps can be the first camp experience for some students. At Mountain Trails we understand the importance of ensuring students have an enjoyable first experience on camp, setting them up for positive future experiences in the outdoors. Our primary school programs suit a variety of different year groups and offer age-appropriate activities designed to challenge students, build self-confidence, and foster basic leadership skills.
All our activities at Mountain Trails are run by qualified and experienced staff, meaning that teachers can relax and enjoy the experience with their students. Night activities can also be provided by Mountain Trails on request. We offer two suggested programs, a team building program, and an adventure program. We are also flexible in working with the needs of schools to provide them with their own tailored program.
Each program is carefully constructed in consultation with schools, with each of our activities providing outcomes in line with the Australian Curriculum. As Mountain Trails is a Christian organisation, we also provide opportunities for faith-based schools to work faith-based sessions into their program. This can either be led by teachers, or Mountain Trails staff.
Suggested program – team building
Activities featured in this program are great for team building, this is a suggested program only and schools are welcome to consult with Mountain Trails to develop a program suited to their needs.
Suggested program – adventure
Activities featured in this program are great for older primary groups looking for a bit more adventure. This is a suggested program only and schools are welcome to consult with Mountain Trails to develop a program suited to their needs.
Key outcomes of school camps at Mountain Trails
Personal and social skills
Students:
- learn to recognise their emotions and identify personal strengths and weaknesses.
- become confident in their abilities and resilient and adaptable to challenges.
- practice working collaboratively and develop leadership skills.
Creative and critical thinking
Students:
- seek to find solutions to problems and put their ideas into action.
- reflect on the outcome and the choices and actions taken.
Ethical understanding
Students:
- develop an understanding of ethical concepts and learn to:
- make ethical decisions and consider consequences
- explore other peoples point of view and rights and responsibilities.
(Adapted from the general capabilities in the Australian Curriculum)
FAQ
What is included in the cost of a school camp?
All meals, accommodation and activities are included in the cost of camp as well as the use of any activity related equipment and bed linen for teachers (BYO pillow).
The cost varies depending on activities selected and the length of stay. Qualified instructors run all Mountain Trails activities and for an additional cost can run night activities as well.
Coach or bus transport is not included and needs to be organised by the school. Please contact us if you need assistance arranging this.
Included in the cost for activities such as caving, abseiling and high/low ropes, which are located off-site, is transport to and from activities with our own buses depending on the size of the group.
What is the food like?
Our main campsite is equipped with a commercial kitchen, our catering team will look after all your food related needs. We provide filling and nutritious meals and pride ourselves in cooking good quality camp food. We also cater to dietary requirements and are a nut free campsite.
How do I book?
To book please fill out our booking inquiry form, alternatively you can contact us on (02) 6227 9266, and one of our friendly staff will be happy to assist and answer any questions. Upon finalising your booking dates, we will send you a booking form with further details and our booking terms, a 10% deposit is required to confirm the booking.
Where are you located?
Mountain Trails is located in Wee Jasper on the northern end of the Brindabella Ranges, about a 1 hour and 15-minute drive from Canberra and about a 45-minute drive from Yass. We are 9km down Doctors Flat Road, which is accessed by turning off Wee Jasper Road, this is the only way in. Please note that Doctors Flat Road is a gravel road, however, it is easily accessible by a 2wd standard road car as well as coaches. It is also important to note that there is limited mobile phone reception.
What does the accommodation look like?
Accommodation looks different depending on the site. Our main campsite is quite rustic, however, comfortable enough for a school camp. It features cabins for students and twin rooms for teachers. Students share a communal toilet/shower block whilst teachers have two ensuite bathrooms shared among four twin rooms. The main campsite also features our woolshed games room, and dining hall. Other options that are used in journey-based programs include our tin hut and broken dam campsites, which are basic wooden huts. The tin huts also have a basic kitchen area and toilet facilities, and the broken dam site has toilets and is walking distance to the main campsite. More information on our facilities.
Can we choose our own program?
Yes, you can certainly design your own program in consultation with our team. You can choose from our wide range of Mountain Trails activities found here, or even just utilise our facilities and run your own teacher led program should you wish.
Where can I find risk assessments for activities?
Our activity risk assessments can be made available upon booking. If you wish to view our activity risk assessments prior to booking, please contact us. This also applies to our insurance certificate of currency.