Expeditions and ‘The Great Return’

The residential program includes two three-day expeditions and one five-day expedition.

Expeditions and ‘The Great Return’

Outdoor Education is an important component of our residential experience at Vision Valley. In addition to providing noteworthy standalone experiences, the Outdoor Education program also fits into the overarching K-12 Outdoor Education Continuum currently being implemented across the College. Key focus areas of the continuum include personal growth, connection to peers, life skills, leadership, rites of passage and environmental stewardship.

For each of the three planned expeditions during the course of the Year 9 program, students will be split into small groups that will camp, cook, travel and complete activities together.

Prior to their departure from Vision Valley, students will play a meaningful role in expedition preparation. This may include preparing food and equipment, organising and booking transport and campsites, and completing route planning.

EXPEDITION 1: COASTAL EXPLORATION

Pymble students only

Utilising a base-camp-style program, girls will have the chance to explore a beautiful coastal setting and participate in activities such as snorkelling, surfing and Stand Up Paddleboarding.

EXPEDITION 2: CHOICE OF MOUNTAIN OR LAKES DESTINATION

Pymble and Riverview students in mixed groups

Girls will choose one of two expeditions with Riverview students. One program will take students into the amazing Blue Mountains, while the other will take place in either the stunning Bouddi National Park or Myall Lakes National Park.

This expedition-style program requires students to move campsites each day and carry their belongings in a self-sufficient manner.

EXPEDITION 3: ‘THE GREAT RETURN’

Pymble and Riverview students in mixed groups

In this ambitious adventure, mixed small groups of Pymble and Riverview students will navigate their way from Vision Valley back to our Pymble campus, primarily using their own steam. Utilising bikes, boats, feet, ferries, trains and buses, groups of students will traverse the Lower Hawkesbury region as they make their way home. Groups will travel different routes and camp in different locations, ensuring each group has a completely unique ‘Great Return’ experience. Students will need to employ all the skills they have gained during their time at Vision Valley to complete this momentous challenge.

Mr Nick Wilkesmann HEAD OF OUTDOOR EDUCATION