Building Resilience
Outdoor Education in Years 2–4
Students begin their Outdoor Education journey through immersive, hands-on experiences that nurture curiosity, confidence and a love for the natural world. Each stage of the program is designed to gently increase students’ comfort in nature, introduce essential outdoor skills and foster new friendships through collaborative play and adventure.
Year 2: First Steps Into the Outdoors
Students are introduced to the magic of Outdoor Education right here on our Del Monte campus. With guidance from Tallong Campus staff and support from Year 10 Outdoor Education Leaders, children engage in fun, low-pressure activities that spark imagination and build foundational skills.
Key Activities:
- Nature play and cooperative group games
- Introduction to basic map reading and camping equipment
- Team-building activities like scavenger hunts and low ropes
- Optional overnight stay at school.
This first experience helps students build confidence, make new friends and feel ready for future adventures at Tallong, our Outdoor Education Campus in regional NSW!
Year 3: the First Tallong Adventure
Students travel to our Tallong Campus for their first overnight stay, beginning a deeper connection to the outdoors and to each other. The program gently introduces adventure and exploration through new skills and challenges.
Key Activities:
- Bushwalking, mountain biking and shelter building
- Campcraft and introductory navigation skills
- Group challenges that develop resilience and teamwork
Students leave with lasting memories and a sense of accomplishment from their first overnight experience at their home away from home.
St Dominic the Adventurer Award
This is a unique optional program for girls and boys in Years 3 and 4. Over two years, the students work hard at school and in specialised locations to earn:
Badge of Skill: developing outdoor and survival skills
Badge of Prayer: deepening connection with nature
Badge of Service: contributing to the community, including a First Aid course
St Dominic the Adventurer Badge: the final milestone undertaken at Tallong – students tackle the High Ropes course, construct a catapult using their outdoor skills and build a fire. The experience concludes with a meaningful award ceremony, honouring each student’s achievements in the presence of their family.
This fabulous experience is open only to Primary Year students at Santa Sabina College.