School Camps Are More Than Just a Getaway
School camps have long been a rite of passage in the Australian education system. From building resilience to encouraging teamwork, camps offer students the kind of personal development that classrooms alone can’t always provide.
But as students grow, their needs change — and the best camp experiences grow with them.
If you’re researching school camps in Victoria or considering new camp locations for older students, it’s worth thinking not just about the camp itself, but about the sequencing of experiences across year levels.
Why Sequencing Matters in School Camp Planning
Not all camps for schools are created equal.
A Year 3 student and a Year 9 student are miles apart in their confidence, maturity, and learning needs. Yet many schools offer a one-size-fits-all solution — repeating the same venue or structure year after year.
A camp progression pathway recognises that each stage of learning benefits from a different kind of environment:
- Younger students need safety, structure, and introductory exploration
- Middle and senior students thrive when they are given more autonomy, challenge, and reflection
When planned well, a progressive camp structure can support student growth year over year — both socially and academically.
What Older Students Really Need from a School Camp
By the time students reach Years 7–10, the stakes change
They’re forming stronger identities. They’re craving independence. They need space to develop leadership, critical thinking, and personal responsibility — all in a safe and supported environment.
The right high school camp offers:
- A setting that feels grown-up and distinct from their junior experiences
- Activities that go beyond obstacle courses — into environmental engagement, team challenges, and self-reflection
- Time and space for meaningful discussion, goal-setting, and social development
These aren’t just “nice to haves” — they’re essential for the wellbeing and growth of adolescents.
From Briars Camp to Narmbool Lodge: A Natural Step Forward
If your school currently uses the Briars Camp for younger year levels, you already know the value of a well-run, curriculum-aligned camp.
SoSo, what’s the next step for your older students?
Narmbool Lodge is designed with that exact sequenced in mind.
Managed by the same trusted team behind The Briars, Narmbool offers:
- A more remote, expansive setting between Geelong and Ballarat
- Greater program depth — focused on leadership, sustainability, and connection to place
- Familiar processes: risk documentation, curriculum links, and an easy booking experience
For schools seeking school camp locations in VIC that grow with their students, Narmbool Lodge is a ready-to-go solution.
Real Learning in Real Places: Narmbool Lodge’s Educational Impact
What makes Narmbool Lodge special isn’t just the scenery — though the rolling hills and native bushland certainly help.
It’s the intentional learning design built into every visit.
Aligned with the Victorian Curriculum and Outdoor Learning Frameworks, Narmbool programs embed:
- Environmental science and sustainability
- Leadership and group dynamics
- Reflective practice and personal development
It’s a school camp in Victoria that’s both inspiring and practical — balancing emotional growth with curriculum-relevant learning.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’re planning your next school camp in Victoria — whether you’re a classroom teacher, Outdoor Ed lead, or part of school leadership — consider how your current camp structure supports (or limits) sequencing.
Narmbool Lodge is the next step after Briars Camp — and we’re here to support your team in making it happen.