Googa Outdoor Education Program
CONTACT INFORMATION
Googa Outdoor Education Centre
The Googa program is a compulsory aspect of a student’s education at Grace Lutheran College, as agreed to in the Enrolment Contract. Googa is first and foremost a personal development camp by immersing themselves in a range of activities and educational experiences that could not be replicated in a typical classroom environment.
Address 571 Nukku Road, Googa Creek, QLD 4314
Telephone 07 4163 0266
(Not to be used for personal letters)
Rothwell Campus Contact
Googa Liaison
studentservices@googa.com.au
Caboolture Campus Contact Googa Campus Contact
Wellbeing Lead Director
OUTDOOR EDUCATION
Outdoor Education at Grace is more than just time away from the classroom, it is a journey shaped by our College values of Grit, Growth, and Grace:
• Grit – Developing perseverance and courage through challenge and uncertainty.
• Growth – Learning about oneself, others, and the natural world in meaningful and reflective ways.
• Grace – Encountering God in His creation, fostering compassion, humility, and a sense of belonging.
Students engage:
• With creation to see God’s presence in nature.
• Beyond the typical classroom to learn through experience.
• In reflection to deepen self-awareness.
• In community to strengthen relationships.
• With the outdoors to build environmental understanding and responsibility.
Why is Outdoor Education Important?
Outdoor Education gives students the opportunity to:
• Grow resilience and confidence by advancing through adversity and challenge.
• Show Grace in relationships, learning empathy, humility, and shared responsibility.
• Develop Grit by pushing personal boundaries and persisting in the face of discomfort.
• Build an appreciation for God’s creation and understand our role in its care.
How Do We Live Out Outdoor Education?
The Googa program is grounded in:
• Experiential learning through adventurous, team-based activities.
• Creating safe opportunities to make mistakes and learn from them.
• Building trust, taking responsibility for self and others, and practicing servant leadership.
• Self-reflection and skill transfer to everyday life.
• Upholding a culture of respect, integrity, and encouragement.
Outcomes and Benefits
Students return from Googa with strengthened:
• Grit – Through perseverance, problem solving, and responsible risktaking.
• Growth – By setting goals, planning effectively, and learning to work in diverse teams.
• Grace – As they grow in faith, kindness, and awareness of others’ needs.
The ‘Major Goals’ of the Googa Outdoor Education Program:
• To develop in participants an understanding of human beings relationships to the physical and biological aspects of God’s creation as expressed in the Australian countryside.
• To promote initiative and self-reliance to students by presenting a challenge beyond that presented in the usual academic and cocurricular areas of school.
• To increase the opportunity for participants spiritual life and to encourage interest in the work of the school and the church.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
GOOGA AND THE AUSTRALIAN CURRICULUM
A values-based experience built around Grit, Growth and Grace. The Googa Outdoor Education Program provides a unique opportunity for students to engage in experiential learning over four weeks in a real-world environment. While students do not engage in formal theory lessons or traditional assessments during Googa, they develop deep personal, social, and practical skills that align closely with key intentions of the Australian Curriculum, particularly through application, reflection, and authentic experiences.
CONTEMPORARY COMPETENCIES
Health and Physical Education (HPE)
Relevant focus
Personal, Social and Community Health
Connection to Googa
The Googa Outdoor Education Program is a fundamental learning experience for students aligned to the College’s Contemporary Education Framework.
Of particular note are the exposure and development of the College’s contemporary competencies of:
• Resilience
• Creativity
• Critical Thinking
• Communication
• Collaboration
• Empathy
Respectful relationships, resilience, emotional wellbeing.
Students live in community and are immersed in situations that require empathy, ethical decision-making, and cooperative problem-solving.
Relevant focus
Movement and Physical Activity
Connection to Googa
Physical challenges, teamwork, leadership.
Through hiking, outdoor tasks, and communal activities, students engage in physical pursuits that promote endurance, coordination, and personal discipline in a noncompetitive context.
Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS – Geography)
Relevant focus Understanding natural environments and human impact.
Biomes and stainability
Connection to Googa
Relevant focus
Interconnections
Connection to Googa
The natural bushland setting offers students firsthand exposure to a local biome. They observe environmental interdependence, participate in sustainable practices, and reflect on human interaction with the land.
Connection to place, environmental stewardship.
Students reflect on their relationship to the natural world, their role in caring for creation, and their interdependence with others in a shared living space.
General Capabilities: These are not formally taught but are deeply embedded through daily life at Googa:
Critical and Creative Thinking
Personal and Social Capability
Ethical Understanding
Intercultural Understanding
Developed as students solve real problems, adapt to new challenges, and make decisions in changing situations (e.g., weather, group dynamics, food preparation).
Strengthened through living in intentional community: building trust, resolving conflict, managing emotions, and taking responsibility for tasks that affect others.
Experienced through choices and actions with real consequences, from caring for shared spaces to showing integrity in group decisions.
Opportunities arise to explore cultural perspectives, including Indigenous relationships with land, with a focus on respect and reflection rather than formal content delivery.
Cross-Curriculum Priorities
Sustainability
Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander
Histories and Cultures
Summary
Students live lightly and intentionally, participating in sustainable practices like composting, growing food, managing energy, and reducing waste.
Students may explore concepts such as connection to Country and traditional ecological knowledge in informal and reflective ways, fostering respect for Australia’s First Peoples.
While Googa is not a traditional classroom, it powerfully supports the Australian Curriculum through lived experience, real-world application, and personal growth. Students return having developed confidence, resilience, empathy, leadership and a deeper understanding of themselves, others, and creation — embodying the values of Grit, Growth and Grace.
GOOGA AND THE CHRISTIAN STUDIES CURRICULUM FRAMEWORK
Faith in Action through Grit, Growth and Grace
Although Googa is not assessed through the CSCF, the four-week program provides students with authentic, lived experiences that support the formation of Christian identity, the exploration of meaning and purpose, and the practice of faith in community. It offers natural connections to all four CSCF strands:
Christian Studies Curriculum Framework
Christian Beliefs Key Idea
Connection to Googa
Christian Practices Key Idea
Connection to Googa
God’s creation, the nature of humanity, sin and grace, living in response to God’s love.
Students engage with the natural world as God’s creation, and reflect on their role as stewards. Conversations and devotions offer space to explore what it means to live in response to God’s grace and love.
Discipleship, prayer and worship, Christian community.
Daily devotions, Sabbath reflections, and communal life model what it means to follow Jesus in everyday moments. Students learn to serve one another, forgive, show humility, and live in authentic Christian community.
Key Idea
Christian Ethics
Connection to Googa
Connections Key Idea
Connection to Googa
Relationships, justice, service, responsibility.
Students navigate real-world ethical situations (e.g., fairness in group tasks, ownership of mistakes, caring for others). Respect, compassion, and integrity are constantly challenged and shaped in community living
Other worldviews, personal meaning, vocation, hope.
Time away from technology and routine creates space for students to consider life’s bigger questions: Who am I? What matters? Where do I see God? These reflections support the development of vocation and purpose in light of Christian faith.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Grace Lutheran College is an owner operator of the Googa Outdoor Education Centre.
The centre, a former forestry camp, is set in the beautiful Blackbutt ranges and located nine kilometres from the township of BlackButt. The centre has a lease over six hectares of land adjacent to a further 120 hectares owned and managed by Googa. The centre has access to large areas of State Forests and private land for hiking and camping.
• Through the cooperation of Lutheran Schools and the Forestry service, Googa became available
1988
1988
1990
2026
• After many working bees, the old camp was transformed into a centre capable of accommodating a group of 48 students.
• Additional building were brought in including the Hall, staff building, dormitory and an accessible dormitory
• Grace students began their four week program.
• An additional adjacent camp is developed to support the expansion of Googa.
Facilities at Googa are deliberately simple. As much as possible, the physical environment has been left as it was in the days of the forestry camp. No electrical appliances, apart from refrigerators, are used in dormitories.
Other facilities include: various adventure activities, hall, large grassed areas and sport areas. The campus and surrounding country have been mapped for regaining and hiking activities.
The centre is shared with a range of animals including: laying hens, cattle, sheep, goats, horse, vegetable garden and an avocado plantation. Students are involved in working in these areas as well as being rostered onto the daily operation of the dairy.
Googa is accredited with Safe Food Queensland for all food safety and as a dairy producer and processor enabling the centre to provide pasteurized milk to students.
THE GOOGA WAY OF LIFE
On a daily basis, students are responsible for the maintenance of the camp and participate in a variety of jobs to ensure the smooth running of each day. Some of these activities include feeding animals, preparing food for other students, milking cows, preparing devotions, cleaning living areas, chopping wood, washing clothes, journal and letter writing and free time.
At all times the emphasis is on community living, students making their own entertainment, doing as much as possible for themselves and being responsible for their own actions. There is an emphasis on both working as part of a group and on accepting individual responsibility. Each participant should expect to be extended physically, mentally, socially and spiritually.
A feature of Googa, and the lifestyle at the centre, is its isolation from modern day conveniences. The emphasis on the camp, bush life and making students responsible for their own entertainment and leisure.
During the 4 week program, students will be involve in various activities which may include hiking, camping, an overnight solo and high adventure activities. They will also be instructed in areas of bushcraft, map reading, navigation, knot tying and camp craft, as well as taking part in decision making activities.
A daily spiritual journey is encouraged with students participating in a daily journaling and reflection time and worship sessions.
Not all experiences can be offered to all students due to varying circumstances. In all circumstances, all program variations will be aligned with the goals of the program.
GOOGA STAFF
The diversity of the Googa staff supports a well rounded experience for students attending. Staff come with a range of expertise; registered teachers, outdoor education qualification; rural backgrounds. Staff also share a diverse range of hobbies and interests supporting relationships while at Googa.
All staff are appropriately trained and are committed to encouraging a caring Christian community with the students in their care.
In addition to the Googa staff, various College based staff will also visit Googa for day or overnight visits.
THE PROGRAM
The Beginning – Building Community
Involvement in group initiatives, projects and other activities to support establishing their Googa community.
Settling into responsibilities of working and living conditions including involvement in decision making processes.
Preparation of navigation and orienteering skills, managing first aid requirements, sustainable practices and connection and respect for the land.
The Middle - Challenge and Connection Involvement in survival and high adventurous activities.
Emphasis on group cooperation, personal responsibility and strengthening community bonds in a bush setting.
The End - Celebrating Growth Reflection on their experiences. Celebration experiences.
DAILY PROGRAM EXAMPLE
6:00 am Morning Run
6:30 am Journaling and Meditation
7:00 am Breakfast
7:45 am Medication
8:00 am Clean Up
8:30 am Morning Program
12:00 pm Lunch
1:00 pm Afternoon Program
3:30 pm Jobs
4:45 pm Medication
5:30 pm Dinner
6:00 pm Clean Up
6:30 pm Evening Program
7:30 pm Showers
9:00 pm Bedtime
9:15 pm Lights Out
PACKING LIST
• 1 large bag per student
• Ensure all items are clearly labelled (they will be doing community washing)
• Prohibited items will be confiscated and will be returned at the discretion of the Googa Staff and/or College.
• Consider clothing that is suitable for rural conditions (and red dirt).
PROHIBITED ITEMS
• Any Electronics (E.g. Digital camera, Phones, iPads etc)
• Aerosols (E.g. Shaving Cream, Hair Spray, Deodorant)
• Make Up (E.g. fake eyelashes, clear mascara, tinted moisturiser or tinted sunscreen)
• Hair dryers, hair straighteners, hair clippers
• Sharp objects (e.g. Knife)
• Food or Drink (including chewing gum, mints etc)
• Magazines (unless only contains articles with no advertisements)
• Inappropriate boardgames (noting ‘inappropriate’ is at the Googa staff and/or College discretion)
• Illegal Substances (E.g. Vapes, drugs, alcohol)
It is at the discretion of Googa staff for student areas, luggage or mail to be searched.
Daily Activities: Day clothes need to be
tough, comfortable and able to get dirty.
shirts must have sleeves (at least three with collars)
long pants
respectable length shorts (no shorter than mid-thigh)
broad-brimmed sun hat (not straw)
at least 6 pairs of socks (long and short) and underwear
no bare midriffs, singlets or ‘short’ shorts
daily water bottle x 2
sock protectors (optional)
gardening gloves (not essential but recommended)
Evening
modest casual clothes
modest pyjamas
flannelette for Bush Dance night
Warm Clothes (Winter temps can drop below 0°)
jumpers and tracksuits
warm jacket
rain jacket - no ponchos
thermals
Footwear
a minimum of 2 pairs of closed in shoes/ boots
supportive running shoes in good condition for running and hiking
hiking or work boots allowed but not essential (please wear them in prior to camp)
thongs/slides/ugg boots for inside dorms only
one pair of shoes that can get wet/muddy
shoes for showering
Hiking / Camping
lightweight long sleeved shirt with collar and long pants
2 pairs of additional thick socks
torch - preferably a head torch with spare batteries
1 sleeping bag appropriate for the season
1 roll matt for sleeping on – basic foam mats are best (examples shown on final Information Night)
sleeping bag liner (optional)
water bottles/bladders to carry minimum 4 litres (old cordial or juice containers are a great low cost and durable options)
Dormitory Bedding
1 pillow and 2 pillowcases
2 single fitted sheets
2 single flat sheets
1 doona, quilt or blanket (not sleeping bag)
2 towels
1 face washer
Toiletries
toothpaste
soap
shampoo, conditioner and hairbrush
roll-on insect repellent
roll-on deodorant
sunscreen
lip balm (not tinted)
hand cream/moisturiser
tissues
sanitary products
Aerosol cans, makeup, hairclippers/electric razors are not permitted
Daily Living
washing powder (septic friendly), laundry bag, clothes pegs, 2 garbage bags
medication/first aid items (must be in orginal packaging, named, labelled and stored in a zip lock bag - see medication on the next page)
disposable/film camera only
watch/battery alarm clock (no radios)
Stationery
envelopes and stamps
notebook/writing paper
pens and pencils
books (fiction or non-fiction - age appropriate)
board game/cards (optional)
art and craft (optional)
Musical Instruments
Students can practice and perform during the program. Students are encouraged to bring instruments, providing they check the suitability beforehand and are willing to take responsibility and care for them.
All hike packs, tents, and cooking equipment are provided.
MEDICAL FORM
Parents/guardians will receive an email link to complete an up to date medical form for your child. It is important you provide as much information as possible, this includes information you may have already advised the College about.
If you would like to speak to staff regarding your child’s medical needs, in the first instance liaise with the Googa Liaison (Rothwell Campus) / Wellbeing Lead (Caboolture Campus). You may then be encouraged to also liaise with the Googa Director prior to your child attending.
Additionally, all medical plans (E.g. asthma, diabetes, anaphylaxis) can be emailed to studentservices@googa.com.au. It is important your child’s medical information is current including dental checks, vaccinations (including tetanus).
MEDICATION AND FIRST-AID
All staff at Googa are Remote and/or Wilderness First-Aid qualified. More serious cases will be transported by staff or by ambulance for further treatment. Googa has a store of all the required first-aid and medical supplies if the need arises. This includes, but is not limited to, paracetamol, ibuprofen, cough lozenges, antihistamines, itch and burn lotions.
As specified in the medical form, you will give permission far any of these items to be administered. If you wish to send your student to Googa with these things, they must be in their original packaging inside a clear plastic bag with your student’s name written on the bag and sent on the bus. Your student will have access to these whenever they need but they will be kept in the office.
In addition to general first aid supplies, all general and essential medication must be sent on the bus in the same way as specified previously. We require details of when this medication is to be administered and the correct dosage. Please be reminded, by law we cannot dispense prescription medications unless a script has been provided by a Doctor and the appropriate pharmacy label has been attached; a signed parental note will not suffice. Preferred medication times are 7:45am (after breakfast) and 4:45pm (before dinner).
However, medication can be administered at any time i.e 5:45am before morning run, 12 noon and/or 8:45pm (before bed). ‘Essential’ medications are items that MUST be administered when required throughout the program- this is specified by the parent. ‘General’ medications are items
which include strapping tape for injuries, creams/lotions, and any ‘nonregular’ items. We also ask that students who require ‘strapping’ for injury management bring their own tape/braces. Students should not rely on staff to manage pre-existing injuries and should have management plans in place for staff to follow. All prescription and non-prescription medication must be handed to the accompanying teacher at the bus before departure.
POCKET MONEY
Googa ‘lends’ an allocation of $80 pocket money for each student. Parents are encouraged to discuss with their child how to use their allocated money for items including Googa merchandise (t-shirts, beanies, buffs), unexpected incidental costs (medication, stamps, envelopes, breakages), group donation etc.
The amount spent is then added to school fees at the conclusion of the program.
Where expenses exceed $80, this will be discussed with the parent/ guardian as necessary (however in the case of emergency Googa and/ or College staff will make a decision in the best interest of the child at the time).
Any costs for damage or breakages will be passed onto the student/parent/ guardian.
COMMUNICATING WITH YOUR CHILD
All communication with your child during Googa is through written letters.
• Please plan to write 1–2 letters per week.
• Letters are delivered to students regularly and are often a highlight of their experience.
• Students are encouraged to write home, but this is their own responsibility and is not monitored by staff.
• Letters can be:
Sent via Australia Post to the Googa mailing address, or
Placed in the Googa Mailbox located at each campus. A staff member will collect and deliver these during the next scheduled visit to Googa.
• Students often keep their letters for years to come as reminders of their growth and the support they received.
• You are welcome to encourage extended family and close friends to write letters - positive messages from others can uplift and support your child.
• Refrain from sharing distressing or negative news in letters, as this may cause unnecessary worry or impact your child’s experience.
• If there are circumstances your child needs to be made aware of, please contact the Director of Googa, who will support how and when that information is shared.
• When you receive a letter from your child, remember it reflects how they were feeling at the time of writing - which may differ from how they feel when you read it.
• Be open-minded and encouraging about the journey of grit, growth, and grace your child is on.
• If you have any concerns during the program, please contact a College staff member who can assist you.
GENERAL STUDENT EXPECTATIONS
• Students are expected to attend for the full four week program.
• Typical College Policies, Expectations and guidelines apply when at Googa.
• Consequences will be applied in the context of the Googa camp based on the incident as closely aligned to College processes where possible and practicable.
• Googa staff manage day to day behaviour concerns. It is at the discretion of the Googa Director to liaise with the Googa Liaison (Rothwell Campus) / Wellbeing Lead (Caboolture Campus) for escalated or repeated matters. This may be further referred to the Head of Student Wellbeing and/or Head of Campus
• In some cases further consequences may be applied upon the student returning to school/campus.
• Serious incidents (at the discretion of the Googa Director and/or College staff) will result in the student being sent home.
o The student will be removed from the community
o The parent/guardian is required to collect the student within 4 hours of receiving the phone call)
o There is no refund of Googa fees.
INCLUSION
At Grace, we are committed to ensuring that all students including those with documented learning, physical, medical or social-emotional needs have the opportunity to participate meaningfully in the Googa program.
Our intention is for each student to experience an appropriate level of engagement, challenge, and success, aligned with their individual strengths and needs. We recognise that this may look different for each student.
To support this, the College will arrange a collaborative planning meeting prior to the Googa experience. This meeting will include parents/guardians, relevant College staff, and, where appropriate, the student. Together, we will explore and determine the most suitable version of the program, discuss reasonable adjustments, and develop support strategies to ensure safety, inclusion, and a sense of belonging.
In some cases, the College may request updated documentation from external practitioners (e.g. medical, allied health, or psychological professionals) to inform and support the development of appropriate adjustments and risk management strategies.
If a student requires alternative arrangements or specific modifications, these will be considered on a case-by-case basis, with the goal of upholding the spirit of the Googa experience while prioritising student wellbeing.
PHOTOS DURING THE PROGRAM
Both Googa and College staff will regularly take photos and video of the students experience at Googa.
A movie is created by Googa staff and provided to students upon their return to Grace Lutheran College.
Please be aware that Googa staff will do their best to send regular photo updates to the school, however this is not their first priority. Occasionally, photos may be posted on the Googa Facebook page or the Grace Lutheran College social media.
Where a student has nil photo consent, please note photos will not be shared on social media. If you would like to update the photo consent information on the College files please contact the Googa Liaison (Rothwell Campus) / Wellbeing Lead (Caboolture Campus).
FAMILY DAY / PICK UP
Parents are required to attend on Family Day which is the final day of the Googa program. On this day, parents reunite with their child, have a tour of the site from their child, attend bush chapel after which parents then sign out their children to drive them home. More information about Family / Pick up day is sent closer to the time.
Attendance at Family Day is immediate family only.
Cars must be parked in the designated area, and cannot be driven around the site.
No pets are allowed.
9:30 am - 10:30 am Arrival (no earlier for arrival)
10:00 am
Morning Tea (provided by the family – picnic style) and Student Led Tour
11:00 am Bush Chapel
Lunch (provided by the family – picnic style) and Student Led Tour
12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
COST
All students and their families must have left by 2:00pm
The cost for Googa is included in the College Fees. This is a non-refundable fee.
GETTING TO GOOGA
• Search Googa Outdoor Education Centre in Google Maps for accurate instructions.
THE GOOGA PARENT JOURNEY
We understand that the Googa experience can bring a mixture of emotions for parents — pride, excitement, perhaps even a little anxiety. It is a significant moment, not just for your child, but for you too. We want to acknowledge and thank you for the trust you placed in us at the point of enrolment. For many families, the Googa program is one of the reasons they choose Grace — a chance for their child to grow in independence, faith, resilience and character.
PARENT RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Stay connected
Write 1–2 letters to your child each week (maybe even place one in their suitcase to find when they open it). Staff will encourage students to write home regularly, but please note that this is the student’s responsibility and is not formally monitored.
2. Do not send food or drink
Parcels containing food or drink are not permitted. If your child has specific dietary needs, please contact the Googa staff directly to discuss appropriate arrangements.
3. Support safe packing
Ensure your child does not pack or bring any prohibited items. A list of these items will be provided prior to departure.
4. Encourage full participation
Help prepare your child with a positive mindset and encourage them to fully engage in all aspects of the program, even those that may be challenging.
5. Complete the online medical form
This must be submitted at least two weeks before your child arrives at Googa to allow time for preparation and care planning.
6. Keep medical information up to date
Ensure all medical details are current, including any new diagnoses, medications, or management plans.
7. Provide all medication on departure
On the day of departure, please hand all prescription and nonprescription medications, clearly labelled, along with the printed medical form (emailed to you a few days before departure), to the supervising College staff.
8. Trust the process
Googa is a carefully designed program built on years of experience
and pastoral care. We encourage you to trust the journey, the staff, and the values behind the experience. Your support from home plays an important role in helping your child thrive through the challenges and growth of the program.
WHILE YOUR CHILD IS MAKING MEMORIES AT GOOGA, YOU COULD…
Reflect & Write
• Take time to write letters that uplift, encourage, or reflect on shared family memories.
• Journal your thoughts and prayers for your child during their journey.
• Revisit old photos and write down what you hope for their future.
Slow Down & Reconnect
• Enjoy quiet mornings or peaceful walks – mirror the stillness they are experiencing.
• Limit your own screen time and savour moments of simplicity.
Family Time with Siblings
• Plan one-on-one time with siblings who are still at home – they will notice the change too.
• Cook a favourite meal your Googa student would normally love — and save some for their return!
Pray & Trust
• Set aside moments each day to pray for your child — for resilience, growth, connection, and peace.
• Reflect on the values of Grit, Growth and Grace and where you see them in your own life.
Learn & Explore
• Read a book on parenting teens, outdoor learning, or faith development.
• Start a small project you have put off — something for you.
Stay Involved
• Send regular letters (even if short) - a funny memory, a piece of advice, a Bible verse, or just a reminder they are loved.
• Keep a note of things to tell them when they return. They will have stories; you can too.
Look Ahead
• Start thinking about how you will welcome them home - perhaps with a favourite meal, quiet family time, or space to rest.
• Reflect on how this experience might shape the next steps in their journey toward adulthood.
MAP TO GOOGA
Googa Outdoor Education Centre 571 Nukku Road Googa Creek QLD 4314
Phone07 41630266 Fax07 41630709 E-Mailstudentservices@googa.com.au
ROTHWELL: Mewes Road, Rothwell QLD 4022 | 07 3203 0066
CABOOLTURE: 129 Toohey Street, Caboolture QLD 4510 | 07 5495 2444