The natural world as our classroom

Outdoor Education at Trinity uses the natural world as a classroom for personal development.

Students learn and use outdoor skills, challenge themselves in environments outside their comfort zones and extend their personal and social relationships.

The Year 10 program is eight days in length and locations vary from Freycinet National Park in Tasmania to the Larapinta Trail in the Northern Territory.

Nick Vildovas (Year 10) - Freycinet National Park/Wine Glass Bay Circuit in Tasmania

The Freycinet Peninsula boasts a vast array of different environments and variable weather, and we tackled both on our week-long camp.

One of the most important aspects of the trip was allocating roles that would help the group move successfully and safely through each day’s activities, and to rest well after a day of physical exertion. Everyone had a role to play, whether that be carrying (heavy!) group gear or cooking dinners.

The highlights for me were kayaking in the glassy blue waters around Refuge Island with the local seals swimming under our kayaks, sitting 600 metres above sea leave atop Mount Graham, abseiling 45 metres down a cliff face at Whitewater Wall, taking a swim in the frigid waters as the sun set, and eating dinner as we gazed out over a moonlit Wineglass Bay.

Our leaders encouraged us to feel a connection with the land and waters that we were exploring. In my group, one of the most enjoyable aspects was taking in the views around us, and we stopped regularly to appreciate the scenery and look back at how far we had trekked.

There was a real sense that every one of us cherished these once-in-alifetime experiences.

Being out on the water was an incredible experience. Just being able to relax and take in your surroundings was something that we really don’t get to experience in our chaotic, busy lives, and provided a nice break from the increasing workload at school.

This was made even more memorable by the incredible scenery that can be seen as you paddle down the river. The trees, the birds, the beaches and the river all combined for a picturesque landscape, and to me, it is an honour to be able to experience and be a part of such a beautiful landscape so close to home.

One moment that stood out to me was when my group went out on a “dawn paddle”, setting out on our canoes before the sun had fully risen. While I was quite groggy from waking up early, the opportunity was well worth it. The experience of drifting down a misty river in silence as the forest began to come alive around me was the most memorable.

The many conversations, random songs, and fun games that took place out on the water did an extremely good job of keeping me entertained, and the incredible beauty and calm that I experienced on this trip was something like nothing else I had felt before.

The picturesque landscape combined with a wonderful group of friends to spend the week with is something that I will remember for years to come.