Year 9 Outward Bound Adventure 2026

A blurry-eyed group of Year 9 students departed at 4:45am on Sunday, 26th May, embarking on an 11½-hour journey to Tharwa, Canberra, for their week-long Outward Bound adventure. Designed to develop grit, perseverance, resilience, communication, collaboration and leadership skills, the program challenged students to step beyond their comfort zones and embrace unfamiliar experiences.

After arriving at camp and meeting their instructors, Henry and Grace, students quickly discovered that Outward Bound was about far more than hiking and camping. Early team-building activities and a “Fear in the Hat” exercise encouraged the girls to reflect on their worries and begin building trust within their groups before heading into the field for the remainder of the week.

Throughout the expedition, students were challenged both physically and mentally. Carrying heavy packs filled with food, water, hoochies and personal belongings, the girls navigated long bushwalks, campsites and changing terrain while consistently demonstrating teamwork, encouragement and determination. Activities such as rope making, solving the mystery of “The Box,” and the Bandito Abseil pushed students to communicate effectively, support one another and embrace the idea of “challenge by choice,” with many bravely choosing to abseil down the cliff face.

While the days were physically demanding, some of the most memorable moments came during the evenings gathered around the campfire sharing stories, playing campfire games and enjoying a well-earned hot chocolate. These quieter moments helped strengthen friendships and created a strong sense of connection within the groups.

One of the defining moments of the week was the trek over Castle Hill, where students enjoyed breathtaking views over Canberra before descending the infamous “Mount Murder” — aptly, but affectionately renamed by the girls at NEGS due to the pain felt in tired knees and hips as they slipped, slid and stumbled their way down the steep eroded hillside. There were plenty of laughs, tears and cheers as everyone eventually made it safely to the bottom. Later that afternoon, students were given solo reflection time to write letters to their future selves about what they had learned during the experience.

Returning to base for a hot shower and a flushable toilet was understandably a highlight of the final day. However, the experience concluded with one final reminder of the importance of teamwork and perseverance through the Giant Ladder activity and a final group reflection session where students shared challenges they had overcome, lessons they had learned and moments they were proud of.

The Outward Bound experience was an outstanding success, with students consistently demonstrating resilience, courage, teamwork and leadership throughout the week. Many girls commented that they wished they could stay longer, highlighting the positive and lasting impact the experience had on them. Perhaps one of the greatest lessons learned was the value of becoming comfortable with being uncomfortable — embracing challenges, supporting one another, and finding enjoyment and pride in moments that initially seemed difficult or daunting.

- Mrs Leanne Chandler, Stage 5 Advisor