Bush School Incursion

BUSH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

• Whip cracking
• Campfire cooking, damper making and billy tea
• Yarning circle, Indigenous discussion and cultural activity depending on the availability of leader
• Stockyard building
• Stock horse racing
• Initiative games 1
• Initiative games 2
• Team building and leadership activities
• Bush school team challenge

EXTEND YOUR DAY & CHOOSE TO RUN A TWILIGHT PROGRAM

Many schools are choosing to extend their Bush School Incursion into the evening. After school hours, Black Diamond Adventures will run additional large group bonding games, set up our own ‘Bush Cinema’ (outdoor cinema) and cook a BBQ dinner. This is a great way to end a cracking day and bring a year group together. This extended program usually runs until 9pm.

Our Bush School serves 5 purposes:

1. Year group bonding/cohesion
2. Develop curiosity in culture and Australia’s history
3. Build self-esteem and confidence in young people
4. Encourage teamwork and positive mindsets
5. Establish positive connections between the student and school

Best suited for:

• Stage 3 students
• Year 7
• HSIE fun days
• An alternative to Stage 3 & 4 School Camp

PROGRAM INCLUSIONS & COSTS

All programs include a pre-site visit and liaison to tailor the program to your school and educational objectives.

Whole day program – School bell hours*
Up to 8 activity rotations
Bush school rodeo whole group challenge
$35 per student (minimum 80 students*)

Twilight program – 8.45 am – 9.00 pm*
Up to 8 activity rotations
Bush school rodeo whole group challenge
BBQ dinner
Sunset outdoor cinema
Photo slideshow
$50 per student (minimum 80 students*)

*Times can be adjusted at your request. For bookings of less than 80 students we can negotiate a suitable price.

“Every Black Diamond staff member was exceptional in how they encouraged students to work outside their comfort zones and to collaborate with others in their groups to achieve a shared goal. There was an excellent mix of physical, tactical and reflective activities so all students had the opportunity to experience success throughout the day. We would highly recommend the Bush School with Black Diamond Adventures!”

Norelle Smith — Assistant Principal, Thirroul Public School

PROGRAM EVOLUTION

Although BDA founder, Rob Mann, thoroughly enjoyed his youth growing up in the outer reaches of Sydney, it wasn’t until he randomly found himself on a gap year working on one of the country’s largest and most remote cattle properties that he realised he knew little, he realised his ignorance of Australia. Rob was in awe of the sheer size of the country, the people whose daily life resembled a scene from a country and western movie and the richness of the Aboriginal culture that is still alive and traditional. Returning to the east coast it became obvious that the majority of people who grew up like him also little to no knowledge about this side of Australia. Rob loves talking to people about his adventures through Outback Australia.

As a result, the Bush School Incursion was first developed to expose more city and coastal dwellers to the reality of life for many Indigenous communities in the outback and those working on large pastoral leases. After delivering many camps where activities such as whip cracking, camp oven cooking, and the didgeridoo were regular highlights for students, Rob was inspired to set up a program that would make these cultural activities accessible to a larger number of students. He felt he had a responsibility to showcase the livelihoods of those who have evolved with this land for thousands of years and those who are considered by many to be the heart and soul of our country.