Outdoor Education

Outdoor Education provides an opportunity for the students to challenge and develop positive experiences and relationships with the natural environment, their fellow class members and the staff at Cathedral College Wangaratta. Underpinned by our values and the development of the individual, each camp is designed to meet the particular needs of the individual year level/student cohort. While we outsource locations for many of our camps, they are run and organised entirely by our staff with students enjoying a diverse range of experiences designed to create maximum enjoyment and benefit for them.

Students from Prep to Year Twelve are involved in the Outdoors, with activities ranging from catching their first wave to crawling through water-filled caves, abseiling down steep slopes to rock climbing overhanging cliffs, adrenaline-pumping mountain bike trails to skiing an icy steep slope, walking over the Razorback or to surviving overnight with little food in remote locations. Thorough preparation is required before embarking on our expeditions and we ensure students have developed extensive survival skills to successfully navigate through a variety of environments. With a focus on developing leadership skills, teamwork and initiatives, College students explore ways in which they can explore the natural environment with minimal impact and support fragile ecosystems.

HORIZONS (Camps and Exursions Program)

Students will be invited to go on various excursions throughout the year. Additionally, each Year level has a Camp that usually involves a residential component.

The Horizons camps program at Cathedral College Wangaratta provides students with a carefully sequenced and developmentally appropriate series of experiences that foster personal growth, resilience, and teamwork.

Designed to challenge students both physically and mentally, the program encourages them to step outside their comfort zones, build confidence, and develop essential life skills such as leadership, problem-solving, and collaboration. Each camp in the sequence is tailored to align with students' evolving capabilities and interests, offering opportunities to explore diverse environments—from coastal settings to alpine regions—while engaging in activities that promote environmental stewardship and a deeper appreciation of the natural world. Through participation in the Horizons program, students not only cultivate a sense of independence and responsibility but also forge lasting friendships and create memorable experiences that enrich their educational journey.

Information will be provided through Consent2 Go and parents and carers will be able to provide permissions through this platform. Excursions are not covered in tuition fees and the cost of the events depends on the nature of the occasion.

Cathedral College provides students with the opportunity to explore a camp as a whole cohort.

2025 CAMP DATES

Year One – 'At School' Camp November 13 - 14
Year Two - Beechworth Old Priory: May 15-16
Year Three - Camp Jungai: June 25 to 27
Year Four - Melbourne Camp: May 14 to 16
Year Five - Billabong Ranch Echuca: March 26 to 28
Year Six - Canberra Camp: Oct 8 to 10
Year Seven - Harrietville Camp: Feb 19 to 20
Year Eight - Torquay
Camp A: November 10 to 12
Camp B: November 12 to 14
Year Nine - Adventure Camp: Mt Buffalo Camp
Camp A : March 24 to 26
Camp B : March 26 to 28
Year Ten - Mittagundi: May 19 to 23
Year Ten - Sydney May: 12 to 16
Year Eleven - VCE Retreat: Nov 26 to 28

OED Electives

Year Seven - Warby Camp & Canoe day
June 19 & 20 (Sem 1)
Aug 27 &28 (Sem 2)

Year Eight - Mt Stirling Hike
May 8 &9 (Sem 1)
Oct 24 to 24 (Sem 2)

Year Nine - Mt Feathertop Hike
Feb 6&7 (Sem 1)
Nov 5&6 (Sem 2)

Year Ten - Surf Camp
April 1 to 2 (Sem 1)
Oct 29 to 31 (Sem 2)

Year Eleven - Sem 1 Canoe Trip
Sem 2 Grampians Hike
Feb26 to 28 (Sem 1)
Oct 7 to 10 (Sem 2)

Year Twelve - Sem 1 Wilsons Prom/ Sem 2
Mt Bogong Hike
March 4 to 7 (Sem 1)
April 29 to May 4 (Sem 2)

Year Twelve Environmental Studies
Wilsons Prom - April 29 to May 4
VET Sport & Rec Ski Camp - June 12 & 13