Activities on Somerset programs utilise the pristine Colo River and surrounding bushland to the full. Programs are planned considering the schools desired outcomes and aim to positively engage students in the outdoors.
| On the Water | Somerset is situated on the Colo River, canoeing is either a means of travel between campsites, a programmed activity with skill development, or a short paddle with some games and lots of fun. Groups can also move between campsite floating on tyre tubes down the river, or engage in team activities like Raft Building, and sand modelling on our expansive beach front. | Canoeing and Kayaking | A gorgeous paddle on the Colo River. Enjoy the sights, sounds and serenity of the last pristine River in NSW. |
| Raft Building | Construct a raft that floats and will support the team! Most Groups end up in the River and enjoy a swim too. | ||
| Donutting | A float down the Colo on inflated tubes. A fantastic and refreshing way to travel! | ||
| Swimming and Beach Games | There is ample opportunity daily to cool-off in the gorgeous Colo River or just to relax and feel the sand between your toes. | ||
| On the Track | Somerset has a myriad of established walking tracks and routes criss-crossing our programme area. Walks range from easy and achievable to more demanding and challenging over a few days. "One-the-track" activities can incorporate educational and interpretive content. The nature of walking promotes remarkable self-discovery, spontaneous group interaction and with this, team development. | Bushwalk | A gorgeous walk into our surrounding bush encouraging students to appreciate the outdoors. Our Group Leaders have an excellent knowledge of the local history, flora and fauna, as well as navigation and topography. Groups carry the essentials like water, snacks and sunscreen in daypacks. |
| Expedition | Hiking expeditions provide the means of travel between campsites, activity areas and establish a journey for the program. Groups can carry all, or some, of their equipment including clothing, tents, food, cookers. Our Group Leaders impart navigation, map reading, compass work and route planning skills throughout the expedition. Somerset provides rucksacks to all students. | ||
| On the Ropes | Our Roping activities provide the perfect setting for individual students to extend themselves physically and mentally, and to offer support and encouragement to other group members. | Abseiling | Students experience a natural rock face nestled in the beautiful bush. |
| Rock Climbing | On natural rock for an authentic climb - we have 2 rock climbing sites to suit differing ages and levels of challenge. | ||
| High Ropes | A course set in the shady trees at our Ropes Campsite. | ||
| Milk Crate Stack | How high can you stack? | ||
| The Team is On it | We acknowledge the importance of team building and developing communication skills in any outdoor education program. As such, Somerset has a terrific range of team activities to complement any program. | Obstacle Course | A fun series of ‘hurdles’ that must be negotiated; over, under, across or through! |
| Wombat Hole | Crawl in and see if you come out the other end! A fun and muddy activity. | ||
| Low Ropes | Test your balance and perseverance. Great fun, and often amusing. | ||
| Archery | Try your luck! | ||
| Base Seven | Camouflage and stealth activity. | ||
| Geocaching | A rogaining-type activity using an handheld GPS device where the students locate “caches” | ||
| River Run | The muddier the better! – an obstacle and mud run. Plunge into the river after to rinse off. | ||
| On the Down-low | We recognise the powerful importance of the ‘in-between times’ and ensure that in all programs there is time to relax and reflect. | Campfires | Toast a marshmallow, or cook damper on a stick. A great chance to chat, (and sing!) and wrap-up the day. Campfires are lit every night and on the chillier mornings. |
| Swimming and Beach Games | Our gorgeous river needs to be enjoyed. Swimming is on the schedule every day in the hotter months. | ||
| Reflection | Students are given time to consider the positives and not-so-positives of their day – both at a personal and group level. | ||
| Bush Relaxing | Students will absorb the sights, sounds, smells and awesomeness of the natural world. | ||
| Cook On | Food at camp is fun! We recognise the importance of keeping students energised and satisfied. Groups are involved in all areas of a meal from preparation to cooking to clean-up. | My Kampsite Rules | From Indian to Mexican inspired meals students are divided into teams and must master their cuisine. |
| Wood Fired Pizzas | Students are involved in the pizza making process from dough rolling to eating. Yum! | ||
| Campsite Meals | Picnic Lunches, BBQ, Nachos, Stew – to name a few. | ||
| Expedition Meals | Lightweight and tasty when you have to carry! |