Camps and Retreats
Outdoor Education and Retreats play an essential role in life at Eddies, shaping the growth and character of our young men.
These experiences provide opportunities to step away from daily routines, connect with nature, and reflect on their personal journey.
Whether through camp programs or retreats, students are encouraged to engage in free play, embrace challenges, and build meaningful connections with their peers. They develop valuable skills such as listening, fairness, compassion, responsibility, and resilience in the face of both success and failure. At the same time, they are invited to explore their faith, reflect on their values, and consider what it truly means to be Eddies Men.
These programs strengthen not only the boys’ learning within the classroom but also their formation as young men who contribute to their families, community, and the wider world. Inspired by the stories of Jesus and Edmund Rice, and guided by the College values of knowledge, humility, and wisdom alongside the EREA Touchstones, our students take time to reflect, grow, and stand united in faith and purpose.
Year 5 - Joining the Team
Adventure Alternatives, Bribie Island – 3 Day Camp The focus of the camp is to provide students with a positive outdoor experience, where they take on the role of “Outdoor Explorers”. Students will engage in activities to further develop their understanding of the ‘4Rs’ beyond the classroom, with an emphasis on health and wellbeing, effective communication and problem solving. Retreat and Reflection Sessions Throughout the year, students will participate in part-day reflection sessions to help them explore the Touchstones, engage in a variety of prayer experiences and provide an opportunity for self-reflection.
Year 6 - Being a Brother
Adventure Alternatives, Kenilworth – 3 Day Camp The Year 6 camp is held early in the year. The activities on this camp provide opportunities for students to be good role models who are aware of the world around them. Retreat and Service Sessions During the year, students in Year 6 participate in reflection sessions designed to challenge them to ‘Be a Brother to Another’. Students will have the opportunity to engage in service that allows them to be leaders and role models.
Year 7 - Embracing our Community
Total Adventures Noosa Northshore – 3 Day Camp Conducted early in the year, this camp is designed to give students an opportunity to connect with their House and Pastoral Dean. Focusing on ‘Embracing our Community’, students are challenged to get to know each other and embrace all aspects of the Eddies community. Retreat Day- Full Day Refection Day This is an interactive and hands on reflection day that provides students with an opportunity to experience each of the Touchstones. Students rotate through four sessions exploring Inclusive Community, Gospel Spirituality, Justice and Solidarity and Liberating Education.
Year 8 - Emerging Independence
Camp Kokoda Maroon Dam - 3 Day Camp Focusing on the ‘4Rs’ this camp strives to develop resilience. Students will be challenged within a supportive and structured environment to participate in a variety of activities. Woven into the adventure is the ideology of the Kokoda Spirit – Endurance, Courage, Sacrifice and Mateship. Retreat Day- Movers and Shakers at Mt Coo-tha Facilitated by Character Builders students spend a day outside on the mountain working together with a focus on building resilience and responsiveness. The aim is to encourage the students to engage more actively in the life of the College and take on greater responsibility.
Year 9 - Looking Beyond Me
A Total Adventures Noosa Northshore – 3 Day Camp With a focus on building confidence in our young men, Year 9 students have a choice in the focus of their camp experience. They can select surfing, survival, hike and canoe or mountain biking, allowing them to engage in an activity that is of interest to them. Retreat Day- Advocacy in Action Linked to the Religious Education curriculum students are encouraged to see the problems in our world, then reflect on ways they can be responsive and advocate for people. The experience guides students to consider ways to use their gifts and talents in service to the community.
Year 10 - Discovering Who I Want to Be
‘The Rite Journey’ program forms the basis for both the camp and retreat program in Year 10. The program is designed to assist students in their transition from childhood to adulthood. The program is lead by trained teachers who work with students during timetabled classes, at camp and significant rituals involving parents and mentors. The Rite Journey Emu Gully - 3 Day Camp Along with class lessons, this camp is designed to challenge students to apply the ‘4Rs’, while deepening self-awareness and ability to collaborate with others, as they reflect on their character. Significant Rituals - Events with Parents and Mentors The Departure Ceremony - offsite before school in Term 1 to begin the journey of reflection. The Homecoming - an evening in Term 4 on Mulkerin Oval around ‘The Rite Journey’ fireplace.
Year 11 - Leading with Words, Actions and Character
The Leadership Formation Program The Leadership formation program will take place in ‘EMC Pastoral’ class periods as well as through three Retreat Days spread across Terms 2 and 3. The goal of this program is to add volume to ‘student voice’ and to strengthen their influence on our culture. It guides the Year 11 students to be leaders who will be authentic, listen to others and who are imbued with a pervading drive to serve others. Retreat Days - 3 Days at the Conference Centre in Terms 2 and 3 The retreat days allow students to explore their own strengths and weaknesses, reflect on effective ways to work collaboratively and consider the legacy they will instil in their senior year.
Year 12 - Into the Future
The Culmination of the Student Formation Journey Year 12 students have time to reflect on their formation at the College during a three day retreat as well as in ‘EMC Pastoral’ class periods throughout the year. Reflection sessions will provide students with the opportunity to contemplate experiences they have encountered, the mentors who have walked with them and the wisdom they have gained during their time at the College. During the year students are mentored and guided towards graduation, prepared for life as an Eddies Student beyond the College, who is inspired to ‘live simply and to make a difference.’ Camp and Reflection Experience - 3 Day Retreat Framed by our Catholic Identity, the retreat is an immersive opportunity that is integral to celebrating the legacy of the senior class and ensuring the life-long faith formation of our students.
In the spirit of reconciliation, St Edmund’s College acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.