Resilience Sometimes Begins with a Face Full of Dirt | Nazareth Catholic Community
Source: https://www.nazareth.org.au/news/resilience-sometimes-begins-with-a-face-full-of-dirt
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:16
Resilience Sometimes Begins with a Face Full of Dirt | Nazareth Catholic Community
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8406 5000
Registrar / Enrolments:
8406 5012
Early Childhood Centre:
8406 5080
Findon Campus:
Primary Years (R-6) Admin:
8406 5100
Absentee Line:
8406 5105
Absentee Email:
click here
Flinders Park Campus
7-9 Administration:
8406 5300
Absentee Line:
8406 5305
Absentee Email:
click here
Kidman Park Campus
10-12 Administration:
8406 5200
Absentee Line:
8406 5305
Absentee Email:
click here
Uniform Shop:
8351 7486
OSHC:
0439 896 557
SEND ONLINE ENQUIRY
News
30 June 2025
Resilience Sometimes Begins with a Face Full of Dirt
There’s a moment on every camp – a quiet pause after the tents are up, the final push to the top of a steep trail, or the freedom of catching a wave – when learning looks completely different. Out here, away from desks and devices, students are challenged to think on their feet, rely on one another, and discover just how capable they really are.
At Nazareth, Outdoor Education is more than just a subject. It’s a dynamic, experience-rich program that helps students in Years 9 to 12 build resilience, confidence, and connection – with themselves, each other, and with the natural world.
Throughout the program, students take on a variety of outdoor challenges: from bushwalking and camping to surfing and kayaking. They learn to cook their own meals on Trangias, pitch tents, navigate unfamiliar terrain and work as a team – often in unpredictable conditions. Along the way, they develop essential skills in first aid, decision-making and problem-solving under pressure.
As students grow, so does the challenge. By the time they reach Stage 1 and 2, they’re planning multi-day expeditions, preparing meals in the bush, and stepping up as leaders. These are the kinds of experiences that shape character. They reflect, adapt, and discover strengths they didn’t know they had.
“Outdoor Ed has taught me how to collaborate independently and in teams while immersed in nature, and I’ve found new strengths and skills I can use in the long run,” said Eva (Stage 1). “Bushwalking camp helped me disconnect from the stress of day-to-day life, get away from my phone, make new friends, and reconnect with nature and myself.”
Edward (Stage 1) added,
“It’s allowed me to escape the classroom and learn new skills that will benefit me in the future. I feel extremely grateful to have had the chance to participate in this subject.”
“There’s something powerful about watching students learn beyond the classroom — to face challenges with courage, to care for each other, and to find wonder in the natural world. Outdoor Education helps shape character and connection: building resilience, gratitude, and a deep respect for the land and each other. Growth doesn’t come from staying comfortable; it comes from leaning into challenge and discovering you’re capable of more than you thought.”
–
Kate Zvirgzdins
(7-12 Leader of Teaching and Learning – Outdoor Education)
While the subject offers plenty of adventure, it’s the deeper impact that stays with students long after they’ve packed up camp. They grow in confidence. They develop a stronger sense of wellbeing. They learn to lead, to listen, and to take care of themselves, their peers, and the environment around them.
“A camp full of laughter, tears, sweat and joy – you find that resilience sometimes begins with a face full of dirt.”
said Aluel (Stage 1).
Outdoor Education also nurtures a sense of responsibility for the world around us. Through immersive experiences in nature, students come to understand their role as stewards of creation – learning the value of sustainable practices, ecological awareness, and care for God’s earth as part of our shared human responsibility.
In a world that’s increasingly fast-paced, digital and demanding, Outdoor Education plays a vital role in preparing young people for life. It builds the kinds of skills that can’t be taught through textbooks alone – adaptability, collaboration, self-awareness – and it does so through meaningful, memorable moments that simply can’t be replicated inside four walls.
Share
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Strong Women, Strong Community: International Women’s Day at Nazareth
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Beyond Numbers: Celebrating Outstanding SACE Results and the Stories Behind Them
Read More
02 Dec
Real-World Learning at Mini Woolies
Read More
Nazareth
Our Story
Our Faith
Our People
Our Locations
Our Facilities
Reconciliation
Careers
Contact
Learning & Care
Early Childhood Centre
Attending Our Centre
Primary Years (R-6)
Middle Years (7-9)
Senior Years (10-12)
Student Pathways
Career and Pathways Information
Vocational Education & Training (VET)
Work Experience
School-Based Apprenticeships
Industry Immersion
Microcredentials
Flexible Futures
Curriculum Handbooks
Careers Counselling
Faith Life at School
Wellbeing
Child Protection Curriculum
Learning Diversity
Opportunity
Student Pathways
Career and Pathways Information
Service & Leadership
Specialist Academies
Sport
Expressive & Performing Arts
Music
Digital Technology
Clubs & Programs
Beyond the Classroom
Faith in Action
Community
Community Engagement
Embracing Everyone
Be Involved
Playgroups
Graduate Life
University Partnerships
Wise Owls
Family Support
Parish Life
Enrolment
ECC Enrolment
College Enrolment
Book A Tour
Enrol Online
Enrolment Calculator
Fees & Finance
Year 7 Transition
Request a Prospectus
FAQs
News & Events
News
Calendar
Newsletter
Upcoming Events
Enaz Intranet
Family Info
Administrative Procedures
Bus Information
Cafes & Canteen
Communication
Curriculum Handbooks
Curriculum & Learning Support
Key Staff Contacts
Out of School Hours Care
Policies, Documents & Forms
Student Health & Welfare
Traffic & Safety
Uniform
Privacy Policy
Sitemap
Quick Links
Calendar & Term Dates
Newsletter
Upcoming Events
Fees & Finance Information
Canteen Ordering
Uniform & Fittings
Current Job Opportunities
E-Naz Intranet
SEQTA Engage
Consent2Go
Career & Pathways Information
10-12 Senior Years Information
R-12 Music Information
R-6 Sport Information
7-12 Girls Sport Information
7-12 Boys Sport Information
Contact Us
Central Administration:
8406 5000
Registrar / Enrolments:
8406 5012
Early Childhood Centre:
8406 5080
Findon Campus:
Primary Years (R-6) Admin:
8406 5100
Absentee Line:
8406 5105
Absentee Email:
click here
Flinders Park Campus
7-9 Administration:
8406 5300
Absentee Line:
8406 5305
Absentee Email:
click here
Kidman Park Campus
10-12 Administration:
8406 5200
Absentee Line:
8406 5305
Absentee Email:
click here
Uniform Shop:
8351 7486
OSHC:
0439 896 557
SEND ONLINE ENQUIRY
News
30 June 2025
Resilience Sometimes Begins with a Face Full of Dirt
There’s a moment on every camp – a quiet pause after the tents are up, the final push to the top of a steep trail, or the freedom of catching a wave – when learning looks completely different. Out here, away from desks and devices, students are challenged to think on their feet, rely on one another, and discover just how capable they really are.
At Nazareth, Outdoor Education is more than just a subject. It’s a dynamic, experience-rich program that helps students in Years 9 to 12 build resilience, confidence, and connection – with themselves, each other, and with the natural world.
Throughout the program, students take on a variety of outdoor challenges: from bushwalking and camping to surfing and kayaking. They learn to cook their own meals on Trangias, pitch tents, navigate unfamiliar terrain and work as a team – often in unpredictable conditions. Along the way, they develop essential skills in first aid, decision-making and problem-solving under pressure.
As students grow, so does the challenge. By the time they reach Stage 1 and 2, they’re planning multi-day expeditions, preparing meals in the bush, and stepping up as leaders. These are the kinds of experiences that shape character. They reflect, adapt, and discover strengths they didn’t know they had.
“Outdoor Ed has taught me how to collaborate independently and in teams while immersed in nature, and I’ve found new strengths and skills I can use in the long run,” said Eva (Stage 1). “Bushwalking camp helped me disconnect from the stress of day-to-day life, get away from my phone, make new friends, and reconnect with nature and myself.”
Edward (Stage 1) added,
“It’s allowed me to escape the classroom and learn new skills that will benefit me in the future. I feel extremely grateful to have had the chance to participate in this subject.”
“There’s something powerful about watching students learn beyond the classroom — to face challenges with courage, to care for each other, and to find wonder in the natural world. Outdoor Education helps shape character and connection: building resilience, gratitude, and a deep respect for the land and each other. Growth doesn’t come from staying comfortable; it comes from leaning into challenge and discovering you’re capable of more than you thought.”
–
Kate Zvirgzdins
(7-12 Leader of Teaching and Learning – Outdoor Education)
While the subject offers plenty of adventure, it’s the deeper impact that stays with students long after they’ve packed up camp. They grow in confidence. They develop a stronger sense of wellbeing. They learn to lead, to listen, and to take care of themselves, their peers, and the environment around them.
“A camp full of laughter, tears, sweat and joy – you find that resilience sometimes begins with a face full of dirt.”
said Aluel (Stage 1).
Outdoor Education also nurtures a sense of responsibility for the world around us. Through immersive experiences in nature, students come to understand their role as stewards of creation – learning the value of sustainable practices, ecological awareness, and care for God’s earth as part of our shared human responsibility.
In a world that’s increasingly fast-paced, digital and demanding, Outdoor Education plays a vital role in preparing young people for life. It builds the kinds of skills that can’t be taught through textbooks alone – adaptability, collaboration, self-awareness – and it does so through meaningful, memorable moments that simply can’t be replicated inside four walls.
Share
In other news
06 Mar
Strong Women, Strong Community: International Women’s Day at Nazareth
Read More
16 Dec
Beyond Numbers: Celebrating Outstanding SACE Results and the Stories Behind Them
Read More
02 Dec
Real-World Learning at Mini Woolies
Read More