Over nine immersive weeks, students at Tombolo Academy stepped outside the classroom and into the outdoors as part of the Bushrangers Survival Program.
This program is a hands-on learning experience that challenges students physically, emotionally, and socially. More than learning survival skills, students were invited to deepen their understanding of themselves, each other and the world around them, living our school values of respect, humility, resilience, curiosity, collaboration and empathy every step of the way.
Foundations of Bushcraft
The journey began with the basics of bushcraft, where students explored what truly matters in a survival situation. They learned to prioritise shelter, water, and safety while developing a respectful awareness of the natural environment and the risks it holds. These early lessons encouraged humility, recognising that nature demands care, patience and thoughtful decision-making.
Shelter, Teamwork and Creative Problem-Solving
In Week 2, shelter building brought collaboration to life. Students learned knots, tarp construction and creative problem solving as they designed shelters capable of withstanding the elements. Working together required communication, compromise and mutual respect, reinforcing the idea that survival is rarely a solo effort.
Food, Fire and the Strength to Persist
Food sourcing in Week 3 sparked curiosity as students explored bush tucker, hunting methods and trapping techniques used by our ancestors. Students gained insight into traditional knowledge systems while developing a deeper respect for where food comes from and the skill required to obtain it sustainably.
Fire-making in Week 4 proved to be a powerful lesson in resilience. Creating fire using ancient methods required persistence, teamwork and emotional regulation.
For many students, success only came after repeated attempts, which was a reminder that setbacks are part of learning and that resilience grows through effort and shared achievement.
Care for Others in Challenging Situations
As the program progressed into rescue and wilderness first aid in Week 5, students learned how to remain calm under pressure and care for others in emergency situations. These sessions reinforced the importance of looking out for one another and being prepared to help when it matters most.
Finding the Way Together
Navigation and orienteering in Week 6 encouraged confidence and leadership. Taking turns to guide the group using maps and compasses required trust, communication and collaboration. Students learned that leadership is not about control, but about listening, supporting and working together toward a common goal.
Observation, Independence and Connection to Place
The student-led bushwalk in Week 7 tested observation skills, decision-making and teamwork. Along the trail, students were tasked with identifying ideal survival locations and completing challenges that required adaptability and cooperation, strengthening their connection to the environment and each other.
Resources and Responsibility
In Week 8, cordage and water sessions saw students learn about survival bracelets and clay water containers while discussing dehydration, water scarcity and the challenges faced by people around the world in accessing clean water. These topics encouraged perspective-taking and gratitude for resources often taken for granted.
A Rite of Passage and Personal Growth
The program culminated in a powerful Rites of Passage Ceremony in Week 9. Students faced a series of survival challenges that tested every skill they had learned. The final ceremony marked not just the completion of the program, but the personal growth each student experienced, before emerging more confident, capable and connected.
Thriving Through Values-Led Learning
The Bushrangers Survival Program is experiential, values-driven and deeply meaningful. Through challenge and reflection, our students learnt not only how to survive, but how to thrive. We are so proud of our Tombolo students for participating in this experience. Find out more about student life at Tombolo Academy here.
Bushranger Survival Program operators, Calem and Ky, spent seven months living off-grid in the Australian Outback. Calem has had many years of experience running Bushcraft and Survival courses in England and Australia. He has also worked with Ernie Dingo on Camping on Country. Ky is an award-winning Hollywood stunt performer, survival author and outback guide, who has appeared on many shows. Calem and Ky have also co-hosted short-series Outback Lockdown. Find out more about the program by visiting Bushranger Survival.
