A purpose-built outdoor experience designed to help students step up, connect with others, and thrive

South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas chose Woodhouse Adventure Park as the venue to announce a major initiative focused on increasing access to school camps for students across South Australia.

The initiative supports Year 7 public school students to attend a school camp, recognising the important role outdoor learning experiences play in helping young people build confidence, strengthen friendships and develop resilience during the transition into high school.

At Woodhouse Adventure Park and Roonka River Adventure Park, we have worked with schools across South Australia for decades to deliver meaningful camp experiences that support connection, personal growth and leadership development

 Watch the announcement here 

Why Schools Choose Woodhouse 

For generations, schools have trusted Woodhouse Adventure Park to deliver meaningful outdoor learning experiences for their students.

Located just 25 minutes from the Adelaide CBD in the Adelaide Hills, Woodhouse offers a safe, well-established environment where students can connect, challenge themselves and grow together.

With decades of experience hosting school groups, our team understands how to create camps that balance adventure, wellbeing and learning outcomes.

Schools choose Woodhouse because we offer:

• Over 30 camp activities designed to build teamwork, resilience and confidence

• Comfortable group accommodation surrounded by 54 hectares of natural bushland

• Experienced facilitators who understand the needs of school groups

• National award-winning tourism experiences, recognised at the Australian Tourism Awards for both Adventure Tourism and Unique Accommodation

• A safe and well-managed environment trusted by hundreds of schools each year

At Woodhouse, Year 7 camp is more than just a few days away from school - it’s an opportunity for students to build friendships, discover their strengths and begin their high school journey with confidence.

The right camp at the right time 

Year 7 camps can support very different outcomes depending on when they occur during the school year.

Some schools use camps early in the year to support connection and belonging, while others use them later to build leadership, support wellbeing or celebrate the year’s journey. Understanding these different stages can help schools design a camp experience that delivers the greatest benefit for their students.

Term 1: Connection & Belonging

At the beginning of the year, camps can help students settle into their new school environment and build strong foundations within their cohort.

Outcomes may include:

• Building friendships and class cohesion
• Establishing positive relationships with teachers
• Creating a sense of belonging within the new school community
• Supporting the transition from primary to secondary school

Term 2: Confidence & Capability

By Term 2, many schools look for a camp that encourages students to challenge themselves and grow in confidence.

Outcomes may include:

• Building personal confidence and resilience
• Encouraging students to step outside their comfort zone
• Identifying emerging leaders
• Strengthening collaboration and problem-solving skills
• Re-engaging students who may be struggling socially or academically

Term 3: Reset & Re-engagement

A mid-year camp can provide an opportunity to reset group dynamics and support student wellbeing.

Outcomes may include:

• Re-energising students after mid-year fatigue
• Resetting group dynamics where challenges have emerged
• Strengthening peer support networks
• Promoting wellbeing and mental resilience
• Providing space for reflection and perspective outside the classroom

Term 4: Reflection & Celebration

Later in the year, camps can become an opportunity to celebrate how far the cohort has come.

Outcomes may include:

• Celebrating the Year 7 journey
• Reflecting on personal growth and achievements
• Consolidating friendships before moving into Year 8
• Finishing the year with a shared positive experience