Bushcraft is an important skill

• Personal challenge is a feature of all MLC camps

  Outdoor Education Program
• The Duke of Edinburgh 's Award Scheme

We know a great deal of learning goes on outdoors! Learning can take place anywhere, any time and does in wonderful programs that encourage leadership, independence, personal challenge and taking yourself into the great outdoors of Australia . We know that by encouraging the girls to know their physical environment they will in the future become citizens who truly care for it also.

Outdoor Education Program

The Outdoor Education Program offers powerful experiences and challenges for life. In an environment of encouragement and positive recognition these experiences facilitate personal growth.

Students from Years 3 to 12 take part in a yearly camp where they are introduced to a carefully structured combination of initiative tasks, outdoor skills and adventure activities. They are challenged and extended in order to improve their decision-making skills.

Activities are planned so that the students build on their past experiences and thus face more difficult challenges as they mature.

The encouragement of leadership, cooperation, initiative and communication at each level is aimed at promoting self esteem and establishing a special kind of rapport with the teachers and tutors in charge of their particular group.

It is one of the most special times of the year for all our girls.

Girls in New Zealand on a Gold D of E Expedition

Duke of Edinburgh 's Awards Scheme

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme is a voluntary program of activities for anyone aged 14-25. It offers an individual challenge and encourages young people to undertake exciting, constructive and enjoyable activities in their free time. The girls at MLC are fully supported by MLC staff in their Duke of Edinburgh Award levels. The scheme is non-competitive such that anyone with enterprise and effort can gain an award. MLC puts forward one of the largest groups of awardees in Sydney schools each year. Every year we acknowledge at Speech Night our wonderful Gold Award Recipients.

This Scheme challenges young people through a balanced program of practical, physical and cultural activities.

Pack and Paddle are popular expeditions

The sections involve:

• Service (helping the community)
• Skills (a hobby, skill or interest)
• Physical Recreation (sport, dance, fitness)
• Expeditions (on foot, cycle, horseback or water)
• Residential Project ~ Gold only (an enterprise with people not known to the participant

While doing this they have a lot of fun with their friends, build new friendships, gain valuable experience through leadership and adventure. .

Although the Scheme can commence for students at 14 years of age at MLC waiting until Year 10 means the girls are really ready to make the commitment to the Scheme and get the most out of it.