In a time when young people are increasingly glued to screens, outdoor adventures and challenges are vital tools for building resilience, confidence, and connection.
“Many young people struggle to engage with anything that’s not right in front of them,” said Dylan Smith, PCYC Queensland’s Outdoor Recreation Centre Regional Manager who oversees operations at the PCYC Bornhoffen and PCYC Capricorn Coast – both popular sites for school and leadership camps.
“They’re smart, but when you take them out of their normal environment, it’s daunting at first because it’s not something they are used to – but thatt’s where growth happens and when they are guided through it, the benefits are huge.”
Outdoor camps and programs offer children and teens a rare chance to unplug, challenge themselves, and develop critical life skills. From bushwalks to team-building activities, these experiences are carefully designed to stretch comfort zones and build self-awareness.
Dylan draws inspiration from the philosophy of Kurt Hahn, who warned of the “Seven Declines of Modern Youth,” including reduced fitness, initiative, imagination, and self-discipline.
“Those declines still ring true today,” Dylan said.
“We’re trying to counter that by creating spaces where young people can move, think, collaborate, and grow. I would say that at least 90% of our young people – likely more – walk away from our camps knowing more about themselves, and, importantly, each other, able to work together through their school lives.”
The benefits go far beyond the physical.
Camps foster social connection and emotional development. Group dynamics are an important part of the process, with students who arrive shy or uncertain forming bonds, facing challenges, and learning from both success and failure.
“We take them through a natural evolution: forming, storming, and eventually performing,” said Dylan.
“It’s about learning to work together, solve problems, and realising that it’s okay to make mistakes.”
Importantly, these programs are inclusive.
“Out here, it’s a level playing field. We’ve seen students who struggle in the classroom become leaders on camp,” said Dylan.
“This is where kids find out what they’re made of. They discover that there’s more in them than they know—and once they realise that, they won’t settle for less.”
For schools seeking camp experiences that provide adventure, personal growth and lasting memories, PCYC Queensland’s outdoor recreation centres Bornhoffen, in the Gold Coast hinterland, and Capricorn Coast in Yeppoon offer tailored programs for all school aged young people.
