First Steps #OutsideIn2025
Exciting Adventure Awaits at Gilwell Park this January!
Gilwell Park is thrilled to offer Victorian Scout Groups the opportunity to embark on an action-packed and rewarding adventure to kick off 2025!
Join us for the Gilwell Park First Steps #OutsideIn2025 program—an exciting 3-day, 2-night experience camp designed to inspire and energise your Group with thrilling activities and unforgettable memories.
Program Dates:
- January 13 - 15: Scouts and Venturer Scouts
- January 15 - 17: Joey Scouts and Cub Scouts
At Gilwell Park, we provide the space, the activities, and the adventure—you bring the youth! Groups will camp in Units or Patrols and must ensure adequate supervision with at least one Leader per Group (or meet the Leader ratios required for Joey Scouts)
How to Book:
- Submit a booking form for your desired program dates to reserve your Group’s spot.
- Once confirmed, you’ll receive access to our guest portal to register individual participants.
Spaces are limited, so don’t miss this chance to start your year with an outdoor adventure like no other!
Included/Exclude
- Camping site fees
- Adventure leaders running the program
- Camp cooking equipment and facilities
- Leaders camp for free
- Tents (2/3 person tents are available for hire)
- Personal sleeping equipment e.g. mattress, sleeping bag etc.
- Personal clothing equipment / hiking gear.
- Food & Snacks
Sample Itinerary
Arrival & Welcome Lunch
Groups arrive during the late morning so they can have plenty of time to check in, and setup their camps in the assigned camping area.
Afternoon Activities
High Ropes
Develop your vertical skills with the help of our experienced facilitation staff. Practice belaying, refine your rope work, and master essential knots while building confidence up high. Work together with your peers to overcome challenging obstacles and take on the heights with skill and determination.
Archery
This focused archery coaching session is designed to improve both skills and enjoyment of the sport. Our Facilitators will guide you through techniques like proper body positioning, different sighting methods, and optimising bow setups to enhance accuracy and performance. Whether you're refining your existing skills or looking to expand your knowledge, this session offers personalised tips and hands-on practice to help you hit your targets with confidence.
Dinner
After an eventful day settling into camp and conquering the first adventurous activities it will be time for some much needed refuelling. Groups will head back to camp for some free time and to cook dinner using the provided Wok Star camping stoves.
Evening Activities
After dinner the Groups will come together for the evening entertainment. This will be age and weather appropriate fun finalised closer to the event, to ensure that it is 100% awesome!
Breakfast
After a fun first day and a good nights sleep its time to ensure the Group is fuelled ready to go for an action packed day.
Morning Activities
Climbing
Start by scaling the tower on the auto-belay wall, where Gilwell Park’s facilitation staff will assess your climbing style and provide coaching on movement techniques. Explore activities to build climbing endurance and speed, then head to the Bouldering Park to take on some of the challenges waiting to be conquered.
Abseiling
Learn key techniques for controlling your descent, managing ropes, and building confidence on the way down. This activity is a great way to develop trust, overcome fears, and enjoy a thrilling vertical adventure.
Lunch
Time to stop for a lunchbreak
Afternoon Activities
Gilwell Warrior
Challenge yourself on our Ninja Warrior course as our facilitation staff guide you through techniques to conquer each obstacle. From improving balance and grip strength to mastering efficient movement and strategy, you'll learn how to tackle nets, ropes, and swings with confidence. This activity combines skill-building and problem-solving to help you overcome each element and bring out your inner warrior.
Canoeing / Kayaking
In our canoeing and kayaking activity, our paddle sports coach's will guide you through the essential skills needed for effective paddling. Whether you're new to the water or looking to refine your technique, our coaching staff will provide personalised instruction on stroke techniques, balance, and safety. You'll have the opportunity to practice and hone your skills, gaining confidence and control on the water.
Dinner
As the day starts to feel as it is coming to a close it will be time for a delicious meal prepared by the Group using the Wok Staf camping stoves.
Evening Entertainment
Just when you were starting to think we couldn't squeeze anything more into the day and we head back out for more fun entertainment prepared for the whole Group.
Breakfast
After a fun first day and a good nights sleep its time to ensure the Group is fuelled ready to go for an action packed day and to pack up the camp.
Morning Activities
The final activity in the program is a bushwalk from Gilwell Park to the Kirth Kiln Regional Park, where you’ll visit a historical kiln site. Our Journey Program facilitators will assist the group with route planning and navigation skills, ensuring everyone can confidently follow the trails. The walk can range from 6km to 15km, depending on the age and experience of the participants, providing a rewarding challenge for all involved.
Lunch & Departure
Its time for the last meal before departing the camp. the Bodies will be aching, and eyes will be tired but memories of adventure in the wilderness will forever be remembered.