Gilwell Park Launches Cutting-Edge AR Sandbox for Outdoor Education
Gilwell Park Adventure Centre is excited to announce the arrival of our newest educational innovation – the Augmented Reality (AR) Sandbox. This interactive learning tool is set to transform the way students and visitors experience environmental education during school camps and community programs at our centre in the Dandenong Ranges, less than an hour from Melbourne CBD.
A New Way to Learn Through Play
The AR Sandbox combines real-world sand sculpting with advanced 3D projection technology. As participants shape and move the sand, topographic maps, contour lines, and even weather simulations are instantly projected onto the surface. This allows students to explore complex environmental concepts like:
- Topography and landforms
- Watersheds and river systems
- Weather patterns and climate change
- Bushfire simulations and environmental impact
This unique blend of technology and hands-on play creates an unforgettable experience that deepens understanding of the natural world.
Bringing Curriculum to Life
The AR Sandbox is already proving to be a powerful tool for school camps and outdoor education programs. Students can experiment, test ideas, and immediately see the consequences of their changes – building real-world problem-solving skills while having fun.
Beyond schools, the AR Sandbox also offers enormous potential as a training and demonstration tool for organisations such as the State Emergency Service (SES), Country Fire Authority (CFA), Disaster Relief Australia (DRA) and Parks Victoria. These groups can use the sandbox to model flood events, fire spread, terrain management, and environmental impacts – creating engaging and practical scenarios that support training, community education, and disaster preparedness.
“We’re always looking for ways to create authentic and immersive outdoor learning experiences,” said David Spelman, Commercial Manager at Scouts Victoria. “The AR Sandbox is an incredible addition to our Environment Centre, allowing us to blend technology with the bush environment in a way that is engaging, memorable, and curriculum-aligned.”
Partnership with Monash University
The installation was made possible through a collaboration with the Monash University School of Earth, Atmosphere and Environment, who provided expertise and support throughout the project. This partnership ensures that the AR Sandbox is backed by leading academic research and teaching practices.
The Future of School Camps in Victoria
At Gilwell Park, we’re proud to combine the beauty of the bush with the latest innovations in education. The AR Sandbox is just one of the many ways we’re enhancing the camp experience for schools, community groups, and corporate programs. Whether your group is here for a hardtop camp, journey program, or hybrid experience, our facilities and programs are designed to inspire confidence, connection, and curiosity.
Please email us at enquiries@scoutadventures.com.au to enquire about using our Environmental Education Centre and our new AR Sandbox.
