Gold Residential Project
Broaden your horizons and challenge your outlook with a unique Outward Bound experience for your Gold Residential Project.
The Gold Residential Project offers Participants unique experiences that truly broaden horizons, challenges their outlook and/or extends their comfort zone.
At the heart of the Gold Residential Project is the undertaking of a purposeful experience with people who are not the Participant’s usual companions, working towards a common goal. Adding to this, the young person is also outside of their usual place of residence, often in an unfamiliar environment with unfamiliar people.
It is hoped that the Gold Residential Project rewards Gold Award Participants with a sense of personal achievement, enhanced social connection with new and interesting people, and a truly life changing experience.
Personal and Skills Training Courses: Leadership
Outward Bound Australia is proud to deliver leadership skills training specifically targeted to young adults.
Outward Bound Leadership
- For all Gold Award Participants
- 5-days
- 3-nights in cabins + 1-night-campout
- Available in ACT during the January and July school holidays
- Designed in line with the requirements for the Gold Residential Project
Activity Based: Outdoor adventure courses
These are expedition programs run by Outward Bound Australia that you can join as a participant.
Although these are journey-based programs, they are quite different to the Adventurous Journey. Our programs are not about getting from Point A to Point B; we focus on practical initiative and collaboration skills, along with an opportunity to give back through environmental service.
Outward Bound Expedition
- For all Gold Award Participants
- 10-days
- 3 available locations, each with different primary journey modes.
Gusty Girls Adventure WA
- For all female Gold Award Participants
- 10-days in January school holidays
Service to Other People and Communities: Assisting as a leader at a camp for young people
We welcome adult (18+) volunteer assistant leaders on our term-time programs. A place is offered pending receipt of your resume/CV and an interview with our Program Manager. You must obtain a Volunteer Working With Children Check, or equivalent as per your State/Territory of residence.
We operate in the following locations and times of year as follows.
- ACT (Tharwa) February – November
- VIC (Buchan) Terms 2 and 3
- WA (Walpole) end of Term 1, then Term 4
If you would like to be considered for this Residential Project option, please forward your resume/CV and a statement about why you believe you are suitable for the role and mention the location/s and time of year you can be available to dukeofed@outwardbound.org.au
Please check your specific program for the required packing list.
At Outward Bound we take safety seriously
We endeavour to provide a safe but challenging environment for you. We believe that people grow and learn by taking a controlled level of risk in the outdoor learning environment.
Our comprehensive risk management system ensures all aspects of our programs are conducted in line with the Australian Adventure Activity standards.
Each participant completes a thorough medical & dietary form before arrival and our coordinated risk management plans detail the operational standards, guidelines and program structure, ensuring the health, welfare and safety of participants as our highest priority. Learn more by viewing our Safety and Risk Management page.
We’re always happy to answer any questions you may have over the phone (1800 267 999). Here are the answers to a few frequently asked questions.
Where can I obtain the items on the packing list?
Outdoor pursuits stores will have the majority of the items listed in the kit list. If you ask your family and friends, you may find that people you know already have these items that you can borrow. Outward Bound Australia have also partnered with CampList, which offers a hire/purchase service.
Where am I sleeping?
Residential Project programs include cabin-style accommodation each night. Some Projects may include an overnight camp-out. Please refer to your specific Project information and packing list.
Is food provided?
Yes, all meals and snacks are provided for Gold Residential Projects. We are able to cater for most dietary requirements. If you have a dietary need, please ensure to mention this when you complete the medical form.
Can I bring technology on program?
An Outward Bound program is your opportunity to ‘disconnect to reconnect’. However we do not take your phone from your for a Duke of Ed program. You can use your phone to take photos and we can not prevent you from looking at your phone at night. You will not be permitted to listen to music or talk on your phone during the Project activities.
Do I have to wear hiking boots?
We recommend hiking boots for all our programs. If you are unable to source these, you will need to find a suitable pair of lace-up, fully enclosed footwear, that has a rigid sole and provides ankle stability.
Do I have to bring the wet weather clothing?
We use the rain jacket and waterproof overpants as a heat-trapping layer in the evenings, just as much as a waterproof cover in the case of rain. For the majority of situations, we continue with the journey when it is raining, and so very strongly encourage participants to provide these items
Do I have to bring the thermals?
For programs running May – September, yes you do need to bring the thermal top and bottom to program. For programs running at other times, you can choose if you want to bring these or not. Overall, we recommend bringing thermals for any time of year, as they can act as a lightweight jumper in the evenings, or as a pair of pyjamas.
How fit do I need to be?
Although not an Adventurous Journey, a Gold Residential Project with Outward Bound does include a moderate level of activity in the natural environment. You need to feel confident enough to manage carrying a personal day-pack, which may weigh approx. 6-10kg, while walking on uneven ground.
Do participants come with friends, or as individuals?
The Gold Residential Project requires Award Participants to undertake a purposeful experience with people who are not usual companions. Most participants arrive on their own, and depart with a set of new friends.
What are the toilet facilities?
This is dependent on where you are throughout each day. When you are on our Tharwa Base, or in your cabin accommodation, you will have access to flushing toilets. During the day, and if you have an overnight camp-out, you may have access to public toilets, or need to use remote area toileting methods. Outward Bound will provide the necessary equipment if the latter is required.
Scholarships
We want as many people as possible to experience the advantage of a wilderness program in Australia. Through our charity arm, the Australian Outward Bound Development Fund, we can offer financial scholarship opportunities to those participants who would otherwise not be able to afford to come on a program.
To apply for a scholarship please refer to the Scholarship tab of your chosen program.
Fundraising with Prezentbox
Prezentbox is a digital platform that enables family and friends to contribute to your Outward Bound program. Read more about Outward Bound’s partnership with Prezentbox and how it works.
