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Our 90 minute incursions are designed to inspire and empower students in their future interactions with the natural world. Through specific activities we encourage students to develop their resourcefulness, creativity, critical thinking, logic and reasoning, as well as universal skills like how to navigate using nature, procure water from trees and make distress signals. The majority of teachings have strong bases in science, psychology, history and physical education, and fit nicely with many aspects of the Australian Curriculum across the year levels.

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90 Minute Workshops

1. Primitive Fire Making

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When early humans developed a way to create and control fire, it instigated massive changes in our evolution and culture. As a survival skill, the ability to create fire using only the environmental resources available is a sure-fire(!) way to significantly improve your chances of surviving the elements [and be rescued]. Fires are used not only to keep warm, but to cook food and boil water, deter predators, harden wood and other materials, just to name a few!

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> Learn the ancient Egyptian bow-drill method of making fire using sticks and friction
> Understand why alternative drill methods can be ineffective or impractical
> Learn alternative methods using natural and artificial resources, such as electricity and glass
> Understand fire safety and impacts on the environment
> Learn how to use a fero-magnesium rod and prepare tinder

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2. Identifying and Using Natural Resources

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Most often a survival situation isn’t something you plan for. Many things found in nature can be used as tools for survival, whether it be to gain water, avoid poisoning or aid navigation. Students will learn to see the landscape as a rich resource for surviving and thriving in the outdoors.

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> Identify poisonous or toxic plants and vegetation anywhere in the world
> Australian native bush foods and medicines
> Find water sources by reading the landscape
> Using trees to produce water
> Safely prepare collected water for drinking using natural and assisted methods
> Safely test and prepare wild foods for eating

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3. Signal and Shelter Building

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At first glance, constructing a shelter of natural materials may seem easy. Add a bit of rain, a good dose of wind and a smidge of poisonous vegetation you’ve used for a roof and you’ll be in for a rude awakening! Making a sturdy and weather-proof shelter is a barrier between you and the elements, and can be a critical part of getting a good night’s sleep, or simply surviving the night outdoors.
Signals, with their own set of challenges, play a crucial role in attracting attention when times are tough; signal structures must be able to withstand the same conditions and be ready at a moment’s notice to be lit up by your primary fire when rescuers are close-by.

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> Construct a strong, weatherproof shelter
> Materials to use and why (or why not!)
> Position your shelter within the environment
> Construct signal fires
> Create smoke on a fire
> International distress signals
> Methods of attracting attention and being resourceful

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4. Natural and Assisted Land Navigation

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Many of us did some orienteering on school camp but if you had to use a compass again would you remember how? Chances are if you haven’t done it within the last year or two it would be a challenge, and the results could land you in a world of trouble! In this workshop students learn how to use a compass and map, as well as things naturally occurring in the environment to steer them in the right direction.

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> Read a basic map and use a compass to plot your journey
> Navigate via nature using plants, pebbles, stars, sun and moon
> Use other tools in your backpack, such as a wristwatch, pencil and paper

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Important Information for Schools

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• Each incursion is tailored to the group based on activities, location and estimated numbers

• Our incursions are designed for the outdoors however if no outdoor space is available a gymnasium or assembly hall will be sufficient

• Some incursions have a group size limit, please ask if this applies to the activities you are booking

• For incursions that involve creating fire, we will bring a specialised surface to prevent damage to grounds

• Group unit sizes will not exceed 40 students. Multiple units can be arranged.

• Teachers are required to supervise students during the incursions

• Sticks and Stones Adventures is covered by public liability insurance

 

Pricing

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90 Minute Workshops

• Max 20 students per instructor

• $850 + $10 per student (max 20 students)

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For larger groups price or for multiple groups over a day please contact us for special rates.

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Please note: a travel charge may apply for locations outside the Melbourne metropolitan area and greater Darwin region.

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The total incursion cost will be for the number of students confirmed by the organizer no later than 4 weeks prior to the incursion date. Should additional students attend, the final invoice can be adjusted to include the additional per head costs.

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Cancellation Policy

Cancellations must be made via telephone or email and may incur a cost depending on notice given prior to booked activity date:

• More than four weeks      = full refund of deposit

• Four to two weeks  = 50% charge of total cost

• 2 weeks and less = 100% charge of total cost

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