The Challenge

The Challenge is an exceptional leadership and team building program based on the character values of Courage, Mateship, Sacrifice and Perseverance.

The Challenge:

  • Is professionally facilitated

  • Is tailored and sequenced to meet your goals

  • Is fully catered, including dietary needs

  • Has 250 beds in air-conditioned accommodation

  • Ranges from one to five day programs

The activities in The Challenge are sequenced to maximise learning outcomes. Our programs are fully tailored to meet the needs of each group. Programming decisions include factors such as group size and age, the number of groups on site, weather and other time constraints.

The Challenge program is divided into three main activity categories:  

  • Introductory Activities           

These give participants an indication of how the system works at Emu Gully. It also provides Emu Gully and group staff some vital insights into their group dynamics. Participants learn to think outside the square, listen to each other and identify strengths within their team. In some cases, a group’s performance in these activities may determine the selection of further activities. Our introductory activities may include, but are not limited to The Charge, No Man’s Land, Hoop, Minefields, Skippy, Blanket Volleyball, The Swinging Log, Commando Cable Crossing and Escape from Colditz.

  • Core Activities

Based on historical events and theatres of conflict including WW1, WW2 and Vietnam, these activities provide both context and purpose with the opportunity for exceptional outcomes. The focus is on experiencing and demonstrating the core character values of Courage, Mateship, Sacrifice and Perseverance. The core activities include the Western Front, Siege of Tobruk, Bridge over the River Kwai, Tunnel Rats of Vietnam, Hellfire Pass, The Kokoda Track and the Night Walk.

  •  Extension & Elective activities

In addition to developing leadership, teamwork and promoting responsibility, our elective activities, Paintball and Buggies, are exciting and fun. They offer an “X-factor” that further enhances the Emu Gully experience. Due to the nature of these electives the following terms and conditions apply:

  • Paintball - Participants must be over 15 years of age

  • Buggies - Participants must be in Year 6 and above

These activities are an elective for The Challenge for an additional fee.

Our Facilities

The Challenge participants enjoy air-conditioned, cabin accommodation with 250 beds across 17 separate cabins.

Allocation of beds is determined by Emu Gully and influenced by factors such as the numbers of groups on site, the gender breakdown within those groups, and specific requirements such as ramp access.

BYO sleeping gear is required to suit a single bunk bed. We recommend bringing a fitted sheet to put over the mattress in addition to pillows, sleeping bags, and/or doonas.

What People Are Saying

“Thank you so much to all of the amazing Emu Gully staff for the most memorable camp experience for my Year 11 cohort. My staff and students have all enjoyed the incredible activities, challenges and true stories behind them all. I truly wish every Australian student could experience what you all have to offer, as the real life stories and history of this country that you share, then connect to each challenge and activity, is so important and valuable. From the planning and lead up, through to the accommodation, food and experience itself, Emu Gully is an outstanding learning adventure on so many levels. THANK YOU!”

- Chancellor State College Year 11

“I cannot express enough gratitude to Adam and the team. I have done a lot of camps in my time as a teacher and I can honestly say that I have not come across a team more capable, professional and downright fantastic. Please, pass on this thanks to them. Adam especially is incredibly inspiring. I am excited to be there again in two years time with my new group!”

- Daniella Shuttlewood Pastoral Leader – Year 11, SIENA CATHOLIC COLLEGE