The Outdoor Education Group — Local services in Melbourne

The most traumatising experiences of my life! From years 7-10 my school went with OEG for school camps.

Firstly, the camp leaders would force you to partake in activities even if you are uncomfortable and scared. Then when you would try to participate (such as high ropes) they would pressure you to keep going. As someone who is deathly afraid of heights, being forced to stay harnessed in the air even after communicating to the camp leaders that I wanted to come down was truly irresponsible. This lead to rope burns on our hands.

Secondly, the majority of the tents had holes in them which is unfortunate when it is pouring rain and your sleeping bag as well as yourself get wet. One time the camp leader even refused to tell us the time, I mean that's just ridiculous we were so disorientated!

Thirdly, I understand the whole "camping" environment but expecting an all-girls school to release bodily functions behind a tree or in a metal box is so disgusting. They do not take into account girls' menstrual cycles and provide actual toilets/portable toilets with privacy.

As well as the camp leader's behaviour in general is appalling! stealing students' snacks, not giving them a private space to get changed, being inconsiderate of students' feelings (students crying) and overall not making the experience fun like it should be.

in conclusion, if you are a school looking to use OEG I would absolutely advise...

Was in camp for 3 days and had a tiring yet exciting experience with OEG. We had an group leader named Elle and she was so supportive to us including about female personal hygiene making us feel more comfortable. Elle taught us how to care for the environment and camp safely. Food wasnt the best but our experience there was memorable and enjoyable giving us an opportunity to connect with classmates and nature, OEG made sure that we kept the area clean. The amount of snacks they provided was more than enough and nutritious. The food met all the dietary needs and we enjoyed making memories around the campfire. Overall we are going to miss Elle and the great experience and memories that she provided us.

Sleeping mats could be better as they were uncomfortable to sleep on.

(Btw we recommend dont overpack because hiking is a pain with a heavy backpack.)

From A, E, S, L (hope...

This group markets to schools under the guise of minimal risk and reduced organisation.Reality is they provide a cloned experience that shows no flexibility to group needs or changing weather conditions. The camps are quite expensive even when you factor in hire of their sub standard equipment. We've had our children attend 3 camps over 2 schools so can no longer dismiss the fact that kids leave midway due to a poorly managed camp experience. Multiple children were taken to hospital with hypothermia on a camp in April. It is sad that the class teacher's abilty to make decisions is undermined by OEG . There is no evidence of fluid planning and no contingency. The support crew is insufficient so they just won't take any students requiring adjustments. OEG's priority is to maximise fees...even if this means some kids will leave with an...