Programs at Bickley

Challenge by Choice

All camp instructors facilitate programs in accordance with the philosophy of Challenge by Choice. This is based on experiential learning theory, which we define as being able to undertake an experience that a participant can relate back to their life or existing lifestyle in a positive way.

There is an understanding that everyone has varying thresholds for challenge and these challenges can range in their nature and variety. We aim to provide an experience that enables participants to determine their own level of challenge and broaden and develop their perceived limitations through participation in adventure activities both in individual and team environments.

All camps staff will aim to provide a safe experience in which the participant can explore and extend their abilities and limitations. Our Department Camps Program Standards and Instructor Code of Ethics encompass that overriding intent. Participation through excessive pressure and intimidation will not be supported.  

This ethos recognises that the attempt is more significant than the result.

Programs

Bickley offers structured recreation programs. Year levels are based on recommendations from the Department of Education and the Department's Camps Chain Safety Group. Some programs are offered to younger students, however please contact the camp for more information.

• Roping
• Water
• Land
• Self-directed
• Photo gallery

Roping programs

Onsite abseiling (school year 7+)

• Duration: 3.5 hours.
• Perfect for learning to abseil the 5 and 10 metre abseiling program is on a natural rock adjacent to the campsite. This is a great program for personal challenge and putting participants outside their comfort zone.

Flying fox (school year 3+)

• Duration: 1.5 hours.
• Participants zoom across a 50m high speed traverse across the picturesque Bickley Reservoir. Extra challenge and excitement can be added to the activity once participants are comfortable with the program. Flying fox is great for personal challenge and teamwork.

Leap of faith (school year 8+)

• Duration: 1.5 hours.
• This activity consists of a 9m high wooden pole, with a small platform on top. Participants are required to climb the pole, stand on the platform and then jump for a trapeze bar. Nerves of steel are required for this leap of faith.

Vertical challenge (school year 5+)

• Duration: 1.5 hours.
• The vertical challenge activity consists of three independent climbing elements: a ladder climb,vertical cargo net and a pole climb that incorporates the use of rock climbing holds. Participants work in small groups to safely belay the climbers up each element before lowering them back to the ground.The use of belay banks allows all the participants to be involved.

Water programs

Canoeing (school year 4+)

• Duration: 1.5 hours.
• Participants are guided through basic canoe maneuverability and safety aspects, including the techniques of rafting up and capsize recovery. Each participant is provided with a personal flotation device (PFD) and a paddle. During the session participants may be involved in a number of activities including shuttle and obstacle course races, canoe polo, balancing challenges or simply a leisurely paddle on the reservoir.

Raft making (school year 4+)

• Duration: 1.5 hours.
• Participants are given advice on how to construct rafts using ropes, planks and drums. They then build rafts in teams in preparation for a major paddle challenge. This program is a unique team building activity aimed at encouraging a group to work together more effectively.

Swimming supervision (school year 1+)

• Duration: 1 hour including brief.  
• Supervision for swimming can be provided to ensure that safety guidelines are followed.
• Staff are trained to perform rescues and provide first aid if required.

Land programs

Flora and Fauna bush walk (school year 3+)

• Duration: 1.5 hours
• Participants are led on a 4.5km circuit by a qualified instructor through the Bickley valley adjacent to the camp. A wide variety of plant and animal life can usually be observed while completing this bushwalk. Participants use a flora map to spot different plant species. A great way to experience some amazing views from the top of the hill.

Hut building (school year 1+)

• Duration: 1.5 hours
• A storm is coming!
• Participants need to work in small groups to construct emergency makeshift shelters in a bush environment. Before dismantling the shelters they are tested for their sturdiness and their ability to repel rain.

Mountain biking beginner (school year 7+)

• Duration: 1.5 hours.
• The beginners program requires a reasonable level of fitness and basic bike handling skills. This ride is 7km in length and takes you from Bickley Camp to Victoria Reservoir and back.This ride takes in the scenery of the Victoria Reservoir Catchment Area.

 Mountain biking advanced (school year 8+)

• Duration: 3 hours.
• The advanced program requires a moderate level of fitness and moderate bike handling skills. The advanced program is 13.5km in length and includes some downhill track and sections of rocky descent. This ride takes in the scenery of the Victoria Reservoir Catchment Area.

Orienteering (school year 4+)

• Duration: 1.5 hours.
• Participants use topographical maps of the Bickley Valley to search for and locate markers in the surrounding area. Two-way radios are provided for Orienteering teams to keep in contact with the instructor. This program supports map reading skills, teamwork, prioritising, communication and cooperation to obtain more points than other teams. For groups with minimal experience in the use of topographical maps, the instructor will teach the participants how to use these maps effectively.

Search and rescue (school year 4+)

• Duration: 1.5 hours.
• This program is popular as it supports map reading and deciphering skills in a team setting. Participants use detailed topographical maps of the Bickley Valley area and two-way radios to locate the missing military remnants and obtain the code words. They must be on the look-out for the enemy to avoid being captured.

Team building (school year 1+)

• Duration: 1.5 hours.
• This program is a collection of team challenges designed to make participants think outside the square to solve an array of problems. The problems are designed to develop and improve group skills. Improved communication, cooperation, trust and leadership can be achieved through this program.

Corporate activities

Bickley challenge

• Duration: half or full day.
• Participate in the Bickley challenge with your work colleagues to develop team building, communication, and leadership skills. This activity can be facilitated as a half or full day activity.
• During your journey, your team will need to locate clues, find equipment, and complete a series of challenges to enable your team to successfully complete their mission.

Self-directed activities

There are a number of activities that are free of charge in the Bickley Valley area including numerous walking and mountain biking opportunities adjacent to the camp.

The camp has a multipurpose court area that is available to Kookaburra dormitory clients for free play, however please check the availability with our staff. Groups are advised to bring their own sporting equipment.

Further information about self-directed activities can be obtained by contacting the camp on 61 8 9492 9781.

Victoria Dam bush walk

Duration: Allow 2 to 3 hours.

The 7.2km return easy/moderate walk from Bickley Camp to Victoria Reservoir is steeped in local history. Walk on the track constructed for the very first saw mill in WA, cross the oldest wooden bridge in Australia and arrive at the first dam built in WA, constructed in 1891. Admire the Old Victoria Dam wall as well as taking in the spectacular bushland and city views from the top of the new Victoria Reservoir.

Directions and map for the Victoria Dam walk below.

Internal Orienteering (school year 1+)

Duration: 1 hour.

A small orienteering course within the Kookaburra camp area is available for dormitory groups. Using the camp buildings to navigate, participants will find markers with letters on them to create a word.