oshc activities
Theme days / Survival Challenge Day

Survival Challenge Day ideas for OSHC

12 DIY activities for Survival Challenge Day at before and after school care or vacation care. Pick and mix, or build a balanced day in one click.

Build a Survival Challenge Day
Camp Out Day · Wilderness Adventure · Survival Challenge Day +2

Camp Out Afternoon

Children pitch tents outdoors and help make a simple camp afternoon tea on a portable stove, experiencing camp life at the service.

OutdoorModerateBig set-upYears 4 to 6Jungle Mission · Survival Challenge Day · Wilderness Adventure +2

Jungle Survival Kit

Children choose ten items for a jungle survival pack and explain their choices to the group.

IndoorCalmSome prepYears 4 to 6Survival Challenge Day · Camp Out Day · Life Skills Day +3

Knot Tying Stations

Older children learn useful knots like the reef knot, bowline and clove hitch using step-by-step picture cards.

EitherCalmSome prepYears 4 to 6World Water Day · Science Week · Science Day +3

Muddy Water Filter Challenge

Teams build layered filters from cut plastic bottles, gravel, sand and cloth, then race to make muddy water look as clear as possible and learn why treatment plants do more.

OutdoorModerateSome prepPrep to Year 6Survival Challenge Day · Camp Out Day · Craft Day +1

Paracord Survival Bracelets

Older children plait or knot a paracord bracelet with a buckle clip, a hands-on project they can wear home.

IndoorCalmSome prepYears 4 to 6Survival Challenge Day · Camp Out Day · Emergency Services Day +2

Pretend Campfire Safety Talk

Children gather around a pretend stick-and-cellophane campfire to learn real campfire safety, then share stories and songs.

IndoorCalmSome prepPrep to Year 6Desert Day · Survival Challenge Day · Science Week +2

Solar Still Survival Challenge

Children build a solar still with a bowl and plastic wrap, discovering how the sun can help collect drinkable water.

OutdoorCalmGrab-and-goYears 4 to 6Nature Play Day · Cubby Day · Outdoor Explorers +2

Stick Forts and Sculptures

Children build forts and sculptures from fallen sticks, string and natural materials.

OutdoorModerateGrab-and-goPrep to Year 6Block World Day · Survival Challenge Day · Emergency Services Day +2

Survival Skills Training

Children learn basic first aid and fire safety through a survival mission, practising what to do in an emergency.

IndoorModerateSome prepYears 4 to 6Survival Challenge Day · Challenge Day · Teamwork Day +2

Team Immunity Challenge

Older children compete in teams through puzzle and balance challenges to win a homemade immunity token.

OutdoorHighSome prepYears 4 to 6Survival Challenge Day · Cubby Day · Camp Out Day +3

Team Shelter Building

Older children work in teams to build a lean-to shelter from branches, rope and tarps big enough for the whole team.

OutdoorModerateSome prepYears 4 to 6Camp Out Day · Cubby Day · Wilderness Adventure +3

Tent and Cubby Building

Children work together to build tents and cubbies from sheets, poles and pegs, then use them for play.

OutdoorModerateSome prepPrep to Year 6