At Waikato Diocesan, we aim to develop balanced young women who are empowered to meet their full potential, and we provide a wide variety of learning experiences to achieve this. Our outdoor education camps allow students to push themselves beyond their comfort zones in a controlled environment. Together they learn to manage risk responsibly while challenging themselves physically. In doing so, their confidence and self-esteem are enhanced, and their relationships with their peers are strengthened.

Teamwork, group interaction and basic outdoor skills are woven into the programmes. We believe that the environment, the culture and the history of the places we visit are essential to our sense of identity as New Zealanders and our place as citizens and custodians of the land. This theme is woven throughout our camp and retreat programme from Years 9 to 13.

To ensure that the experiences are challenging and that safety is paramount, the school uses specialist and experienced outdoor education providers with a low student/instructor ratio to lead the students on all activities and manage the camps. Dio staff accompany the students for pastoral support and to assist with some camp activities.  We also consult and work with guidelines from the Mountain Safety Council and other independent organisations.