Please note that the location for Jabiru 2026 has changed as Camp Yarramundi will be closed for renovations starting in January 2026. Jabiru 2026 will be held at the Great Aussie Bush Camp in Kincumber (link to camp website) on the central coast. The address is: 38 Empire Bay Dr, Kincumber South NSW 2251. As part of Jabiru, part of our mission is to instill high levels of clinical reasoning in occupational therapists. Towards that aim, we are proud to host a practicum program for licensed therapists to deepen their clinical reasoning in an integrated, intensive, hands-on learning environment. Practicum therapists serve a unique role at camp, as they join a group and its OT leaders in a learning role. Learning activities include formal lectures, discussions, and loads of practical, “hands on” experience.
Overview of the Practicum Experience: Practicum therapists’ learning experiences are facilitated by expert occupational therapists with advanced training in the clinical reasoning model used at Jabiru. This year we are excited to have Tracy M. Stackhouse, MA, OTR/L as lead for the practicum program. Tracy has been supporting this program for many years now, alongside Lynette Burke, OTR/L. All practicums will have online access to the webinar "The SpIRiT of Pediatric Therapy (for Jabiru)" in the weeks leading up to Jabiru. Immediately prior to Jabiru there will be a practicum lecture day that includes formal, in-person training in the clinical reasoning model from Tracy, with additional support from the other international experts as well as Colleen Hacker, MS, OTR, and Lynette. All expert level clinicians are therapists who are internationally recognized for their expertise in multiple paediatric occupational therapy frames of reference and treatment. There will also be daily lectures for practicums throughout the Jabiru week with discussions facilitated by these expert clinicians, and all facilitators will be providing support for staff and participants throughout the days of Jabiru. The “hands on” learning time and formal learning time available to practicum therapists averages about 12 hours per day.
Overview of the Jabiru Model: Jabiru provides holistic treatment of children with sensory processing challenges, maximizing the inherent benefits of the natural environment and peer support and supplementing with individualized therapeutic supports for each participant. The participants selected for Jabiru typically would not succeed in a typical immersive experience due to the challenges posed by living with differences in sensory processing. While disruptions in sensory processing are the common denominator for participant selection, Jabiru utilizes a holistic format for maximizing therapeutic benefit for each child. Jabiru is a uniquely “occupational therapy” environment, for we see the children in all of their occupational roles across an enormous variety of daily living tasks.
The children are assigned to groups by age and gender (about 126 children in all). Group activities are coordinated by a team. The group leader is one of The Sensory Gym staff or an occupational therapist who has previously attended Jabiru. This therapist is intimately involved in every step of the Jabiru process, from participant selection, to activity selection, to therapeutic supports and individualized sensory diets. These therapists also coordinate each group’s adult team. The adult team consists of at least one other occupational therapist, a practicum therapist, 2-4 OT students, and an outdoor education staff person provided by the Great Aussie Bush Camp. This allows for individualized therapeutic intervention. The adult teams must work cohesively and collaboratively in order to ensure that the Jabiru experience is a positive and therapeutic one for each child.
The daily schedule is varied. There are numerous activities each day, all of which have intrinsic therapeutic qualities. A group might participate in abseiling, caving, crafts and games on one typical day. There is no specific “therapy” treatment time at Jabiru; rather, therapeutic supports are woven into the context of each activity throughout the day.
The majority of Jabiru participants will attend a day experience. We also typically have 60 overnight participants, including a group of “apprentices” who have previously “graduated” from Jabiru and are returning to Jabiru to work in varying capacities in the experience. Spending time with the overnight participants provides a unique insight into many of the challenges the children and their families experience on a daily basis.
Intersection of Jabiru and Practicum Program: Each practicum will be presented with opportunities to enhance professional development and skills within the framework of Jabiru’s goals for the children. It is essential that practicum therapists keep this philosophy in mind. The overall goal for each child is to have a successful experience; therefore, treatment will be geared at supporting this goal and will look different than treatment might in a typical treatment facility. Individual goals are set for each participant. These goals are used to assess the child’s individual progress and also the impact of Jabiru as a whole. We are constantly evaluating and improving the Jabiru model. In 2019, we completed a research study on the effect of Jabiru on adaptability in the participants. Check out our research page for more details!
All practicum therapists will be staying overnight at Jabiru, whether or not they are assigned to an overnight group. Your group will continue to process and complete the clinical reasoning tools (SpIRiT and STEPPSI tools) after campfire as well as have duties to support the overnight groups.
In applying, remember that the Jabiru environment necessitates active participation, physical stamina, and “forced intimacy.” The Jabiru environment is more than comfortable but may be “rustic” by some standards. It is an experience that can be life changing as well as a lot of fun, provided one comes with an open mind and flexible attitude about what each day will hold.
Practicum Dates and Logistics
Applications Open: August 2025 (please check back for specific opening date)
The SpIRiT of Pediatric Therapy (for Jabiru) Webinar Course taught by Tracy Murnan Stackhouse, MA, OTR/L Self-paced on-line study. Link will be provided prior to Jabiru (date TBA).
Practicum Lecture Day Date: April 11, 2026 Location: The Great Aussie Bush Camp in Kincumber on the Central Coast Time: 9am-5pm Meals: Snacks included with fee. Lunch on your own. Lodging: Available at The Great Aussie Bush Camp for an additional fee
Staff Orientation Day Date: April 12, 2026 Location: The Great Aussie Bush Camp in Kincumber on the Central Coast 38 Empire Bay Dr, Kincumber South NSW 2251 Time: TBD Meals: Lunch and dinner included with fee Lodging: Included with registration fee
Jabiru Week Date: April 13-17, 2026 Location: The Great Aussie Bush Camp in Kincumber on the Central Coast 38 Empire Bay Dr, Kincumber South NSW 2251 Lectures: 12-2pm daily Mon-Thur, 7:30-9:30am Fri Meals: Breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner included with registration fee Lodging: Included with registration fee
Practicum Application
Applications will be taken until positions are full. Full payment is required at the time of application, and will be refunded if a space is not available for you. The fee for the practicum program is $2500, which includes meals and lodging for 12th April 2025 through 17th April 2025 as well as the professional development experience (i.e., SpIRiT of Pediatric Therapy course, practicum lecture day, lectures throughout the Jabiru week, and hands-on learning opportunities). If you have any questions about the practicum program or application process, please email [email protected].
You will need to upload:
Working With Children Check
Recent photo of yourself that will be shared with participants and your group leaders
