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. 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.
An additional part of the Jabiru mission is to instill high levels of clinical reasoning in occupational therapists. Toward that end, the practicum program has been developed. For practicum therapists, the learning activities will include opportunities for formal lectures, discussions, and loads of practical, “hands on” experience.
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. 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!
The children will be assigned to groups by age and gender (about 126 children in all). Group activities are coordinated by a team. The team leader is one of The Sensory Gym staff or an occupational therapist who has previously attended Jabiru. This therapist will have been intimately involved in every step of the Jabiru process, from participant selection, to activity selection, to therapeutic supports and individualized sensory diets. These therapists will also coordinate each group’s adult team. The adult team will consist of at least one other occupational therapist, a practicum therapist, 2-4 OT students, and an outdoor education staff person provided by the YMCA. 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. 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.
Practicum therapists’ learning experiences will be facilitated by expert occupational therapists with advanced training in the clinical reasoning model used at Jabiru. We will also have the support of other expert clinicians from North America. All expert level clinicians will be therapists who are internationally recognized for their expertise in multiple paediatric occupational therapy frames of reference and treatment. This year we are excited to have Tracy Murnan Stackhouse, MA, OTR/L as lead for the practicum program as well as clinical support. All practicums will have 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 training in the clinical reasoning model from Tracy Murnan Stackhouse, MA, OTR/L, with additional support from the other international experts as well as Colleen Hacker, MS, OTR, and Lynette Burke, OTR/L. 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 actual “hands on” learning time and formal learning time available to practicum therapists averages about 12 hours per day.
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 Sensory Gym Time: 9am-5pm Meals: Snacks included with fee. Lunch on your own. Lodging: Available at Camp Yarramundi for an additional fee
Staff Orientation Day Date: April 12, 2026 Location: Camp Yarramundi Time: TBD Meals: Lunch and dinner included with fee Lodging: Included with registration fee
Jabiru Week Date: April 13-17, 2026 Location: Camp Yarramundi 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 in 2025 was $2500, which included 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).Fees for the practicum program in 2026 will be released shortly with adjustment made for increasing costs as needed. 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
