2027 IBSC Annual Conference

2027 IBSC Annual ConferenceThe Scots College

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

June 30 – July 3

The Glengarry Experience

The Scots College Glengarry Campus

June 27 – 29

Frequently Asked Questions

What weather and temperature could I expect?

Glengarry and Bannockburn campuses of Scots are south of Sydney, where the climate is similar although perhaps slightly cooler. During July, temperatures in Sydney reach their annual minimum, typically fluctuating between a crisp overnight low of 8°C and a mild afternoon peak of 17°C (46°F to 63°F). July tends to be a drier month, but wet weather is still possible.

What clothing and equipment do I need?

You will be active throughout The Glengarry Experience, so should wear comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes for walking. A raincoat is essential, as we will still be outside in the event of wet weather. A broad-brimmed sunhat will be useful, as well as a beanie for cold nights. You will need a warm jacket and layers to adjust to the various conditions throughout the day/evening. You will not be going swimming, but a set of clothes that can get wet/muddy will be helpful for your adventures!

Delegates will receive a suggested packing list closer to the conference date.

Can you cater for my dietary needs?

Yes! We can cater for most dietary needs. If you have complex needs or want to be confident about avoiding certain foods, please feel free to email Jeff Mann at j.mann@scots.college. 

Can I get medical care if I get sick or injured?

Scots staff are trained in first aid and can look after any immediate health issues. The closest hospital is about a 45-minute drive. International delegates should ensure they have appropriate travel insurance for an outdoor experience like this.

What are the three accommodation types?
  • B&B: Wildes Boutique Hotel is situated in Kangaroo Valley township, approximately a 15-minute drive from Glengarry campus. All bedding and towels are provided in a hotel-style room. Delegates will need to be ready early to be driven by minibus to Glengarry for breakfast and will return at the end of the evening. There will be an opportunity to take a shower on campus if you get wet or muddy during the day.
  • Dorm: Experience how the Scots boys live at Glengarry! Glengarry dorms accommodate up to 20 people in bunk beds, in pods of about six beds. Each dorm has a bathroom with shared showers and toilets. Charging outlets are available in the dorm common room. During The Glengarry Experience, dorms will be assigned as male, female, or couples/families. A sleeping bag, pillow, and towel are provided.
  • Tent: Experience how the Scots boys live every weekend at Glengarry! Tents for each delegate will be located near a dorm, where charging outlets and shared showers and toilets will be available. A sleeping bag, pillow, and towel are provided.
Can I bring my partner and/or children?

Delegates are welcome to register a partner or spouse. The program is designed for adults; however, if you wish to include older children in The Glengarry Experience, please contact us to check availability.

What are the outdoor activities?

Activities may change as we get closer to the conference dates, however the following activities are planned and delegates will have the opportunity on-site to make their selections. The Glengarry Experiences will include options such as:

  • Transportation from Sydney to Glengarry Campus
  • An Indigenous “welcome to country” ceremony
  • A student tour of the Glengarry campus
  • The Tough Mudder obstacle course
  • Native wombats and rock wallabies in their natural environment
  • Campfire yarning circles where we share authentically as a community
  • Southern Hemisphere stargazing and an astronomy session
  • A typical outdoor curricular lesson
  • Rite of Passage session
  • An interpretive walk through a native temperate rainforest
  • A flatwater canoe trip along the Kangaroo River
  • Abseiling/rappelling down a natural cliff face
  • A student tour of the Bannockburn campus
  • Regenerative agriculture session
  • Night walk in the Bannockburn wildlife sanctuary spotting endangered native animals
  • Short or long hike along the Coast Walk, possibly seeing dolphins or whales
  • Tall ship cruise from the Coast Walk up the coastline and into Sydney Harbour (or minibus transport for those who are prone to seasickness)
  • Celebration dinner and reflections at a harborside restaurant in Sydney
What should I expect on the tall ship voyage?

At the conclusion of the program, delegates will have the option to take a tall ship to return to Sydney. This unforgettable experience will include sailing up the Sydney coastline, in through the heads to Sydney Harbour, past The Scots College and the Opera House, and underneath the iconic Harbour Bridge. Lunch will be served on board, and toilets are available below deck. Delegates could experience some ocean swells, even though we will be hugging the coast, and should bring travel-sickness pills if needed.

What is the land-based alternative to the tall ship voyage?

Instead of going on the tall ship, delegates can opt for a relaxed lunch in the seaside town of Bundeena, before being driven by minibus through the southern suburbs to Sydney Harbour. They will see the Scots Brighton campus as we drive past Botany Bay.

Can I join the preconference experience for one or two days?

No. The Glengarry Experience is a full three-day program departing from and returning to Sydney, and it is not possible to join for parts of the program. Delegates will form a temporary community through shared experiences across the three days.