The outdoor education facility is owned and operated by Scottsdale High School and has been running since 1976.

In that time has hosted countless Tasmanian students on school camps as well as many community groups and elite sporting teams  like Essendon Football Club, North Melbourne Football Club and the Tasmanian Tigers cricket team.

Board chairman Craig Searle said that the purpose of the function was to say thank you to the countless people and organisations that had helped with the centre over the past 40 years and to celebrate its 40 years of survival camps.

``About 120 people attended, representing  the original builders, service clubs, community groups, past and present teachers, ex-students, volunteers, sponsors, resident teachers and supporters,’’ he said.

``A delicious lunch was provided by local business Pepper Bush Adventure.’’

Mr Searle paid tribute to Don Dickenson, who oversaw the building of the centre and Apsley MLC Tania Rattray for her continued support.

Mr Searle also presented life membership certificates to David Waldron and Jeff Jennings, both of whom have been associated with the centre since it was built.

``David (Waldron) worked on the building as an apprentice and then became secretary of the board of management, a position he has held for over 30 years,’’ Mr Searle said.

``Jeff (Jennings) had the original vision to build an outdoor education centre and was chairman of the board for over 20 years.

``He was also the teacher who came up with the idea of survival camps and has been involved with that programme for 40 years.’’

Mr Searle also thanked members of the board of management for their help in organising the

function and their ongoing work in ensuring the centre continued to be a high-class facility.