ONE
ANGLESEA CAMP 2025
JUNIOR
HOMESTEAD
3-7 MARCH 2025
ANGLESEA JUNIOR HOMESTEAD ONE CAMP
February 2025
Dear Student and Parents/Guardians,
The Junior Homestead 1 Camp will take place in Anglesea from Monday 3 March until Friday 7 March 2025.
Homestead Camps are a cornerstone of the Woodleigh School experience – an opportunity for students to develop a sense of responsibility, respect, confidence, and self-reliance in a peaceful, fun, and supportive environment. This year’s trip to Anglesea will be no exception. Throughout the week, students will have the opportunity to camp, cook, surf, kayak, bushwalk, participate in conservation – all while building a strong sense of self and connections with their Homestead community.
The aim of the camp is to:
• Provide the opportunity to develop responsibility in preparing for student’s own requirements for a week.
• Develop and improve various camping skills and safety procedures.
• Foster a sense of community by living and sharing among the Homestead.
• Foster both student-teacher and student-student relationships, providing an opportunity for sharing, companionship, and support within an environment different from their daily school life.
• Encourage both confidence and self-reliance, especially with the more challenging activities offered.
• Develop “environmental awareness”.
• Enjoyment that comes with exploring new situations, being involved in new activities and being part of a secure, “alternative family".
• For students to develop an understanding of comfort zones and how to challenge them.
Parents/Guardians, please respond to the Operoo eForm and ensure that your child’s medical information is up to date.
In this booklet you will find further information regarding the camp so please read through this carefully.
If there are any further queries you may have in relation to this camp, please do not hesitate to contact me. We look forward to a fun and rewarding week!
Yours sincerely,
Mr Derek Kirk
Homestead 1 Camp
Coordinator
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Our camp is being held on the lands of the Wadawurrung people and we wish to acknowledge them as Traditional Owners. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present. We are grateful to be visiting their land and we recognise their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of this land.
PARTICIPATION
Participation in Junior Homestead Camp Week is a compulsory part of the school curriculum and all Year 7 & 8 students are expected to attend.
POLICY RELATING TO STUDENTS SENT HOME FROM CAMP
As a participant in the Homestead Camps program, there is a high level of responsibility and expectation with respect to behaviour. All normal school policies apply, in particular:
• Involvement with sex, drugs, smoking, vaping or alcohol is prohibited.
• A preparedness to participate wherever appropriate.
• Safety of all participants is paramount.
Infringement of these policies may result in the student being sent home, at your own expense.
Where a student does need to be sent home, for medical, personal, or discipline reasons, they will need to be collected from the camp by their parent/guardian - they cannot travel unaccompanied. In all cases, arrangements must be made with school and special arrangements may need to be in place for remote camps, ie. 3 or more hours from school.
SUNSMART POLICY
In keeping with the school’s “SunSmart” approach to outdoor activities, students are required to bring sunscreen, a protective hat (with a wide brim) and to wear tops which adequately cover the skin of the shoulders and back. In the event of water-based activities, students will need “rashies” or t-shirts. Sunscreen is an additional protection - it does not take the place of clothing or shade.
NUT POLICY
On Camp, we request that parents/students avoid bringing food products that contain nuts of any kind. In order to minimise the risk to students with severe allergies.
The school cannot guarantee that the camp environment will be 100% allergen free, hence students with allergies need to remain vigilant in their decisions around any food that they ingest.
EMERGENCY SCHOOL CONTACT
In the event of an emergency, or if you need to urgently contact your child, please do not ring the camp (or your child) directly but rather contact the school during office hours on (03) 5971 6100 or contact after hours on mobile 0482 888 022
RESPOND TO OPEROO EFORM
To enable staff to fulfil their duty of care to students, we need accurate and up-to-date information about medical and personal issues for all students. Please respond to the Operoo eForm and ensure that your child’s medical information is up to date. Any last-minute changes should be communicated directly to the leader of the camp as well as updated on Operoo. We do rely on this information, and parents do have a duty of disclosure, to ensure all relevant information is known.
INFORMATION COLLECTION POLICY
Confidential medical and other sensitive information collected and used for the running of this camp will be handled in line with the School’s Privacy Policy.
EXTREME WEATHER POLICY
We will modify our program based on weather forecasts - we will be in contact with Woodleigh School to review the week’s weather as it unfolds. In the event of a day being forecast to be Extreme (under the CFA Fire Danger Rating system) the program will be modified at the least, to ensure safety in the heat, and evacuation plans in readiness. In the event of a day being forecast to be Code Red (Catastrophic), the program will be cancelled in advance and students evacuated the day before. The School will use SMS and email to communicate with parents in such cases.
FIRE SEASON SAFETY
Please be aware with the unpredictability of weather patterns within Australia, this camp will be held during fire season times. In the case of a dry season, it is important that students should:
• Bring fire ready clothes (longs made of natural fibres).
JUNIOR HOMESTEAD ONE ANGLESEA CAMP INFORMATION
CAMP DATES
Monday 3 - Friday 7 March 2025.
MEDICATION ON CAMP
Any students taking medication on camp will need to provide all medication (in original packaging) to school by no later than Tuesday 18 February 2025. You can drop off the medication to reception anytime between 8am-4.30pm. Before handing in your child's medication, you are required to answer all the questions within the Operoo e-Form.
SPENDING MONEY
Students will need to bring approximately $15 for lunch in Queenscliff on Friday. Money should be put in a sealed envelope with the student's name and given to their tutor before boarding the bus on Monday. Envelopes will be redistributed to students on the return bus journey.
TRANSPORT
We will be travelling in a passenger coach to and from the caravan park at the beginning and end of the week, and we will travel by ferry between Queenscliff and Sorrento on the return leg of the trip. Whilst on camp, we will be travelling in a Budget Rosa bus driven by a Woodleigh staff member.
Departure: Students to arrive at Woodleigh at 8.00am on Monday 3 March, meeting at the Woodleigh main driveway carpark (entrance side) to load gear. The bus will depart Woodleigh at 8.30am, so please be on time.
As this will be a busy time on Monday and Friday with Homestead camps departing from and returning to campus, for safety reasons, please take note of the bus location map at the end of this booklet for where to park and drop off your child.
Return: Students will return to Woodleigh by 3.00pm on Friday 7 March.
Please note: Students will be required to assist staff unload the bus and return items to Homestead. We will have a final debrief at Homestead 1 before students can return to the main driveway at 3:30pm to go home.
LOCATION
Homestead Camp 2025 will take place in and around Anglesea, a quaint surf town located just ten minutes from Torquay on the Great Ocean Road.
ACCOMMODATION
We will be camping in tents at the Anglesea Family Caravan Park. Located just off the Great Ocean Road alongside the picturesque Anglesea River and Surf Beach, the park contains all amenities necessary to enjoy the outdoors whilst supporting our group’s safety, needs, and enjoyment.
MEALS
Cooking and eating outdoors is, for many people, a novel and unknown experience. Producing quality food is a skill that is learnt. Each small cooking group will be supplied with advice and some ingredients (as well as a little assistance from staff) thus ensuring successful, tasty, and nutritious meals.
The meal planner below will indicate when and what ingredients are provided by us and when and what ingredients are to be supplied by you. You are required to be actively involved in menu planning and selection of appropriate food (preferably not pre-packaged or canned food).
Speak to your parents and Homestead staff for advice.
Cooking groups are to be either two, three or four people.
You will complete a Google form to share your preferences for breakfast, lunch, Tuesday night group dinner, Thursday night’s fish & chips, and any dietary requirements.
Other information about food
A cut lunch is necessary for the first day. You will not be able to buy anything on the way to Anglesea.
Year 7's and 8's are required to cook and bring a nut-free, sturdy cake (Year 7) or slice/biscuits (Year 8) for shared group snacks. Make sure it is covered with tin foil, well-sealed in a container, contains NO cream, and has the ingredients clearly listed. You will give this tasty treat to your tutor before getting on the bus at the start of the week.
Make your own scroggin for hikes and snacks. Group treats will be provided by staff.
NO LOLLIES, SOFT DRINK, ENERGY DRINKS, CHIPS, CHOCOLATE. Healthy eating is crucial. Staff WILL provide treats from time to time - campers WILL SURVIVE! (The Year 9 and 10 camp experiences are very strict about this policy, so this is good practice!). COOKING GROUP
• We will supply milk (cow and soy), bread, cereals, spreads, sandwich fillings, and fruit each day.
• We will also supply certain ingredients.
• Please note what is supplied and when and plan what you need to complete the meal.
• We will provide some treats each afternoon and evening, however students will need to supply any additional snacks and/or drinks they may require.
ACTIVITIES
Walks: Anglesea offers several fantastic walks where students will have the opportunity to experience some wonderful aspects of nature such as inlets, bushland and beaches.
Surfing: We will be joining qualified surfing instructors who will be supplying surfboards and wetsuits and teaching us the basics. Those who can already surf will be given hints and tips appropriate to their skill level.
Kayaking: We will have qualified instructors who will supply wetsuits and kayaks.
Beach Activities & Games: Activities such as beachcombing, sand-castling, nature art, etc. and games such as cricket, frisbee, soccer, etc. will be available for our students.
Lawn Bowls: The Anglesea Bowls Club offers Barefoot Bowls for students to interact with others and learn new skills.
Giant Stand-Up Paddleboarding: Year 8 students will take part in a giant SUP lesson.
CLOTHING/EQUIPMENT
Be sensible when packing – we have limited room. Make sure you communicate and collaborate with your group. Look for opportunities to share so that not all students are bringing a lot more than they need for the week.
Name everything (somehow!). Old, familiar stuff is easy to recognise and less of a worry if damaged/lost.
Practise pitching a tent at home/school. Parents, we will be asking the students to bring their tent to school in order to check them.
Use the following checklist to guide your packing. Brainstorm any other equipment or gear that you could share and then initial who will bring what items.
Toiletries
• Toothbrush & toothpaste.
• Brush/Comb.
• Soap.
• Deodorant.
• Shampoo.
• Small packet of tissues.
Clothing
• Rash vest – required to go swimming.
• Sunhat/cap – required to be allowed out in sun.
• Underwear (5-6 pairs).
• Socks (6 pairs).
• Thongs/sandals.
• Runners.
• Shoes (suitable for hiking).
• Bathers.
• Bath towel.
• Beach towel.
• Shirts (3).
• Shorts (2-3 pairs).
• Long trousers/tracksuit pants for cold weather or night activities.
• Jumper/hoodie (2).
• WOOLLEN jumper.
• WATERPROOF jacket.
• Beanie.
• Sleeping attire.
Other
• Torch (and spare batteries).
• Sunscreen (at least 30+).
• Insect repellent.
• Sleeping bag.
• Sleeping mat/lilo.
• Day pack (for hiking).
• Water bottle 1litre – required for all activities.
Optional
• Wetsuit (will be provided for water activities).
• Camera.
• Guitar/ukulele.
• Cards/games/books.
Tent Equipment
Tent/Equipment Group (Maximum of 4 people):
Equipment
Sturdy, waterproof, appropriately sized tent (for your group)
Ground sheet
Small broom and/or dustpan brush
Card table
Chairs/stools (collapsible)
Tea-towels
Chux or Wettex
Plates, cups, knives, forks, spoons, etc.
Small garbage bags
3-6 metres of strong thin cord (washing line)
Large washing up tubs
Detergent, scourers, sponges, etc.
Hammers/mallets (to be left with staff)
DO NOT BRING
Who's bringing it
Staff
Staff
Staff and Students
Valuables, cameras or any articles that you don't want to get lost or broken, an excessive amount of money, any lollies or junk food, surfboards, kero/gas stoves or lanterns, mobile phones, electronic devices, laptops, iPads, game consoles, or tablets.
MOBILE PHONES
Please don’t bring Mobile Phones on camp. The concept of being in a “different place” is often upset by inconsequential contact with the normal world. Mobile Phones will be confiscated if seen/heard and locked away. These will be returned at the end of the camp. All care will be taken, however no responsibility will be accepted for confiscated phones.
SAFETY GUIDELINES
Personal safety is given top priority.
On site:
• No gas bottle stoves.
• No gas/kerosene lamps.
• Cooking outside, away from tent, and on a stable surface. Activities:
• Education Department Guidelines regarding staff/student ratios, qualified instructors, WWCCs, etc., are strictly adhered to.
• Activities will not proceed (or be planned in advance) if there is considered to be a risk factor involved.
• Only easy walks within safe environments will be undertaken.
• A staff tent and/or cabin is the first aid base - a staff member will be on duty at all times.
• All walkers MUST carry roller bandages and wear socks and shoes (to avoid snake bites).
• Sunscreen application and other SunSmart strategies will be monitored. Hats are essential whilst outdoors and a rash vest (or t-shirt) while undertaking any swimming activities.
• Around the campsite, students will be expected to follow guidelines that help minimise the risk of accidents or illness, e.g. tripping over tent pegs.
• At the commencement of every activity, students will be instructed on safety guidelines (one of the main aims of the camp is safety education).
• A report by the coordinator is submitted to the Outdoor Education Coordinator before camp.
RISK
There are elements of risk involved in this camp and whilst safety ratios and requirements will be adhered to, we believe it is important to make you aware of potential risks. These risks include but are not limited to:
• Exposure to hot/cold weather and extreme temperatures.
• Soft tissue injuries.
• Drowning or near drowning.
• Burns.
• Becoming ill due to unsafe food handling.
• Students becoming lost.
• Complications arising from a pre-existing medical condition.
To mitigate these risks, we will:
• Require students to have the appropriate safety clothing and equipment (list provided).
• Use reputable providers to deliver all water-based activities.
• Audit providers’ WWCC status.
• Check the weather and conditions daily and the program may change in the interests of safety if required.
• Adhere to safe food handling protocols.
• Check student medical records prior to the camp and parents asked to update Operoo. Parents will be contacted prior to camp if there are any questions or concerns.
BEHAVIOURAL EXPECTATIONS
• Normal school rules apply, including the Woodleigh Mobile Phone policy. Smoking, vaping, drugs and alcohol is prohibited, and any other forms of inappropriate behaviour is also unacceptable.
• No campfires.
• Please note there will be NO RECREATIONAL SWIMMING due to Education Department Guidelines.
• All students must have a rash vest for swimming activities, a hat, sunscreen, and a water bottle.
• Tents must be at least three metres apart and cooking stoves must be at least three metres from any tent.
• Never leave the campsite without the permission of a staff member.
• Each camper is responsible for the immediate environment and must keep it tidy and not damage any of the surroundings.
• No one is to enter anyone else's tent before breakfast or after dark. You will only enter someone else's tent if the people in that tent group are there and invite you in.
• It is courteous to be respectful and positive at all events, even those you personally find less interesting. A good night’s sleep will be essential - being tired will not only affect you but also others on camp.
• The safety of all participants is paramount.
HOMESTEAD ONE - ANGLESEA PROGRAM
TIME & DAY Morning Afternoon Evening
8.30am Bus departs Woodleigh.
Monday
Tuesday
Packed lunch upon arrival at Anglesea Family Caravan Park.
Wednesday
9.00am – 11.00am Service and conservation activities.
12.00pm – 2.00pm Set up camp. Fire drill and evacuation talk.
Thursday
10.00am – 12.00am
Year 7: Kayaking
Year 8: River/bush walk
Friday
9.00am – 10.30am
Year 7: Beach activities
Year 8: Giant SUP
10.30am – 12.00pm Camp concert prep
8.00am – 10.00am Pack up & de-brief.
10.00am
Note: All times and activities may be subject to change.
2.30pm – 3.30pm Barefoot bowls BBQ Meal.
Lunch
12.00pm – 2.00pm
Year 7: Beach activities
Year 8: Surfing
2.00pm – 4.00pm
Year 7: Surfing
Year 8: Beach activities
Lunch
1.00pm – 3.00pm
Year 7: River/bush walk
Year 8: Kayaking
Lunch
1.00pm – 3.00pm
Year 7: Surfing
Year 8: Pack up
3.00pm – 5.00pm
Year 7: Pack up
Year 8: Surfing
Leave Anglesea Family Caravan Park. 12.00pm Lunch at Queenscliff
Star-gazing.
Pasta Night
Camp concert intro and prep.
Stir-Fry
Scavenger Hunt & Trivia Quiz.
Fish and Chips. Camp Concert.
1.00pm Ferry to Sorrento. 3.00pm Arrive at Woodleigh. 3.00pm
Return to Woodleigh. Unload bus and return items to Homestead 1. 3.30pm Leave for home.
GROUP FOOD PLANNER
Meal Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
Breakfast HOME
Lunch BYO CUT LUNCH AND DRINK
We provide: Bread, spreads, cereal, milk. You provide: Any personal breakfast cereals (muesli, Corn Flakes, porridge, etc.) or spreads.
SALAD ROLLS
We provide: Rolls, butter, lettuce tomato, cheese carrot, sliced meat
Dinner BBQ
We provide everything
PASTA NIGHT
As a group you will fill out a Google form to order your ingredients – we provide everything.
SALAD ROLLS
We provide: Rolls, butter, lettuce tomato, cheese, carrot, sliced meat
SALAD ROLLS
We provide: Rolls, butter, lettuce tomato, cheese, carrot, sliced meat
BUY LUNCH AT QUEENSCLIFF
Supper
STIR FRY
As a group you will fill out a Google form to order your ingredients – we provide everything.
We provide: Various tasty treats. You provide: Sturdy Cake, slice, or biscuits/cookies to be shared.
FISH & CHIPS
We provide everything At home.
2025 HOMESTEAD WEEK CAMP BUS LOCATIONS
Please make sure you refer to your camp booklet for departure and return dates and times.
Parents, for safety reasons, please park in designated parking areas. These are located around Cruden Oval and the Gym.
BARRETTS ROAD
Woodleigh School is located on the estate of the Mayone Balug clan of the Boon Wurrung/Bunurong people, who have cared for the land for millennia.
MY CAMP CHECKLIST
Things to purchase / Things to take
