JUNIOR HOMESTEAD 2 CAMP
3-7 MARCH 2025
TORQUAY
February 2025
Dear Student and Parents/Guardians,
The Junior Homestead 2 - Torquay Camp will take place from Monday 3 March to Friday 7 March 2025.
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 an “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,
Ms Cass Kitto
Junior Homestead 2 Camp Coordinator
Woodleigh
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 2 TORQUAY 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 at Bounce Inc. 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
Students will travel to Torquay and back by coach. Whilst on camp, students will be transported in a minibus driven by qualified staff. A staff car may also be used for any medical or camp related situations.
Departure: Students to arrive at Woodleigh at 8.00am on Monday 3 March, meeting at the 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 approximately 4.00pm 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 in Homestead 2 before students can return to the main driveway at 4:30pm to go home.
LOCATION
Torquay is situated on the southwest coast of Victoria, 21 kilometres south of Geelong and is approximately 2 hours' drive from Woodleigh School. The town is the gateway to the Great Ocean Road and the area is famous for its surf beaches, such as the iconic Bells Beach.
ACCOMMODATION
Students and staff will be camping in tents at Torquay Foreshore Caravan Park.
MEALS
Cooking and Tent Groups
During Week 2 and 3 of Term 1 we will form tent and cooking groups, study the equipment lists and check gear at school. We will practice setting up tents to be used on camp on Tuesday 11 February. Tents must be brought to school on this day and will remain to be packed for the camp. Most camping gear you will have at home or can easily borrow.
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 ingredients (as well as a little assistance from staff) thus ensuring that you have successful, tasty and nutritious meals. Cooking groups can be two, three or four people.
Other Information About Food
• A cut lunch is necessary for the first day. Students will not be able to buy anything on the way to Torquay.
• Fruit, biscuits and other snacks will be provided for morning and afternoon tea each day.
• Students may bring their own scroggin/snacks for walks and the various activities. Group treats will be provided by staff.
• Strictly no lollies, soft drink, energy drinks, chips, chocolate. Healthy eating is crucial. Staff will provide treats from time to time, your children will survive!
• Important: No nuts or nut products are to be brought on camp, due to the risk of allergic reactions. Check packaging ingredient labels for evidence of nuts.
ACTIVITIES
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).
Sea kayaking: Qualified staff will be taking Woodleigh staff and students sea kayaking.
Walks and exploring: Torquay (Year 7 and 8) and Torquay to Bells Beach (Year 8 students only).
Environmental Education and Conservation activity: Educators from the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority will guide us in an environmental conservation session involving weeding, sand dune regeneration or a similar activity as a way of further learning about the local environment and giving back to the local area.
Beach Game and other activities: Cricket, Frisbee, team challenges, etc.
Surf Museum: Visit and tour of SurfWorld Museum in Torquay.
Bounce Inc.: On the way home we will stopping off at Bounce for a play and stretch before we journey home. Here you will have the opportunity to buy lunch.
Year 8 Surprise Activity: As is tradition, the Year 8's will be participating in a surprise activity on the Thursday afternoon. Stay tuned for a fun time!
PLEASE NOTE: All aspects of the camp are subject to weather conditions and variations to the program may occur to ensure safety of all participants.
CLOTHING/EQUIPMENT
Students MUST wear a hat and sunscreen when in the sun. A ‘rash vest’ or similar must be worn when in the water. A t-shirt or rash vest must be worn at all times when outside – this includes activities on the beach.
Be sensible when you’re packing because we have limited room. Pack personal items into one bag and name sleeping gear and tie together. We will have a practice ‘tent pitching session’ on Tuesday 11 February and tents will need to be brought in by students and checked prior to Camp Week.
Names and Phone Numbers
Below you should list the names and phone numbers of your tent and cooking group. This will provide you with a quick easy access just in case you need to contact a member of your group prior to camp.
To be filled out by parents:
Tent Group
Name Contact Phone Number
Cooking Group
Name Contact Phone Number
Group items I am bringing
Toiletries
• Toothbrush/toothpaste.
• Brush/Comb.
• Soap.
• Deodorant.
• Small pack of tissues.
• Other - as required.
Clothing
• Underwear (5-6 pairs).
• Socks (5 pairs).
• Thongs or sandals.
• Runners or boots (suitable for bushwalking).
• Tracksuit pants.
• Bathers.
• Rash shirt or t-shirt for swimming.
• Bath towel.
• Beach towel.
• 3-4 T-shirts.
• Shorts.
• Long trousers (not denim).
• Jumper/windcheater.
• Waterproof jacket.
• Sun hat/cap.
• Sunglasses.
• Sleeping attire.
Other
• Torch (and spare batteries).
Woodleigh School Homestead Week Camp 8
• Pillow (inflatable).
• Sunscreen.
• Insect repellent.
• Sleeping bag.
• Sleeping mat (and pump if required).
• Pen/pencil.
• Notepad.
• Day pack.
• Water bottle – 1 litre at least.
• Clothes pegs.
• 2 garbage bags.
• Plates/cups/knives/forks/spoons.
Optional
• Camera (but no phones).
• Wetsuit (will be provided for surfing).
• Book.
• Small musical instrument.
• Cards/games.
Tent Group
Tent/Equipment Group (Maximum of 4 people):
Equipment for each group only:
Equipment Who's bringing it
Good waterproof tent
Ground sheet
Small broom (a dustpan brush is ideal)
Small table (to eat at)
Chairs/stools (collapsible)
3-6 metres of strong thin cord (washing line)
Hammers (one that can also pull out tent pegs)
AT SCHOOL PREPARATION
Students will be given time to plan, organise and prepare for camp during the Homestead sessions beforehand. They will be guided by their Tutor to do the following:
• Organise cooking/tent group.
• Draw up a list of who is bringing each piece of necessary equipment for the group.
• Bring tent to school for set up and checked by staff – where possible students then leave this and other equipment at Homestead until camp.
CAMP SNACKS – DO’S AND DON’TS
On camp students will be involved in many activities that use lots of energy. It is very important that the fuel they consume will enable them to make the most of the week.
DO Bring:
• Drinks – water, cordial, juice. If you want flavour – light cordial is a good option.
• Muesli Bars or Health Bars, sesame snacks – often more energy dense.
• Dried fruit, yoghurt balls, yoghurt clusters, apricot bites, etc. (make up snap-lock bags of a mixture of these – you can include chocolate drops mixed throughout if needed!).
• Pretzels, Popcorn and Rice Crackers.
DON'T Bring:
• Drinks - Soft Drinks (sugar content causes dehydration and short-term energy) and NO ENERGY DRINKS – high sugar and caffeine content.
• Chocolate bars – instant sugar hit followed by a lowering of sugar in the system – become tired – headaches, etc.
• Lollies - instant sugar hit followed by a lowering of sugar in the system – become tired – headaches, etc.
• Packets of chips - high salt content makes you thirsty.
• No nuts.
Think carefully about dairy or anything that needs to keep cold. These items are best used on the first night – to avoid spoiling and students getting ill.
DO NOT BRING
Valuables, cameras or any articles that you don't want to lose or break, an excessive amount of money, lollies, surfboards, kero/gas lanterns (a torch or fluorescent light is better), mobile phones, electronic devices, game consoles, tablets, laptops or iPads.
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 accepted for confiscated phones.
SAFETY GUIDELINES
PERSONAL SAFETY IS GIVEN TOP PRIORITY. 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 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.
Cooking:
• No gas bottle stoves – all stoves provided by HS2.
• No gas/kerosene lamps.
• Cooking must occur outside, away from tent, and on a stable table.
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.
CAMP REGULATIONS AND BEHAVIOURAL EXPECTATIONS
• No campfires (park rule).
• Please note there will be NO RECREATIONAL SWIMMING due to Education Department Guidelines.
• Never leave the campsite without the permission of a staff member.
• All cooking stoves must be used in the designated cooking area.
• Each student is responsible for the immediate environment and must keep it tidy and not damage any of the surroundings.
• Tents must be at least 3 metres apart and cooking stoves can only be operated in a designated area, at a designated time
• Never leave the campsite without the permission of a staff member.
• 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.
• 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.
• The safety of all participants is paramount.
