HOMESTEAD 3 CAMP
3-7 MARCH 2025
CAPE PATERSON
February 2025
Dear Student and Parents/Guardians,
The Homestead 3 Cape Paterson 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 everyday school life.
• Encourage both confidence and self-reliance, especially with the more challenging activities offered.
• Develop “environmental awareness”.
• Provide the opportunity to experience the breathtaking beauty of the coastal area.
• Most importantly, the staff will endeavour to ensure that each student has fun, is happy and feels the enjoyment that comes with exploring new environments, students being happily involved in new activities and being part of a secure “alternative family”.
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 Paige Strouts Homestead 3 Camp Coordinator
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Our camp is being held on the lands of the Bunurong 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 3 CAPE PATERSON 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 purchase their lunch on Friday at A Maze N Things. Students are required to bring $15 in a labelled and sealed envelope and handed to Mr Ogier before boarding the bus on Monday.
TRANSPORT
We will be travelling in a Coastal Driver bus.
Departure: Students to arrive at Woodleigh at 8.30am on Monday 3 March, meeting at the main drive carpark (exit side) at the bus bay to load gear. The bus will depart Woodleigh at 9.00am, 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 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 3 before students can return to the main driveway at 3:30pm to go home.
LOCATION
Cape Paterson is located on the southern coast of Australia, approximately 1.5-hour drive from Melbourne. The coastline here forms part of the Bunurong Marine Reserve which is recognised as being a unique area of marine flora, fauna and scenery. The town of Cape Paterson itself is a quiet place, largely populated by holiday homes. We do have a general store and a small equipment hiring centre.
ACCOMMODATION
Cape Paterson Caravan Park is a well-established caravan park and camping ground on the Bass Coast. Despite being very close to Bass Strait, the camping ground is sheltered, well-serviced as far as amenities go, and very convenient as far as the beach is concerned.
A small, sheltered beach is also close to the Camping Ground. Although only approximately 8km from Wonthaggi, Cape Paterson is very much a sleepy seaside hamlet and many of our activities will take place in or near the regional centre of Inverloch.
MEALS
It will be your group’s responsibility to provide the ingredients for ONE of your dinner meals, as well as snacks and some shared items for supper each day.
The HOMESTEAD will provide the following each day:
• Bread.
• Milk.
• Butter & spreads.
• Cereal.
• Fruit (apples, oranges & bananas).
• Salad fillings for lunches (lettuce, tomato, cheese, carrot and sliced meat).
• BBQ meats & salad (Wednesday evening).
• Fish & Chips (Thursday evening).
Cooking Groups
• You will cook with your ‘tent group’ members. Each of you will have a chance to prepare a meal.
• You will NOT need to provide your own BREAKFAST. Milk, cereal, fruit, toast and spreads will be provided as stated above.
• Each student is encouraged to bring a small plate of cookies, a robust cake, or another appropriate sweet treat to share for one night’s supper.
• The school policy is that NO NUTS or NUT PRODUCTS are allowed on school camps due to the risk of allergic reactions. All food will be checked on arrival at camp. If any food is found to contain nuts it will be removed and thrown away.
Cooking Guidelines
• Use minimum canned food and maximum fresh food.
• Ensure that your selected ingredients are ‘suitable’, keeping in mind the limited refrigeration you will have. Meats and dairy should be used up within the first 2 days, so plan accordingly.
• If you have special dietary requirements, ensure the rest of the group is aware of this and both yours, and their prepared meals are adjusted accordingly.
• DO NOT BRING FOOD WITH NUTS.
• You will be expected to TRIAL your meal at home beforehand.
DINNER
• Remember there will be a Gourmet Meal competition on the first night (MONDAY). Prizes will be awarded for food and creativity!
• The second night is Pasta or Stir-Fry Night (groceries are provided by Homestead). Try to vary your meals between nights.
• Each meal is expected to be simple, yet nutritious and filling.
• Seek guidance from your Tutor and your parents regarding the meal.
BREAKFAST
• Bread/toast, cereal, milk and fruit will be provided daily. You will not need to supply breakfast food, but please do advise of any special dietary requirements.
LUNCH
• Provided by the Homestead on Tuesday (pizza lunch), Wednesday and Thursday.
• Students need to bring lunch on Monday (packed lunch) and purchase lunch from the café on Friday.
PACKING
• Your food needs to be carefully packed into a box (with your name clearly marked) and closed securely with tape.
• If YOU are bringing the ‘group Esky’, you may wish to pack some of your food in this to save space. However you will need to leave room for dairy products and meats your group members may bring.
ACTIVITIES
Water sports
Surfing with ‘Bass Coast Surf Academy’ & Stand-Up Paddleboard with ‘Surf Trax’
Two professional and accredited organisations will be running various surf and water activities in the local area.
Cape Paterson has a small rockpool that is lovely for paddling around and rock-rambling.
Land sports
Students will have the chance to try their hand at Lawn Bowls in Inverloch, a fun and inclusive activity that promotes teamwork and precision. Guided by experienced players, they’ll learn the basics of the game while enjoying a relaxed, social atmosphere.
Education
The South Gippsland Conservation Society is a not-for-profit organisation based in Inverloch. The Society aims to promote and preserve South Gippsland's natural resources and to enable visitors to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the fragile and diverse communities along the Bass Coast. Students will have the opportunity to take part in a 'dinosaur dig' at the rock pools and contribute to community service with this organisation through environmental activities, such as weeding and clean-up efforts. Students will visit the Wonthaggi Desalination Plant to explore its role in Melbourne's water supply. Students will learn about the purpose and process of desalination and the plant's role as a means to provide high-quality drinking water and water security for the region.
Day Walks & Night Adventures
We will be spending time exploring the coast, and will take some short walks around Cape Paterson, over to Surf Beach 2 and exploring the rock pools. Students will take an extended beach walk on the Wednesday night around to Harmer’s Haven.
CLOTHING/EQUIPMENT
Early Term 1 we will form tent and cooking groups, study the equipment lists and check gear at school. We will inspect all tents to be used on camp during our camp meeting on Tuesday 11 February. Tents must be brought to school on this day and will remain at school to be packed for the camp. Most camping gear you will have at home or can easily borrow. Clothing should be robust and definitely not their best. Expect them to get a bit grubby and remember that everything on the equipment list is needed. We can’t predict the weather, so your children need to be ready for hot, cold and wet conditions.
All items must be named. All personal gear must be packed into 2 bags/bundles – NO MORE.
Personal Items
• Toothbrush and toothpaste.
• Brush/Comb.
• Soap.
• Deodorant.
• Shampoo.
• Underwear (5-6 pairs).
• Socks (6 pairs).
• Sandals/old runners.
• Runners.
• Shoes (suitable for hiking).
• Bathers and RASH VEST.
• Bath towel.
• Beach towel.
• 3-4 T-shirts.
• Shorts.
• Long trousers/tracksuit pants.
• Jumper/windcheater.
• Waterproof jacket.
• Sun hat/cap.
• Sunglasses.
• Sleeping attire.
• 1 Woollen jumper.
• 1 Long trousers – cotton.
• Torch (and spare batteries).
• Sunscreen.
• Insect repellent.
• Sleeping bag.
• Sleeping mat.
• Day pack.
• Water bottle – 1 litre at least.
• Camera (optional).
• Wetsuit (optional, provided by Offshore Surfing School).
• Small musical instrument (optional).
• Cards/games/books (optional).
Group Equipment
Students will form Camp and Cooking groups during Week 2 and 3 of Term 1. Students will complete a student booklet that contains the following information:
• Tent/Equipment Group (maximum of 4 people) – will have their names, home phone numbers and parent/guardian's names.
• Each group will offer to bring items on the following list. It is expected that students share the responsibility of providing these items. It would be helpful if you could let your child know, in advance, what items on this list you are able to provide (and make sure the items are clearly labelled with their name).
Equipment Who is bringing it?
Good waterproof tent
Ground sheet
Small broom (a dust pan and brush)
Card table (to eat at) - small
Chairs/stools – small (for all or each)
Bucket/detergent/scourer
2 Tea Towels
Frying pan
Pots x2 (for pasta/rice)
Egg flip/tongs/wooden spoon
Plates/cups/knife/fork/spoon (for all)
Equipment Who is bringing it?
Can opener
Esky
Small garbage bag
6m of strong thin cord (clothes line)
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 (Butane stoves supplied) and kero/gas lanterns are not advised for safety reasons, mobile phones, electronic devices, gaming consoles, laptops, iPads 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 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 table in the cooking circle.
Activities:
• Education Department Guidelines regarding staff/student ratios, qualified instructors, etc. are strictly adhered to.
• Activities will not proceed (or be planned in advance) if there is considered an unacceptable risk factor involved.
• Only easy walks within the park boundaries will be undertaken.
• The staff tent is the first aid base - a staff member will always be on duty.
• Sunscreen application will be monitored, and students must have a rash vest, hat and drink bottle at all times.
• Around the campsite, students will be expected to follow guidelines that help minimise the risk of "accidents", 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
• Be respectful and positive during all activities and try your best to harness your adventurous mind and spirit!
• A good night’s sleep is essential, please be mindful of your behaviour to ensure you and those in your tent get enough rest.
• 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-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 group are there, invite you in and you have obtained permission from a staff member. Avoid eating and hanging out in your tents, instead be social and join the larger group!
• The safety of all participants is paramount.
• 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.
• Each student is responsible for the immediate environment and must keep it tidy and not damage any of the surroundings.
• Students will be rostered into groups to help with organisation which will include such things as setting out breakfast, preparing lunch and washing up.
HOMESTEAD 3 CAPE PATERSON CAMP PROGRAM
TIME & DAY Morning Afternoon Evening
8.30am Meet at main drive, in front of the bus bay.
Monday
9am Bus departs Woodleigh
10am Morning Tea enroute at Grantville
11am Arrival and set up at Caravan Park
BREAKFAST
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
LUNCH 12pm Surf lesson [A] 2.30pm Surf lesson [B] 6pm DINNER Gourmet Night 8pm Activities - Games 10pm Lights Out
10am SUP and beach games LUNCH Pizza 3.30pm Talent Quest prep 6pm DINNER Pasta Night 8pm Activities - Talent Quest 10pm Lights Out
BREAKFAST
10am Wonthaggi Desalination Plant Tour [A]
10am Community Service - South Gippsland Conservation Group [B]
12.00pm Wonthaggi Desalination Plant Tour [B]
LUNCH
12.30pm Surf lesson [A]
3pm Surf lesson [B]
4pm Community Service - South Gippsland Conservation Group [A] 6pm DINNER BBQ 8pm Activities - Night walk 10pm Lights Out
LUNCH
BREAKFAST
10am Rock pooling and Dinosaur Dig
Friday
BREAKFAST
8.45am Load Bus 9.45am Departure 10.30am A Maze n Things
Note: All times and activities may be subject to change.
1.30pm Coastal Walk/ Beach Games & Activities 3.30pm Lawn Bowls 6pm DINNER Fish & Chip Night 8pm Activities - Trivia Night 10pm Lights Out
LUNCH
12.30 – 1.30pm Lunch at Café
1.30pm Depart for Woodleigh
3pm Arrive at Woodleigh - debrief, unpacking 3.30pm students leave for home
HOMESTEAD 3 CAPE PATERSON GROUP FOOD PLANNER
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
BYO
Cut lunch and drink (there will be no opportunity to purchase food)
We provide: Bread, butter, milk, fruit, breakfast cereals, (eg, muesli, cornflakes), spreads for toast (eg, Vegemite, jam).
PIZZA
We provide On the beach in Cowes
SALAD SANDWICHES
We provide Bread, butter, lettuce, tomato, cheese, carrot, sliced meat, fruit
SALAD SANDWICHES
We provide Bread, butter, lettuce, tomato, cheese, carrot, sliced meat, fruit
Bring $15 to purchase lunch
Supper
GOURMET DINNER COMPETITION 3 courses
You provide ALL ingredients & come up with a THEME!
PASTA or STIR FRY NIGHT
As a group you will choose a recipe and place your order with your tutor. We provide everything for you. BBQ NIGHT Provided FISH AND CHIP NIGHT Provided At home.
We provide: Hot Milo
You provide one supper snack, such as sturdy cake, slice, or biscuits/cookies to be shared (not required to be refrigerated). Hand this to your teachers, who will distribute treats over the course of the week.
CAFE LUNCH PHILLIP ISLAND
MEAL PLANNING CHECKLIST
What Do We Need? How Much? Who Is Responsible?
Breakfasts (optional items – remember, we supply breakfast!):
Student Name Item Quantity
Snacks:
Student Name Item Quantity
Dinners:
Suppers:
BUS LOCATION - DEPART/RETURN
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
