HOMESTEAD 4 CAMP
3-7 MARCH 2025
INVERLOCH
February 2025
Dear Student and Parents/Guardians,
The Homestead 4 Inverloch 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.
• Develop environmental awareness.
• Provide the opportunity to experience the breathtaking beauty of the 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 Narelle Barnes
Junior Homestead 4 Camp Coordinator
Woodleigh School Homestead
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 4 INVERLOCH 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
$15 for lunch on the way home Friday in Wonthaggi. Money should be put in a sealed envelope with the student's name and given to their tutor before boarding the bus on Monday.
TRANSPORT
We will be travelling with a Driver Coastal bus.
Departure: Students to arrive at Woodleigh at 8.30am on Monday 3 March, meeting at the Gym carpark to load gear. The bus will depart Woodleigh at 9am, 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 3.15pm 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 4 before students can return to the Gym carpark at 3:30pm to go home.
LOCATION & ACTIVITIES
Inverloch is a popular seaside town located 140 kilometres south-east of Melbourne that offers a variety of natural attractions including the Binturong Coastal Reserve and Marine Park.
The area offers a great opportunity for us to explore the coastal environment through adventure activities such as stand-up paddle boarding, surfing, swimming and bushwalking as well as beach games and a host of camp activities to ensure we all get to know each other outside of the school environment. We will also be assisting the Park Rangers with an environmental project in the area.
ACCOMMODATION
We will be camping at the Inverloch Foreshore Camping Reserve. This facility is provided with toilet/shower amenities and protected camp and cooking sites.
ACTIVITIES
All activities will be conducted in accordance with the school SunSmart policy. This includes wearing a hat and shoulder protection. A rash shirt or t-shirt will be required when swimming.
Day Walks
There will be a number of short exploratory walks during the week.
Nighttime
Spotlighting walks, camp games and debriefs.
Beach time
We will have ample time for a variety of organised games and relaxation time on the beach.
Surfing & Stand-Up Paddle Boarding
There are 2 surf lessons during the week and 1 Stand-Up Paddle boarding session which will be conducted for us by Offshore Surfing. Bass Coast Dinosaur Dig
We will explore the coastline where there are fossils and dinosaur footprints. (Activity still to be confirmed).
Barefoot Bowling
We will stop in Wonthaggi on the way home and participate in a whole group barefoot bowling session
MEALS
School will provide some of the food requirements, however we will expect students to plan a gourmet menu and prepare their meals on camp. See the Food Planner at the end of this booklet.
Food provided by the Homestead
The Homestead will provide the following each day:
• Bread.
• Milk.
• Cereal.
• Fruit (apples, oranges & bananas).
• Butter and some spreads.
• Salad fillings for lunches (lettuce, tomato, carrot, cheese and sliced meat).
• Evening Milo on occasion.
• Ingredients for staff cooking demonstration.
• BBQ dinner.
• Surprise dinner.
• Snacks.
Cooking Groups
You will most likely cook in the same group as your Tent group. Each member is expected to contribute to your group’s cooking and cleaning.
Guidelines
• Use minimum canned food/maximum fresh food.
• 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.
• Students will be expected to TRIAL their meal at home beforehand.
Breakfast
• Simple breakfast ingredients, including toast, butter, spreads, cereals, milk and fruit, will be provided.
Lunch
• Provided by the Homestead (except for Monday and Friday).
• On Monday you are expected to have a cut lunch as there is no opportunity to stop and purchase anything.
• Lunch on Friday will be purchased at Wonthaggi.
Dinner
• Remember there will be a Gourmet Meal competition on the first night. Prizes will be awarded for food and creativity.
• Each meal is expected to be simple, yet nutritious and filling.
• Seek guidance from your tutor and your parents/guardians regarding the meal.
Snacks
Please bring a sturdy nut-free cake/biscuits for sharing. (We encourage you to make this yourself – with parent permission and any necessary guidance, of course). Make sure it is covered with tin foil, well-sealed and with NO cream and NO nuts.
Packing
• All food brought from home is consumed on the first evening, please bring only what is required.
PLEASE LABEL EVERYTHING CLEARLY WITH YOUR NAME.
CLOTHING/EQUIPMENT
During Term 1 we will form tent and cooking groups, study the equipment lists and check gear at school on Tuesday 11 February. Most camping gear you will have at home or can easily borrow, please let us know if you have any concerns.
Clothing should be robust and definitely not your best. Expect to get a bit grubby and remember that everything on the equipment list is needed. We can’t predict the weather so be ready for hot and cold or wet conditions. All items must be clearly named.
Toiletries
• Toothbrush and toothpaste.
• Brush/Comb.
• Deodorant.
• Soap/shampoo.
• 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/tracksuit pants (not denim).
• Jumper/windcheater.
• Woollen jumper.
• Waterproof jacket.
• Sun hat/cap/beanie.
• Sunglasses.
• Sleeping attire.
Other
• Torch (and spare batteries).
• Pillow & pillowcase.
• Sunscreen.
• Insect repellent.
• Sleeping bag.
• Sleeping mat (and pump if required).
• Pen/pencil.
• Notepad.
• Day pack.
• Water bottle – 1 litre at least.
• Clothes pegs.
Optional
• Camera (but no phones).
• Book.
• Small musical instrument.
• Cards/games/beach toys.
Students will need to label everything. Old, familiar items are easy to recognise and less of a worry if damaged. It's a good idea to practice pitching a tent at home. We will be asking the students to bring their tent and cooking stove to school to check them.
Tent Equipment
Tent/Equipment Group (Maximum of 4 people):
The following for each group only:
Equipment Who's bringing it
Sturdy, waterproof, appropriately sized tent
Ground sheet
Small broom and/or dustpan brush
Card table (to eat at) - small
Chairs/stools (small)
Bucket/detergent/scourer
2 Tea Towels each
Plates/cups/knife/fork/spoon
3-6 metres of strong thin cord (washing 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 (a torch or fluorescent light is better), mobile phones, electronic devices, 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
• Single burner gas cookers with one butane canister only (school will supply).
• All gas stove appliances must be checked at school and on camp prior to use.
• No gas/kerosene lamps.
• Cooking outside, away from tent, in the area designated by staff.
Activities
• Education Department Guidelines regarding staff/student ratios, qualified instructors, etc., are strictly adhered to.
• The staff tent is the first aid base – a staff member will always be on duty.
• Sunscreen will be available, and application will be monitored.
• 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 co-ordinator is submitted to the Outdoor Education Co-ordinator 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.
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.
• 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.
• Nobody 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 form of inappropriate behaviour is also unacceptable.
• The safety of all participants is paramount.
UNSUPERVISED TIMES
Students may be unsupervised when purchasing their lunch on Friday in Wonthaggi. They will be in groups of three and in a specific area of the town. There will be staff who remain in one designated location as well as others moving around the street to ensure students are able to find an adult if needed. Students will also have the option of staying with a staff member.
