JUNIOR HOMESTEAD 6 CAMP
3-7 MARCH 2025
QUEENSCLIFF
February 2025
Dear Student and Parents/Guardians,
At Woodleigh, we get very excited about Homestead camp!
The Junior Homestead 6 Queenscliff 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 one’s own requirements for a week.
• Develop and improve various camping skills and safety procedures.
• Foster a sense of community 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.
• Enjoy exploring new situations, being involved in new activities and being part of a secure, alternative “school 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 Kate Hadley
Junior Homestead 6 Camp Coordinator
Woodleigh School Homestead
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 6 QUEENSCLIFF 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 should bring $15 for lunch on Friday in Sorrento. Money must be put in a named and sealed envelope, and given to a staff member before boarding the bus on Monday. Envelopes will be redistributed to students on the return bus journey.
TRANSPORT
We will be travelling in a Driver Coastal Bus to and from Queenscliff and the ferry on our return journey. During the week, we will travel in a Budget Rosa Bus driven by a Woodleigh staff member.
Departure: Students must 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 sharp, so please be on time.
The Woodleigh driveways and carparks are very busy at camp departure and arrival times. For safety reasons, please take note of the bus location map at the end of this booklet to determine where to park when you are dropping off and collecting your child.
Return: Students will return to Woodleigh at approximately 3pm on Friday 7 March and can be collected from the Gym carpark, at the same location as drop-off at approximately 3.30pm.
PLEASE NOTE: Students will be required to help unload and transport Homestead equipment back to Homestead 6 before they will be dismissed.
LOCATION AND ACCOMMODATION
Our camp site is at the popular seaside town of Queenscliff, a 2 ½ hour drive from Woodleigh’s Senior Campus.
During the week, we will explore a range of coastal and bush environments as a Homestead 6 community. We will go on a number of adventures in the natural world including surfing, kayaking, bushwalking and night walks.
There will be plenty of time to share experiences like beach games, campsite activities, daily reflections and story-telling. We will have many opportunities to get to know each other outside of the school environment and build secure and genuine connections.
We will be camping in tents at Queenscliff Beacon Holiday Park. We will have easy access to toilet and shower amenities as well as protected camping and cooking sites.
Woodleigh School Homestead Week Camp 6
AT SCHOOL PREPARATION CAMP GROUPS
In the weeks prior to camp, you will be given time to plan, organise and prepare during Homestead sessions. This even includes learning how to cook pancakes on the camp stoves! Yum!
We will form small camp groups that will be your tent and cooking groups while we are away. You will work through the equipment lists and your group members will work out who is bringing what. You will probably have most items at home and you can easily borrow from family and friends.
Each group member is expected to contribute to setting up and packing up camp, cooking, washing up and keeping the campsite neat and tidy.
My Camp Group (Maximum of 4 people)
Fill in the table below. When you have finished, take a photo of the table and email it to Ms Hadley, your Tutor and your parent/guardian.
TENTS & EQUIPMENT
Tents must be brought to school by Monday 24 February. You will pitch your tent as a group so we can check it is suitable and in good working order. After that, you will leave your tent at school ready to be packed onto the bus on the morning of departure.
Please practice pitching your tent at home before you bring it to school. This will ensure you have all required pegs and parts. It will also help you learn how to set it up quickly when we arrive at our campsite.
COOKING
With the support of Homestead staff, your camp group will use the Meal Planner at the end of this booklet to plan your meals for camp.
In the weeks before camp, you will also learn how to cook using the butane camp stoves provided by Homestead. You will use these stoves when you cook on camp. DO NOT bring any stoves, gas, kerosene or butane from home.
FOOD AND MEALS
Healthy eating on camp is crucial! This can make all the difference to your energy levels, sleep and ability to be properly fuelled to enjoy the many activities that are planned.
Homestead will provide ALL food from Monday night – Friday morning. You are responsible for morning tea and lunch on Monday and lunch on Friday. Let us know if you have any dietary requirements so we can provide suitable options for you.
It is important that you select and plan meals that uses fresh ingredients, are healthy and nutritious. Each cooking group will be supplied with advice when planning their meal to ensure they master this important life skill.
There is a very clear expectation that NO LOLLIES, SOFT DRINK, CHIPS, CHOCOLATE are to be brought on camp. The Year 9 and 10 camp experiences are very strict about this policy, so this is good practice. Staff will provide the occasional treat! No one will go hungry!!
Homestead will provide…
• Breakfast - simple ingredients such as bread for toast, butter, spreads, cereals, milk and fruit.
• Lunch – sandwiches, rolls and wraps with fillings such as lettuce, tomato, carrot, cheese and sliced meats.
• Snacks – fruit, biscuits and cakes provided by students and the occasional Freddo Frog!
• Dinner - ingredients for cooking Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights.
• Supper – Milo, biscuits or cakes provided by students. YOU will provide…
• Monday – bring your own morning tea and lunch. You will not be able to buy food or drinks on this day.
• Friday – purchase your lunch at local shops in Sorrento.
• A sturdy cake (Year 7s) or a packet of biscuits (Year 8s) to be used by the Homestead group for supper and snacks. Please purchase this from the supermarket and ensure it remains in its original packaging with ingredients clearly listed. It should NOT contain NUTS or CREAM. Please bring this to school and give it to your Tutor on the Thursday or Friday before camp so it can be packed with the other food items.
PLEASE NOTE: The School Policy is that NO NUTS or NUT PRODUCTS are allowed on school camps due to the risk of allergic reaction and anaphylaxis. All food will be checked on arrival at camp. If any food is found to contain nuts it will be removed and disposed of.
ACTIVITIES
All activities will be conducted in accordance with the school’s "SunSmart" policy. This includes wearing a hat and shoulder protection. A rash shirt or t-shirt will be required when participating in water-based activities.
Day & Night Walks
We will do a variety of short exploratory walks during the day. At night, we will go for short walks and enjoy the light of the moon, stargaze and try to spot nocturnal animals. Don’t forget to bring your torch!
Beach Activities & Games
We will spend time on the beach chilling out, beachcombing, building sand-castles and creating nature art. Equipment for games such as cricket, frisbee and soccer will also be available.
PLEASE NOTE: There will be NO RECREATIONAL SWIMMING due to government rules and regulations.
Surfing & Kayaking
The expert instructors from Go Ride a Wave will lead us through two surf lessons and one river kayaking lesson. They will supply all boards, kayaks and wetsuits. They will teach beginners the basics and more confident surfers and kayakers, will be challenged with hints and tips to improve their skills. Don’t worry, no experience is necessary!
Fort Queenscliff and Portsea Quarantine Station
During our stay, we will be lucky enough to visit Fort Queenscliff which is the largest fort in Australia! We will see the Black Lighthouse, cannons, underground magazines and amazing views. On our way home, we will stop off at Portsea’s Quarantine Station to learn about ‘our side’ of the bay!
Marine Discovery Cruise
We will learn about marine animals and environments when we visit the aquarium at the Marine Discovery Centre. We will head out on a cruise into the middle of Port Phillip Bay to see just what lurks at the bottom of the ocean.
Service Learning
At Woodleigh, we like to give back to the communities we visit and leave the natural environment in even better condition than when we arrived.
Before we leave for camp, we will learn about the awesome work of ‘Take 3 By the Sea’ and give back to the Queenscliff area by picking up rubbish wherever we go.
Lunch in Sorrento
You will have time to purchase lunch from the local shops in Sorrento before returning to school on Friday. Make sure you bring $15 for lunch in a named and sealed envelope, and give it to your Tutor as you board the bus on Monday morning.
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
You are expected to bring every item on the lists below so that you are well-prepared for all activities and weather conditions. Please note the following;
• We have limited room to transport gear so only bring what is listed.
• All items must be clearly named and packed into a maximum of 2 bags or bundles.
• The weather can be unpredictable so it is important to be prepared for hot, cold and wet conditions.
• Clothing should be robust and definitely not your best. Expect to get a bit grubby!
Woodleigh
COMPULSORY Clothing and Personal Equipment
You MUST bring the items listed in this section for safety reasons. You will need to show a staff member your raincoat, hat, water bottle and day-pack before you board the bus. If you do not have these items when we are ready to leave, you may need to source them and make your own way to camp.
• Waterproof jacket suitable for heavy rain. NOT a water-resistant coat or puffer jacket.
• Polar fleece or woollen jumper.
• Runners or boots (suitable for bushwalking).
• Thermal top and thermal leggings.
• Water bottle at least 1 litre - required for all activities.
• Sun hat/cap/beanie.
• Day-pack for hiking.
• Torch (and spare batteries). A head torch is ideal.
• Sleeping bag.
• Sleeping mat (and pump if required).
• Small lunchbox for transporting sandwich/wraps for lunch each day.
• PARENTS: Please check that your child has packed ALL of these items.
ADDITIONAL CLOTHING AND PERSONAL EQUIPMENT
Toiletries
• Soap/shampoo.
• Deodorant.
• Toothbrush/toothpaste.
• Brush/Comb.
• Sanitary products such as pads or tampons.
• Other as required. Clothing
• Underwear (5-6 pairs).
• Socks (5-6 pairs).
• T-shirts (4-5)
• Shorts (2-3)
• Tracksuit pants/Long trousers for cold weather or night activities (2-3 not denim)
• Jumper/hoodie (2)
• Bathers. Speedos or similar to wear under wetsuit when surfing and stand-up paddle boarding.
• Rash shirt or t-shirt to wear under wetsuit when surfing and river kayaking.
• Thongs or sandals.
• Runners or sneakers (additional to listed on compulsory clothing list)
• Beach towel.
• Bath towel.
• Sunglasses.
• Sleeping attire.
Other
• Pillow.
• Sunscreen (at least 30+)
• Insect repellent.
• Pen/pencil.
• Notepad.
• Clothes pegs.
• 2 garbage bags.
Optional
• Camera (but no phones).
• Book.
• Small musical instrument.
• Cards/games/beach toys.
GROUP CAMPING EQUIPMENT
Every group needs to bring the items listed in the table below. Work out who has what at home and fill in the table below. Remember to keep it simple and only bring what you need - we have limited room!
You will need to communicate and collaborate with your group to work out if you can share some items. For example, you don’t all need to bring a pack of cards! It is expected that all students share the responsibility of bringing some of the items.
Name everything! Old, familiar equipment is easy to recognise and less of a worry if damaged or lost. It will be YOUR responsibility to look after your things and return anything you borrow to others. Staff will not be responsible for items that go missing and we will not have spares on hand if you arrive unprepared!
Make sure you complete this part of the planning thoroughly and talk to your parent/guardian about what items you could contribute.
GROUP EQUIPMENT LIST
Fill in the table below. When you have finished, take a photo of the table and email it to Ms Hadley, your Tutor and your parent/guardian.
Equipment Who's bringing it
Campsite
Tent – waterproof and sturdy. One that you have put up and packed down at home recently.
Ground sheet
Small camping table to eat and cook at Camp chairs (collapsible) – 1 for each group member or BYO
3-6 metres of strong cord for a washing line
Hammers/mallets for pitching tent (to be left with staff )
Tablewear
Tablewear - Bowl, plate, cup. Enough for each person or BYO.
Cutlery - knife, fork, spoon. Enough for each person or BYO.
Serving plates/bowls x 2
Cooking & Meal Plan
PLEASE NOTE: NO sharp knives. Staff will provide a knife for chopping when required.
Disposable gloves – for food preparation
Chopping board
Mixing bowl
Egg flip/spatula for cooking pancakes
Mixing spoon/wooden spoon for stirring
Equipment Who's bringing it
Tongs
Frying pan
Saucepan/pot with lid for boiling water/pasta etc.
Strainer
Peeler
Cleaning
Sponge, scourers to wipe down surfaces and wash up (detergent and spray will be provided)
Kitchen roll - paper
Roll of small/medium garbage bags
Tea towels x2 per group member
Dustpan and brush to sweep out tent
Standard bucket (multiple uses)
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, tablets 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.
On site:
• No gas bottle stoves.
• No gas/kerosene lamps.
• Cooking outside, away from tent, and on a stable table.
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 be on duty at all times.
• Sunscreen application and other SunSmart strategies 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 or guy ropes.
• 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 camp fires (park rule).
• Please note there will be NO RECREATIONAL SWIMMING due to Education Department Guidelines.
• All students must have a rash vest for water activities, a hat and a water bottle.
• 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.
• 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 forms 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 Sorrento. 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.
JUNIOR HOMESTEAD 6 QUEENSCLIFF - PROGRAM
TIME Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
Morning
8.30am Arrive Woodleigh Gym Carpark
9am Bus departs for Queenscliff
12pm Arrive at Queenscliff Campsite
Discuss camp goals and expectations
Safety Briefing and Evacuation Drill
12.30pm Lunch BYO
Afternoon 1pm Set up campsite
3-5pm
Whole Group Surf Lesson
Group A
9am-11am Surf Lesson 12pm Lunch at Camp
Group B
9am Campsite Tidy, Campsite Games, Nature Art 11am-1pm Surf Lesson 1.30pm Lunch at Camp
All
9-11am Queenscliff Pier Discovery, Take 3 by the Sea Rubbish Collection, Beach Games
Group A
11.45am-12pm Marine Discovery Centre, Aquarium Visit 12.30pm Lunch
Group B 11am Lunch 12pm-2pm Marine Biology Cruise
Group A
1.30pm Queenscliff Maritime Museum
2.30pm Campsite Tidy, Campsite Games, Nature Art
Group B
2.30pm Queenscliff Maritime Museum
Group A 2pm–4pm Marine Biology Cruise
Group B
3.30pm-4pm
Marine Discovery Centre Aquarium Visit
Group A
Campsite Tidy Time, Talent Quest Preparation, Campsite Games
10.30am-12pm River Kayaking 1pm Lunch
Group B
9am-10am River Kayaking
Campsite Tidy Time, Talent
Quest Preparation, Campsite Games.
12.30pm Lunch
Group B 1.30pm-2.30pm Fort Queenscliff Tour
Group A 2.30pm-3.30pm Fort Queenscliff Tour
9.50am Bus departs 11am Depart Queenscliff on ferry 12pm Lunch in Sorrento in small groups
Early Evening Camp Cooking Safety Briefing and Set Up.
Teamwork Challenge. Play at the park!
Dinner PASTA NIGHT. STIR-FRY NIGHT. BBQ AT A LOCAL PARK
GAMES NIGHT
Evening
Night Walk & Stargazing. Daily Reflection & Magic Moments.
TRIVIA NIGHT
Night Walk & Stargazing.
Daily Reflection & Magic Moments.
JETTY WALK AND SOLO TIME
Daily Reflection & Magic Moments.
All 3.30pm Talent Quest Preparation 2pm Depart Sorrento 3pm Arrive at Woodleigh Gym Carpark.
Camp Site Pack Up.
Return to Homestead 6 for unpacking and final reflections. 3.30pm Students leave for home from Gym Carpark
Prepared by Yr 8. FISH AND CHIPS
TALENT QUEST
Night Walk & Stargazing.
Final Reflection & Magic Moments.
NOTE: All activities and timings subject to change to ensure student safety. Breakfast - approximatly 8am, Morning Tea - approximately 10.30am, Lunch between 12-1pm, Dinner - approximately 6pm, Activities - approximately 8pm. Lights Out at 9.30pm
