CREATE ESCAPE CAMP 2025
SENIOR HOMESTEAD CAMP
3-7 MARCH 2025
CREATE ESCAPE
February 2025
Dear Student and Parents/Guardians,
The Create Escape Camp will take place from Monday 3 March to Friday 7 March 2025.
The camp will be held at Gumtree Springs (a large mud brick house) near Daylesford. The week is designed for students to create and escape in a relaxed environment, with the focus being on a creative project of their choice. Space and support will be provided to encourage everyone to explore a creative process. Staff will help students work towards the goal of a polished project.
Create Escape and paint, sculpt, draw, write songs, work on a story board, take photographs, animate, make a short film, rehearse your band, start a novel, write poetry, short stories, game design… the skies the limit.
Each student is expected to come prepared (with all their equipment) to complete their project. This will culminate with a presentation/ exhibition of completed work on Friday 8 March in the Jago at Woodleigh.
A range of music technology or instruments are available if students need additional equipment to focus on song writing or composition. (You will need to book or arrange a loan with the Music Department prior to camp).
Please note: Students will return to Woodleigh on Thursday afternoon. Friday is our exhibition preparation and presentation day at Woodleigh Senior Campus. Students will be finalising their work to present to parents and friends. This will take place at 1.00pm in Jago. If you’re free, please join us for a cup of tea, a hot cross bun, and share the creative work of the students.
Camp meetings prior to Senior Homestead Camp Week will be useful for further information, clarification and discussion. If you have any queries, please call us on (03) 5971 6100.
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,
Leike Koren
Create Escape Camp Coordinator
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Our camp is being held on Dja Dja Wurrung land. We pay respects to the Traditional Owners, Dja Dja Wurrung Elders, past and present. We acknowledge that the Dja Dja Wurrung people have cared for the land for tens of thousands of years. We are grateful to be visiting their land and will tread lightly.
POLICY RELATING TO STUDENTS WITHDRAWING FROM SENIOR HOMESTEAD CAMP/ABSENTEE CHARGEBACK POST CAMP
Homestead Week Camp is a compulsory part of the school curriculum and all students are expected to participate. Bookings and arrangements are made on this expectation.
In the event that a student withdraws from the camp due to medical reasons, the school requires prior written notice accompanied by a valid medical certificate. In such cases, families will be responsible for all non-refundable costs incurred, including but not limited to flights, accommodation, and other pre-paid expenses.
For cancellations due to a change of mind or any non-medical reasons, families will be charged the full camp fee.
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 swimming 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 E-FORM
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 these camps will be handled in line with the School’s Privacy Policy.
POLICY RELATING TO STUDENTS SENT HOME FROM CAMP
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 (at your own expense) - 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.
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).
CREATE ESCAPE CAMP INFORMATION
CAMP DATES
Monday 3 March - Friday 7 March 2025. Note that students return from Daylesford on Thursday 6 March at approximately 3pm (noted below) and will be required to attend on Friday 7 March for an exhibition preparation and presentation day at Woodleigh.
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.
COST
The cost of this Senior Homestead Camp is approximately $500, which will be charged to student accounts. This includes accommodation, transport, entrance fees and some meals. Students also need enough money to purchase three additional lunches and one evening meal on Wednesday night ($80 will easily cover this).
TRANSPORT
We will be travelling in a Budget Rosa bus driven by Woodleigh staff (and all our gear will need to be stowed in the bus). Students are advised to travel lightly.
Departure: Students to arrive at Woodleigh at 9.30am on Monday 3 March, meeting at the Cruden Oval carpark area to load gear (please note the bus location map at the end of this booklet). The bus will depart Woodleigh at 9.45am, so please be on time.
Return: Please note: We arrive back at Woodleigh on Thursday afternoon, not Friday. Students can be collected at Woodleigh Campus at approximately 3pm on Thursday 6 March at the same location as drop-off. Friday is our exhibition preparation and presentation day at Woodleigh Senior Campus.
LOCATION & ACCOMMODATION
The Create Escape Camp will be held on Dja Dja Wurrung Land, at Gumtree Springs near Daylesford. Gumtree Springs is a large mudbrick cottage with shared rooms sleeping 3-4 people. There is a kitchen and eating area, two bathrooms, a communal room, and grounds that students can explore and work in. Staff will sleep in rooms close to the students. The camp will be based at Gumtree Springs.
MEALS
Students are asked to bring breakfast supplies (cereal, spread for toast, etc.) for the three mornings, milk and bread will be provided. We will also supply fruit during the day. Dinner will be provided on Monday and Tuesday evenings. Students will need to bring a packed lunch on Monday, or money to buy lunch that day. They also need enough money to purchase three additional lunches and one evening meal on Wednesday night ($80 should cover this). Students with special dietary requirements can be catered for but will need to advise staff ahead of time. Please be reminded of the Nuts Policy in the Important Information section above.
CLOTHING/EQUIPMENT
Required Gear List
• Comfortable, casual clothes and shoes (note: It’s usually quite snug indoors).
• Some woollies for outdoor activities (NB: Daylesford can get quite cool outdoors in the evening, even at this time of year). It is also essential that each student has a woollen jumper and beanie in case of fire.
• Water/wind proof jacket.
• Hat & sunscreen.
• Soft bag preferable for easy packing.
• Students may bring their own laptops to write on, if they wish. These are for use in workshops, (and for their creative projects) not for ‘amusement’ and will be collected each evening.
• Toiletries.
Creative Equipment
• Bring everything you need to complete your project.
• Pens, paper/workbook.
• Laptop (if you wish to use one for writing).
• Musical instrument (if you play one) – bring an extension cord and/or power board if you play an electric instrument, earphones and appropriate jack/plug (for the electric guitarists, pianists and bass players).
• Alternative creative media (e.g., video or still cameras, paints, water colours, etc.).
PLEASE NOTE: Students wishing to work on video/camera/laptop projects will need to bring cables to enable the work in progress to be shown on a larger screen.
Miscellaneous
• A drink bottle, torch (plus spare batteries), mosquito repellent, sunglasses, a book to read, cards/games (if you want to play during the evening sessions).
• Charger (if required).
ACTIVITIES
Students will need to share their creative project proposal with staff prior to departure. At the conclusion of the camp, all students will present their projects: completed writing(s), painting(s), recite or perform their poetry or other oral or musical piece(s) at the Friday afternoon tea and exhibition to parents and friends in Jago, at Woodleigh Senior Campus.
DO NOT BRING
Valuables or any articles that you don't want to lose or break, lollies, electronic devices (unless they are relevant to your creative project).
MOBILE PHONES
There is minimal mobile reception in the Daylesford area and staff will contact the school and parents if needed. We ask that students enter into the spirit of the Creative Escape Camp by using their phone minimally.
A reminder that the Woodleigh School Mobile Phone Policy will be in effect throughout the week.
RISK
There are elements of risk involved in this creative retreat, where students will be staying in shared accommodation, cooking their own meals, engaging in creative projects, and participating in light bushwalking and exploration of the local town. While 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:
• Minor injuries related to meal preparation, such as cuts or burns
• Risks associated with light bushwalking, including slips, trips, falls, and exposure to weather elements
• Potential interactions with wildlife during outdoor activities
• Safety risks while exploring the local town, including pedestrian hazards and potential interactions with strangers
• Emotional or social challenges that may arise while working on creative projects in a group setting
• Complications arising from a pre-existing medical or mental health condition
To mitigate these risks, we will:
• Provide guidelines on kitchen safety and ensure that students have basic training in food preparation and safe cooking practices.
• Conduct safety briefings before bushwalking and provide guidance on navigating outdoor environments safely.
• Schedule daily check-ins to support students with any social or emotional needs related to the group’s creative work.
• Supervise and support students during town exploration, providing safety reminders and establishing clear meeting points and times.
• Review student medical and mental health records prior to the retreat and ask parents to update health information on Operoo. Parents will be contacted before camp if there are any questions or concerns.
BEHAVIOURAL EXPECTATIONS
• As a Senior Student at Woodleigh School participating 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.
• Particular adherence to the advice of staff is required. This is especially important in relation to safety and accommodation security.
• Adherence to meeting times is very important.
• During set periods of unsupervised time, you must remain in a group of 3 (inform staff of the members of your group).
• 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.
• Never leave the cottage 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.
• No-one is to enter anyone else's bedroom before breakfast or after dark. You will only enter someone else's bedroom if the people in that group are there, invite you in, and you have obtained permission from a staff member.
Students will be rostered into groups to help with organisation which will include such things as setting out breakfast, lunch and washing up. There are also room and cleaning duties which will be performed every day during the camp along with maintaining individual equipment. Students will have some free time to rest, read and socialise in the lounge. We encourage every student to bring a board game or cards, etc. to play with their peers during these down times.
Some students may wish to go to sleep earlier, we are living in a close group with peers and staff. Respecting each other’s privacy and being quiet in the cottage is of the upmost importance.
UNSUPERVISED TIMES
When we are out and about (at the vintage market or eating in Daylesford, etc.), students will be dismissed and expected to meet at an agreed-upon designated point. As this is a senior camp, we want to encourage students to have the freedom to make their own choices. Students are however, more than welcome to accompany the teachers. The students will know the whereabouts of the teachers at all times. Students will be in groups of at least 3. There is, of course, an expectation of appropriate behaviour at all times.
CREATE ESCAPE PLANNING
BEFORE you go to Daylesford, it’s important that you are clear in your mind about what you aim to accomplish over the week. Without exception, students who go with a clear plan, and who work persistently to develop it, achieve more, and enjoy the camp more too.
You need to develop a creative project that will encompass five days’ work.
The fifth day, Friday, will be at school. This day should be allocated to ensuring that you have a ‘final draft’ version recorded or published, so that you can present it at the afternoon tea exhibition to parents and friends. This is a chance to celebrate your achievement.
From Monday to Thursday, the program allocates significant time each day to developing your project. You need to be clear in your mind, and in your commitment, to ensuring that you use the time efficiently, that you have enough to do, BUT that you don’t ‘bite off more than you can chew’!
Please note that each evening there will be a ‘show ‘n’ share’ session, where you can discuss your progress, display or perform what you have created so far, and receive feedback.
FILL IN AND RETURN BELOW SECTION
Please fill in this sheet, so that we can begin the process. Provide as much information as you can, so that staff can support you to develop your project successfully. Email a copy of this to Leike Koren: lkoren@woodleigh.vic.edu.au
Project type:
Your name:
List all the equipment you will need (and indicate whether you will provide it, or whether staff need to assist you with booking equipment through school)
Preparation for the project (to be completed before the camp week)
Nominate simple steps or stages, estimating time required for each day
Format of the final presentation at Friday’s afternoon tea exhibition
CREATE ESCAPE PROGRAM
Daily Outline
7.30am Wake, shower and dress for the day
8.00am Breakfast
9.00am Creative Session 1
11.00am Morning Tea
11.30am Outing
1.30pm Lunch
2.30pm Creative Session 2
3.45pm Afternoon Tea
4.15pm Creative Session 3
6.00pm Free Time
6.30pm Dinner
7.30pm Group sharing time
9.00pm Free Time
10.00pm Prepare for bed
10.30pm Lights out
Weekly Schedule
Monday
EXPECTATIONS FOR THE WEEK
• As the atmosphere of the camp is relaxed, students will work in a supportive, but often autonomous environment on at least one project for the week. This could be solo or collaborative.
• Students allocated to this camp will need to share their creative project proposal with staff prior to departure. At the conclusion of the camp, all students will present their projects: completed writing(s), painting(s), recite or perform their poetry or other oral or musical piece(s) at the Friday afternoon tea and exhibition to parents and friends in Jago, at Woodleigh Senior Campus.
• Students will be encouraged to engage with a range of skills and experiences designed to enhance their creative stimulation. These include organisational, ‘brainstorming’ and feedback sessions.
• Students are required to be in their own beds by 10pm. Lights out at 10.30pm.
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
• 9.45am bus departing Woodleigh & travelling to Daylesford (short stop at Kyneton for lunch and Daylesford for food shopping).
• Arrive at Gumtree Springs. Settle in and begin to work on projects.
• BBQ Dinner at the cottage.
• Students continue working on projects.
• Purchase lunch in Daylesford, outing to Vintage Markets.
• Dinner at the cottage.
• Outing to Hanging Rock.
• Continue working on projects.
• Take away dinner from Daylesford.
• Work towards finalising projects.
• Return home via Woodend. Arrive at school to be collected by approximately 3pm.
• Project completion at Woodleigh Senior Campus.
• Exhibition and afternoon tea preparation Woodleigh (Jago).
• 1pm Exhibition to friends and parents.
Note: Times may be subject to change.
Woodleigh School Senior Homestead Camp 10
BARRETTS ROAD
BUS LOCATION - DEPART/RETURN
WOODLEIGH SCHOOL SENIOR CAMPUS
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.
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
