GIPPSLAND LAKES SAILING CAMP 2025
SENIOR HOMESTEAD
SENIOR HOMESTEAD CAMP
2-7 MARCH 2025
GIPPSLAND LAKES SAILING
February 2025
Dear Student and Parents/Guardians,
The Senior Homestead Gippsland Lakes Sailing Camp will take place from Sunday 2 March to Friday 7 March 2025.
Experience the sheer salty exuberance of this unique estuarine environment. We are going to sail and live in a wonderfully diverse ecosystem. Migratory birds will share our breakfast, still evident historical sites such as aboriginal middens, and more modern artefacts such as a wrecked DC3 might be visited, dolphins will smile upon us, coastal bushland dunes and islands, beaches, coves and rivers will be explored.
We will be required to take a short safety stop on the way to and from camp. These stops may occur at a public park or at a shopping strip/ centre. Students may have the option to visit shops in small groups during these times.
During the week, we will make use of yachts chartered from Riviera Nautic, Metung. (Check out www.rivieranautic.com.au for more details). The specific yachts for the week are a Catalina 320, a Jeanneau 349 and a Jeanneau 379. During the week, we will sail and motor around the waterways of the Gippsland Lakes. Each day will bring new experiences as we explore new places and berth in new locations. We will also sleep, cook and live aboard the craft in varying degrees of comfort, and so in every way you will learn how to operate as a responsible and cheerful part of a team.
Students will be involved in running each yacht from the first day (after safety and operating principles have been explained). Whilst sailing, each boat will have a crew of up to six students and an instructor/staff member. We will run “watches” where you will be asked to take responsibility for many of the chores not readily evident to passengers. When on duty you will be operating the boat in turn, on the helm, the winches and anchor and deck watch. You will also make weather observations, navigate and be “shippy”, meaning aware, cautious and looking after one another. You do not need to be experienced to fully enjoy this camp.
The boats will meet up each night and as best possible, sail similar routes throughout the day. Routes will vary however, due to the different boat speeds and capabilities of the craft. The route will be flexible to allow for the best use of the weather. We will plan to stay in areas where we will be comfortable due to the direction or strength of tide or wind. Each day will include a trip that will require some physical effort and planning of equipment, clothing and supplies to accomplish.
There is sleeping space below decks, but it will be cramped with all areas being shared. Sharing living quarters is one of the learning challenges of the camp! There are toilet facilities on board each boat, however we aim to only use these in case of emergencies. The locations we dock/stay at will have an on-shore toilet and students will be expected to use these when possible. Riviera Nautic provide on-shore toilets and showers for the first night.
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. This promises to be a great camp, which will provide memories and experiences to last a lifetime. We look forward to a fun and rewarding week.
Yours sincerely,
Mr Stephen Schaper Gippsland Lakes Sailing Camp Coordinator
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land and waters where we will be spending the week, the Gunaikurnai people, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. We recognise their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of this land.
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:
• Plan at least one non-cook meal for an event of a Total Fire Ban day/s.
• Bring fire ready clothes (longs made of natural fibres).
GIPPSLAND LAKES SAILING
CAMP INFORMATION
CAMP DATES
Sunday 2 March until 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.
COST
The cost of this Senior Homestead Camp is approximately $900, which will be charged to student accounts. Students should bring a small amount of money to purchase dinner on Sunday and lunch on Friday.
TRANSPORT
Departure: Students to arrive at Woodleigh at 2.30pm on Sunday 2 March, meeting at the main drive carpark to load gear. The bus will depart Woodleigh at 3.00pm, so please be on time.
Return: Students will return to Woodleigh by 7pm on Friday 7 March and can be collected at the same location as drop-off.
We will be travelling in a Budget Rosa bus with gear stowed in a small trailer driven by a Woodleigh staff member. We will be required to take a short safety stop on the way to and from camp. These stops may occur at a public park or at a shopping strip/centre. Students may have the option to visit shops in small groups during these times.
LOCATION
During the week, we will make use of yachts chartered from Riviera Nautic, Metung and sailing around Gippsland Lakes.
ACCOMMODATION
We will sleep, cook and live aboard the craft in varying degrees of comfort, and so in every way you will learn how to operate as a responsible and cheerful part of a team.
MEALS
Although you are organising all of your own food, if you have any food allergies, intolerances or sensitivities, please make Mr Schaper aware ASAP prior to camp - it is most important that we are aware of these issues given the shared nature of the cooking spaces. Important reminder that 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.
You will need to arrange cooking partners. Your cooking group must bring your food in sturdy boxes or plastic tubs that are easy to pack in a trailer. Please do not bring large eskies. There is a small, shared fridge on board each boat, so it is possible to bring a limited amount of food that requires refrigeration.
Most cooking will be done on board – each craft has a small kitchen space with a small gas cooker and oven, along with a fridge, small eutectic fridge and sink. There are sufficient pots and pans available in the boats to share, along with crockery and cutlery. (Some small gas stoves may be provided allowing us to cook on jetties at night. Please do not bring your own).
You will be cooking your own food. You will be required to plan a menu, prepare food, cook on the gas stoves, clean up the shared kitchen space and wash and dry your own dishes. During cooking, you will be working independent of staff, therefore if you do not know how to use a gas stove or oven safely, or how to cook and work safely in a kitchen environment, it is important that you speak to Mr Schaper.
Plan your menu for the week on the Group Food Planner at the end of this booklet. Remember that you will need to organise easily portable picnic lunches each day to take on the various boats. (Consider bringing some zip lock bags or ‘Glad Wrap’ to wrap your lunches up.) Get rid of all unnecessary packaging before the camp. You should be able to be adventurous with your menu. Fresh vegetables will be fine. Pastas, rice dishes, even meat for the first couple of days are all possible.
As nautical history indicates, the bringing and indiscriminate handing out of cakes and biscuits during the evening watch is a very social and positive thing to do, and much better than swabbing decks or cleaning the heads.
SAILING DETAILS
We will be using a Catalina 320, a Jeanneau 349 and a Jeanneau 379. These are fibreglass cruising yachts supplied by Riviera Nautic, Chinaman's Creek, Metung. For a great overview of The Lakes, have a look at the interactive guide and boating holiday guide. The Gippsland Lakes are the largest navigable inland waterway in Australia and consist of three main lakes: Lake King, Lake Victoria and Lake Wellington. However, ‘The Lakes’ also include numerous navigable bays and inlets, such as Bancroft Bay, Duck Arm, Boxes Creek and Reeve Channel, along with three rivers that flow into Lake King: The Tambo, Nicholson and Mitchell. During the week, we may sail and motor to some or all of these areas. However, as sailing is a highly weather dependent activity, our program will need to be flexible. Daily sailing routes will be based on weather conditions. Potential (but not limited to) overnight mooring locations are shown in the map above. Again, final mooring locations will be dependent on the weather conditions.
OTHER ACTIVITIES
The majority of time on this camp will be spent on board - sailing. However, we may visit local waterfront townships, such as Metung and Paynesville, and areas such as the local National Park and Ninety Mile Beach. During these times students may independently explore these areas in small groups after gaining permission from staff. The focus of this camp is developing skills and passion for sailing. Please note, to ensure we comply with government guidelines, students are unable to swim at any time on the Gippsland Lakes.
CLOTHING/EQUIPMENT
You will need to supply your own general sleeping gear (i.e. sleeping bag and pillow). It may be cold and wet sometimes. Even in mild weather, the Lakes experience a catabatic breeze from the Great Divide each evening, and chill turns to cold in seconds, so it is important that you pay attention to the clothing list. All your gear should fit inside a backpack or bag. (Space is limited on board so pack with this in mind - do not bring large bags or suitcases). Another smaller day bag/backpack is also required.
Bring everything you need to remain sensibly comfortable without bringing stuff you will not need. You will need to share your bunk space with all your luggage. The cabin soles (“floors” are part of the ribs of a boat) should be clear of bags and clothes, dishes and half washed bowls of cereal.
Remember weather and sun protection. The marine environment may be cool, but also very reflective of solar radiation. A sunhat, sleeved shirt and sunscreen are essentials. A waterproof coat, a warm top and beanie are necessary. Combined wind and wet conditions tend to chill bodies quickly.
Personal Items
• Long-sleeved light cotton shirt / long-sleeved rashie /clothes for sailing (essential).
• ‘Wet’ shoes / clogs for wearing in the water when getting on/off the yachts at beach locations.
• A complete change of clothing, including a woollen jumper/poly jacket that will remain your dry, warm evening clothes.
• Close fitting woollen jumper and warm jacket.
• Waterproof jacket - compulsory.
• Beanie, gloves, (overpants - optional).
• Sand shoes / runners (toe protection essential).
• A daybag / small backpack.
• Bathers & towel.
• Broad brimmed hat - that ties on!
• Quick-drying shorts/pants.
• Food for five days.
• Drink bottle.
• Inner sheet.
• Sleeping bag.
• Sunglasses & Sunscreen (essential).
• Toiletries (minimal).
• Sea sickness medication / bands.
• Spare garbage bags.
• Mosquito Repellent (low irritant).
• Torch and spare batteries.
• Pen and paper, journal, etc.
• Camera (optional).
• Musical instrument - uke or harmonica (optional and only one per student).
• Games - such as playing cards, backgammon, cribbage (optional and only one per student).
DO NOT BRING
Valuables, cameras or any articles that you don't want to lose or break, an excessive amount of money, lollies, electronic devices, laptops or iPads.
MOBILE PHONES
Please don’t bring Mobile Phones on the camp. The concept of being in a “different place” is often upset by inconsequential contact with the normal world. There is a phone/radio on each boat, which can be used for emergencies. 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, but no responsibility accepted for confiscated phones.
RISK
There are elements of risk involved in this sailing camp, which takes place on large yachts and includes overnight stays. 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:
• Falling overboard, with risks associated with cold-water immersion and potential drowning.
• Injuries from slips, trips, or falls on deck, especially in wet or uneven areas.
• Rope entanglement or injuries from handling sails, lines, and other rigging.
• Sea sickness and discomfort from prolonged time at sea.
• Limited communication and access to immediate medical assistance while offshore.
• Sunburn, dehydration, or hypothermia due to prolonged exposure to weather conditions.
• Fire hazards or risks associated with cooking or using equipment onboard.
• Complications arising from a pre-existing medical condition.
To mitigate these risks, we will:
• Require students to have appropriate safety clothing and gear, including life jackets and non-slip footwear (a list will be provided).
• Ensure all yachts are staffed with experienced and certified sailing instructors who will conduct regular safety briefings and oversight.
• Check the Working With Children Check (WWCC) status of all instructors and staff.
• Monitor weather and sea conditions daily, with plans to adjust the itinerary as necessary for safety.
• Enforce strict protocols for on-deck safety.
• Provide training on emergency procedures, including man-overboard drills and safe handling of ropes and equipment.
• Check student medical records prior to the camp and ask parents to update health information on Operoo. Parents will be contacted prior to 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, rangers, and specialist providers is required. This is especially important in relation to sailing 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 when living in close quarters. A good night’s sleep will be essential - being tired will not only affect you but also others on camp. Sailing can be tiring with lots of fresh air and physical movement. We are living in a close group with peers and staff. Respecting each other’s privacy and being quite in the boat is of the utmost importance.
• Never leave the mooring/dock 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 use their boat groups to organise and manage the yachts spaces. After each sail, boats need specific de-rigging and docking checks to keep us safe and fast overnight. Students will have some free time to rest, read and socialise. We encourage every student to bring a board game or cards etc. to play with their peers during these down times.
Attention to radio calls and intra-boat communication is highly important. Assign a communications officer each day to ensure that clear communication is happening between the three yachts whilst on the water.
UNSUPERVISED TIMES
Weather pending, we may have the opportunity to go ashore in Metung. This is a small country town, and you may have the opportunity to stretch your legs and grab some lunch. Students must always remain in small groups and adhere to meeting times. Bring a small amount of money if you wish to purchase lunch.
Breakfast
GIPPSLAND LAKES GROUP FOOD PLANNER
Lunch
Dinner
Snacks
Bring money to purchase.
Bring money to purchase.
Record your Group Members (and phone numbers) here:
GIPPSLAND LAKES SAILING PROGRAM
DAY Program
Sunday
Monday
2:30pm meet at Woodleigh
3:00pm departure
8:00pm arrival at Metung – sleep aboard yachts at Riviera Nautic, Chinaman’s Creek.
Safety drills and boat orientation. Sailing!
Destinations each day are weather dependant. At the start of each day, we will decide which destination is the most desirable based on wind, tide and weather forecasts.
Tuesday Sailing!
Wednesday Sailing!
Thursday Sailing!
Friday
Return to Riviera Nautic, Metung at midday.
Lunch and pack down yachts.
Depart Metung at 2:30pm to return to Woodleigh by 7pm
Note: Times may be subject to change.
MY CAMP CHECKLIST
Things to purchase / Things to take
