2025 SHS Sapphire Coast Safari Camp Booklet by Woodleigh School

SAPPHIRE COAST SAFARI CAMP 2025

SENIOR HOMESTEAD

SENIOR HOMESTEAD CAMP

2-7 MARCH 2025

SAPPHIRE COAST SAFARI CAMP

February 2025

Dear Student and Parents/Guardians,

The Senior Homestead Sapphire Coast Safari Camp will take place from Sunday 2 March to Friday 7 March 2025.

This six-day adventure is all about the beach and the ocean. The camp will be based out of Pambula, on the stunning Sapphire Coast in Southern New South Wales.

We will experience this environment on land and at sea. There will be the opportunity to surf, SUP, and kayak with Coast Life. We will also get to snorkel and swim on some of the most majestic beaches in Australia. You will explore some of the hidden rainforest that surrounds the coastline on foot and may even have the chance to visit a waterfall or two.

Each day has an activity or 2 planned, but also time to explore and find our own adventures on this beautiful coastline. There will be time to relax on the beach, swim and play games. This level of freedom requires you to act responsibly to ensure our trip is safe and everyone enjoys themselves.

We will be staying at the very comfortable Pambula Beach Caravan Park. You will be expected to bring a small 2-3 person tent. You will be asked to self-cater for dinner 3 out of the 5 nights. We will cook together using the group cooking facilities at the campground and we will be able to shop for what we need when on camp. We will also head out for dinner and hopefully cook up some of our own catch after our fishing charter. We will provide breakfast each morning and lunch some days, however, you will need to have money for the shops and or supermarket for lunch on 3 of the days.

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,

Mr Haydn Flanagan Sapphire Coast Safari Camp Coordinator

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Our camp is being held on the lands of the Yuin 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.

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).

SAPPHIRE COAST SAFARI

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 $1,000, which will be charged to student accounts. The cost includes transport to and from Pambula, all hire equipment and camping fees at the Pambula Caravan Park. This also includes some meals, however students are also expected to self-cater at times so will be required to bring some money (approximately $25 per day would be sufficient). There will be the opportunity to go to the supermarket to purchase food during the trips.

TRANSPORT

We will be travelling in a Rosa bus driven by a Woodleigh staff member.

Departure: Students to arrive at Woodleigh at 7.00am on Sunday 2 March and meet at Cruden Oval carpark to load gear. The bus will depart Woodleigh at 7.30am sharp, so please be on time.

Return: Students will return to Woodleigh by approximately 3.30pm on Friday 7 March and can be collected at the same location as drop-off. We will contact School in the event of our arrival back being later than 4.00pm - parents can ring School around 2.00pm to check on our arrival time.

LOCATION

The camp will be based at Pambula and we will carry out our activities around the stunning Sapphire Coast in Southern New South Wales.

ACCOMMODATION

Students will be staying at the very comfortable Pambula Beach Caravan Park and will need to bring a small 2-3 person tent.

MEALS

We will provide breakfast and lunch on most (3) days, however they will need to have money for the shops and or supermarket for lunch for 2-3 of the days. Please contact your Camp Coordinator to advise of any allergies or special dietary requirements prior to the camp.

Students will be asked to self-cater on one night, and we will be able to shop for what we need when on camp. We will also head out for dinner and hopefully cook up some of our own catch after our fishing charter.

ACTIVITIES

CLOTHING/EQUIPMENT

Space will be limited - so please pack lightly.

Woodleigh School Homestead Week Camp

Personal Items

• Wet and dry weather clothing.

• Be prepared for very hot, dry weather or drenching rain.

• A good weatherproof jacket.

• Good walking shoes.

• Old tennis shoes or similar for kayaking.

• Bathers and rash vest (essential).

• A mask, snorkel and flippers (if you wish to use your own).

• Wetsuit (if you have one).

• A hat that shades your neck and face.

• Sunglasses.

• Water bottle (2 litres minimum).

• Camera.

• Any personal medications.

• Personal toiletries including lots of waterproof Sunblock (50+ SPF).

• Torch + spare batteries.

• Tent for 2 or 3 people.

• Sleeping bag, mat, and small pillow.

• Bring playing cards and small games (nothing big).

• Personal clothing.

• 2x towels (for beach and shower).

• Thongs/sandals.

• Bowls, plates, cooking utensils.

• Food and money for some self-catering (lunch 3 days, dinner 4 days).

Your pair or triple should bring

• A sturdy two/three-person tent, a small hammer (which should be clearly named and handed to staff).

• Speciality cooking utensils, if you wish to cook something fancy (note: most are available in the camp kitchen).

• Snacks for each day and any food you require.

Optional

• Small musical instrument.

• Games.

DO NOT BRING

Valuables, cameras or any articles that you don't want to lose or break, an excessive amount of money, lollies, electronic/digital devices, laptops or iPads.

MOBILE PHONES

A reminder that the Woodleigh School Mobile Phone Policy will be in effect throughout the week. Mobile phones may be brought for the purposes of listening to music to and from camp and contacting parents regarding arrival times back at school. Phones will be used as an emergency contact device during unsupervised times – i.e. – lunch at Merimbula. They will

not be required for any other purpose during the week and will be collected and kept by camp staff. All care will be taken, however no responsibility will be accepted for confiscated phones. (Socialising with friends and making new friends is a major focus of this week).

RISK

There are elements of risk involved in this camp, which include surfing, snorkelling, kayaking, day hiking, and camping in a caravan park. 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:

• Water-related hazards during surfing, snorkelling, and kayaking, including risks of drowning, near drowning, and injuries from waves or currents.

• Exposure to marine wildlife, with potential for stings, bites, or other injuries.

• Soft tissue injuries or strains from physical activities, including hiking and handling watercraft.

• Sunburn, dehydration, or heat exhaustion due to prolonged outdoor activity.

• Risks associated with uneven terrain during hiking, which may result in slips, trips, or falls.

• Potential health and safety risks related to shared amenities and public spaces at the caravan park.

• Complications arising from a pre-existing medical condition.

To mitigate these risks, we will:

• Require students to bring appropriate safety gear and clothing for each activity, including life jackets, wetsuits, hats, and sunscreen (a detailed list will be provided).

• Engage qualified, experienced instructors for all water-based activities to provide supervision, guidance, and safety training.

• Verify the Working With Children Check (WWCC) status of all instructors and guides.

• Monitor weather and water conditions daily, with the flexibility to adjust the program if necessary for safety.

• Conduct regular safety briefings on managing risks in water activities, hiking safety, and proper hydration and sun protection.

• Follow safe practices for shared spaces and amenities at the caravan park to promote hygiene and health.

• Check student medical records prior to the camp 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, rangers and specialist providers is required. This is especially important in relation to activity 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). You must carry the emergency info card (you will be given this at the start of camp) and have your mobile phone turned on.

• 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. You’re on the water, and staying in a public location, so listening and following instructions, as well as looking out for each other are vital.

• You must be respectful around the caravan park and be courteous of other guests.

• 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.

• 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.

• Breach of these rules will have serious consequences that may result in your removal from the camp.

Students will be rostered into groups to help with organisation which will include such things as setting out breakfast, lunch and washing up. Students will have some free time to rest, read and socialise around the campsite. We encourage every student to bring a board game or cards etc. to play with their peers during these down times.

Students are not permitted to eat or hang out in the tent. The sleeping areas are only for sleeping and dressing. The days will be long and tiring and therefore 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 campsite is of the utmost importance.

UNSUPERVISED TIMES

At times, students will be unsupervised whilst on camp. These include when purchasing lunch in between activities and during downtime at the campground after activities.

When outside of the campground, students will need to remain in a group of at least three students and have a mobile phone switched on by which they can be contacted, or make contact with staff, if required.

If within the campground, students must stay within the campground and must let a staff member know if they intend to leave the campsite.

During all unsupervised times, students must behave in a manner in line with behavioural expectations at school.

SAPPHIRE COAST SAFARI PROGRAM

TIME Morning Lunch Afternoon Evening

Sunday 7am

Meet at School main drive carpark. 7:30am sharp Bus departs Woodleigh. If you are late, we don't wait!

Lunch on the way. Purchase or BYO

Supermarket stop in Merimbula. Students purchase self-catering for Monday Dinner Pizza night.

Monday 9am - 12pm Surfing with Coast Life – Pambula Beach. Lunch provided – Pambula River Mouth. 1pm – 4.30pm Sea kayaking with Coast Life – Pambula River Mouth. Self-cater at the campsite.

Tuesday 10am - 12pm SUP– booked. Self- purchase – Merimbula. 1pm - 3pm SUP– booked. Self-cater at the campsite.

With luck - self-caught fish and chips for dinner.

Wednesday 9am - 12am Surfing with Coast Life –Tathra, Kianinny Bay. Lunch provided – Tathra. 1pm - 4pm Snorkelling with Coast Life - Tathra. Out for dinner - Merimbula (self-cater).

Thursday 9am - 12pm Visit Eden and Whaling Museum.

Friday Pack up camp and leave. Stop in Bairnsdale for lunch. More Driving! 3.30pm Back at Woodleigh.

Additional monetary costs may be required for some meals. Please refer to the meal planner below.

Note: All times and/or activities may be subject to change.

Self-cater lunch – Merimbula. Walk -Beowa National Park. BBQ dinner – Students self-cater choice of meat.

SAPPHIRE COAST SAFARI MEAL PLANNER

TIME Breakfast Lunch Dinner Snacks

Sunday Eat at home – have a good breakfast.

Pack lunch and snacks or purchase on the way. $$ Pizza Night – Pizza’s provided. Snacks for the bus trip.

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday