TASMANIA ADVENTURE CAMP 2025
SENIOR HOMESTEAD
SENIOR HOMESTEAD CAMP
2-6 MARCH 2025
TASMANIA ADVENTURE
February 2025
Dear Student and Parents/Guardians,
The Senior Homestead Tasmania Adventure Camp will take place from Sunday 2 March to Thursday 6 March 2025.
During our time in Tasmania, the group will visit a wide range of cultural, historical and environmental sites as well as the city of Hobart. We will be staying at the Riverfront Motel & Villas Rosetta, Hobart, and in cabin accommodation at the White Beach Tourist Park. Students will be supervised at our accommodation and at venues, however during the day, there will be some limited free time where students can explore the Salamanca area of Hobart, the towns that we visit and Port Arthur Historic Site. Students will be given explicit directions and emergency procedures and will be required to be in groups of at least 3 during unsupervised times.
Students will need to bring a copy of the program with them and will be given an Emergency Procedures card with relevant phone numbers that they will need to carry with them at all times.
Parents/Guardians, please respond to the Operoo eForm and ensure that your child’s medical information is up to date.
Please ensure that you carefully read through the information provided in this booklet. We hope this clarifies any questions you may have in relation to this camp. If there are any queries, please do not hesitate to contact us. We look forward to a fun and rewarding week.
Yours sincerely,
Ms Jordan Palmer Tasmania Adventure Camp Coordinator
Woodleigh
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
I’d like to pay respect to the traditional and original owners of this land, the Tasmanian Aboriginal people, to those that have passed before us and to acknowledge today’s Tasmanian Aboriginal people who are the custodians 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).
TASMANIA ADVENTURE CAMP INFORMATION
CAMP DATES
Sunday 2 March until Thursday 6 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 $1,400, which will be charged to student accounts. This includes flights, accommodation, entry to venues, bus travel and some meals. Students will be required to bring some money to purchase food supplies throughout the week. There is more information in the booklet under ‘What to Bring’ regarding money and the food plan.
Spending Money
You must allow for dinner on Monday and Tuesday, breakfast and lunch each day and an airport snack on Thursday. We will be going to a supermarket on Sunday to purchase supplies for the week. Depending on what you wish to spend on souvenirs and snacks etc., we suggest that $200 will suffice for the five days. Please only bring a small amount of cash, as ATMs are accessible in the places we visit.
TRANSPORT
Forward Journey: Students to meet at Tullamarine Airport on Sunday 2 March, 2025.
Melbourne - Hobart, Virgin VA1316
Check-in location: Virgin Terminal 3, Tullamarine Airport.
Check-in time: Meet our group at 6:35am and please be on time.
Flight Departure Time: 8:35am.
Arrival in Launceston: 9:55am.
Essential reminders:
• Photo ID required - Driver’s License, Learner’s Permit, or Travel Concession card (Staff must have a photocopy of this too).
• No sharps to be stored on person or in hand luggage - e.g. no penknives, nail files, etc.
• Fresh fruit and vegetables cannot be taken into Tasmania.
Return Journey: Students to be at the Virgin counter in Hobart Airport by 3:50pm on Thursday 6 March, 2025.
Launceston - Melbourne, Virgin VA1331
Flight Departure Time: 5:50pm.
Arrival at Tullamarine: 7:15pm.
Parent Collection Point: Arrange to be collected at the end of camp at Tullamarine airport, at 7:30pm on Thursday 6 March - this is where the camp concludes.
Car-pooling: It makes a lot of sense to carpool to and from the airport. We will discuss this in our meetings.
LOCATION & ACCOMMODATION
A range of places in Southern Tasmania.
Wednesday 5 March: White Beach Tourist Park, 128 White Beach Rd, White Beach, Tasmania
Sunday 2 March - Wednesday 5 March: Riverfront Motel and Villas, 11 Strathaven Drive, Rosetta, Tasmania 7011.
MEALS
Students may bring snacks with them on Sunday but no fresh fruit or vegetables due to Tasmanian regulations. There will be a ‘shop stop’ where students can purchase their breakfast and snack requirements. Lunches will be varied, with options for students to make their own rolls with supplies provided by the school, as well as accompanying snacks. Other lunches may involve students purchasing food of their choice.
Woodleigh School Homestead Week Camp
Dinners will be varied. Students will need to purchase their own fish and chips at Constitution Dock, as well as bring some money for a dinner out at a restaurant one night. The school will provide dinner the other nights. Students will need to bring some money to spend on food throughout the week, as stated in spending money we suggest no more than $200 will be needed for meals, spending money and other items throughout the week.
CLOTHING/EQUIPMENT
Baggage allowance on domestic flights: 1 bag in the hold, max 15kg, 1 small bag as hand luggage.
Please ensure that you clearly label your bag with your name, permanent address, and phone number. We will be checking in as a group.
Neat casual clothing – particularly for the evening activities – will be expected.
Hand Luggage
Please note that no sharp objects are allowed onboard the plane and no fruit or vegetables are allowed due to Tasmanian Quarantine Regulations.
Please carry a day pack as your hand luggage and include the following items:
• Camp Booklet.
• Spending money.
• Personal items such as mobile phone and charger.
• Other personal requirements.
Personal Items
Note: Temperature may vary between 5oC to 30oC .
• Personal clothing/toiletries (include some warm clothing at night).
• It is essential to bring sturdy walking shoes (e.g. good runners).
• Bathers/beach towel/sunhat.
• Comfortable walking shoes/runners (NO THONGS in any style).
• Neat casual clothing for dinners in restaurants.
• Sunscreen and sunglasses.
• Water bottle.
• Items such as nail scissors/nail files, etc. must be packed in your check-in bag – you cannot take them in your hand luggage.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR WHITEWATER RAFTING
Things to bring:
• Bike shorts or bathers.
• Runners, shorts (to wear over your wet suit).
• Woollen jumper and thermals (top/bottom).
• Spray jacket, towel.
• Retaining strap for glasses, bag for wet gear.
DO NOT BRING
Watches, jewellery or valuables as they may get lost or wet.
MOBILE PHONES
A reminder that the Woodleigh School Mobile Phone Policy will be in effect throughout the week. One important objective of our camping program is the development of a unique group in a special setting. Relationships between staff and students or students and students are significantly undermined if students have ready contact with students on other camps, families, partners or others. Outside influences are distracting and will negate the special opportunity that a camp provides.
There are safety and legal issues also if students have access to outside communication. A minor incident reported incorrectly to other students, parents or the media could have disastrous consequences.
For most camps mobile phones are not allowed. In the case of this program, mobile phones should be used only in the case of emergency or making contact with staff.
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.
RISK
There are elements of risk involved in this camp, which includes a tour of Tasmania involving arts-based workshops, visits to museums and historical sites, white water rafting, abseiling and bushwalking. 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:
• Physical risks associated with white water rafting, such as falling into fast-moving water, drowning, or soft tissue injuries.
• Risks during bushwalking, including slips, trips, falls, exposure to wildlife, and weather-related hazards.
• Emotional or social challenges during participation in arts-based workshops, which may explore sensitive topics or involve personal expression.
• Health and safety risks in shared accommodation settings (youth hostels and hotels) due to interaction with members of the public.
• Safety risks when navigating city and town environments, including pedestrian hazards and potential interactions with strangers.
• Fatigue due to a varied and busy schedule, which includes both physical and educational activities.
• Complications arising from a pre-existing medical or mental health condition.
To mitigate these risks, we will:
• Require students to bring appropriate clothing and gear for rafting, bushwalking, and other activities, including water safety equipment, sturdy footwear, sun protection, and weather-appropriate clothing (a detailed list will be provided).
• Work with licensed and experienced rafting instructors and guides for all outdoor adventure activities, ensuring strict adherence to safety protocols.
• Arrange accommodations with safety and supervision in mind, implementing protocols to minimise interaction with the public in youth hostels and hotels.
• Conduct daily safety briefings, including preparation for physical activities, city awareness, and safe public conduct.
• Provide supportive supervision for arts-based workshops and offer guidance to students before and after workshops that may be emotionally or socially challenging.
• Monitor students’ well-being throughout the camp and offer rest periods as needed to prevent fatigue.
• Review student medical and mental health records prior to the camp and ask parents to update health information on Operoo. Parents will be contacted 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, airline staff and specialist providers is required. This is especially important in relation to activity safety and accommodation security.
• Adherence to meeting times is very important. If you fail to arrive by the scheduled meeting time, and you haven’t made contact or left a message to one of the staff numbers, we will have no option but to call the police and your parents.
• You must have your program, charged mobile phone (except when participating in the adventure activities - Staff will make this clear) and card with emergency numbers with you at all times (this will be given to you at the beginning of our camp). Don’t rely on someone else to have the information for you.
• 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 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.
• Never leave the campsite/accommodation 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/cabin, before breakfast or after dark. You will only enter someone else's bedroom/cabin 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.
Students are not permitted to eat, watch TV or hang out in the bedroom/cabin. The sleeping areas only for sleeping, dressing (and showering if available). 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 quite in the house is of the upmost importance.
At the accommodation, there may be videos etc. that are left for the use of guests. This means that students may be exposed to DVDs and other materials that may be rated inappropriately for their age. Staff will endeavour to minimise this impact by regularly checking and supervising students at the accommodation. The School’s policy governing what students may see, the Policy on Appropriate Material for Public Performances does affect the camp in that M-rated material may not be shown to students under 15 years of age without prior parental consent. From our experience, many of the DVDs at any accommodation are ones that secondary students can view without being exposed to inappropriate material.
As part of the camp, there will be a movie night scheduled during the week. The movie for that night has not been selected yet. The film could be rated M or PG. However, should you have reservations about allowing your child to view M rated DVDs there will be alternate provisions made.
UNSUPERVISED TIMES
At times you will be unsupervised – such as shopping for supplies. At these times the following will apply:
• Students will be in groups of at least 3.
• Students will have the Staff Contact card with all staff numbers and school numbers including the after hours contact.
• Students will receive clear directions about boundaries, and reporting time. The time allowed will be dependent on the task, given the constraints of the situation (e.g. is travel involved, is a lunch break factored in as well?).
• Staff will have a list of students in each group.
• Staff will have a full contact list of all student mobiles and arrange for mobiles to be on.
• We will use Microsoft Teams for communication. Students must download the TEAMS App onto their phone before the camp commences.
TASMANIA ADVENTURE CAMP PROGRAM
TIME Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday
Breakfast at Port Arthur Caravan Park
6:35am Arrive at Tullamarine
8:35am Depart for Hobart
9:55am Arrive in Hobart
Morning
10am-3pm Abseiling at Mount Wellington, The Springs.
Depart Hobart and drive to Port Arthur.
Checkout by 10am.
Afternoon
11:30am/12pm - Drive to accommodation – Riverfront Motel and Villa. 10am-3pm White Water Rafting along the Derwent River, New Norfolk.
Lunch at cabins.
2.30pm-4.30pm MONA – Museum of Old and New Art.
Walk through the Botanic Gardens (open until 6:30pm).
(Provider: Aardvark Adventures).
(Provider: Aardvark Adventures).
2 groups (one abseiling and one walk down from the Summit of Mt Wellington).
Milkshakes as an afternoon treat!
Enjoy a casual walk around the Montrose Boardwalk.
Relax for the remainder of the afternoon.
4:30pm Tour of Cascades Women’s Factory.
Checkout by 10am.
10:30am-12pm Wildlife Sanctuary
Leave for Port Arthur – en-route stop in Sorell for lunch.
Walk/drive to Port Arthur and day tour
10am-1pm Visit Port Arthur Historic Site. Time to explore in small groups (minimum 3 students allowed).
Lunch at Port Arthur Historic Site.
Evening MasterChef Challenge. Pizza Dinner and Trivia Night.
Note: Program may be subject to change.
Dinner at Constitution Dock (Fish and Chips, and other options available).
7:30pm Activity chosen, based on needs of group.
3pm-4pm Isle of the Dead Tour at Port Arthur Historic Site.
4:30pm Check in at NRMA Port Arthur Holiday Park.
1:30pm Depart Port Arthur and travel to Hobart.
En-route visit and walk to Tessellated Pavements, Blow Hole, Devil’s Kitchen coastal walks.
3:50pm Arrive at Hobart Airport.
6:30pm Dinner at Port Arthur Caravan Park.
8pm Ghost Tour Port Arthur.
5:50pm Depart Hobart
7:15pm Arrive at Tullamarine Airport. Parents to collect by 7:45pm.
GROUP FOOD PLANNER
Students will need to bring their money for purchasing some foods through the week.
Meals Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday
Breakfast
Lunch
Students eat breakfast at the airport.
Students organise their own breakfast.
Students organise their own breakfast.
Students organise their own breakfast. BBQ Breakfast at Port Arthur.
Students buy their own lunch at local supermarket. Shopping for supplies the following days.
Lunch provided by school –variety of rolls, snacks etc.
Lunch provided by school –variety of rolls, snacks etc.
Students purchase their own lunch at our stop at Sorell or can have rolls.
Staff to buy supplies for BBQ at Sorell.
Students provide their own lunch – can purchase at Port Arthur.
Dinner MasterChef Challenge. Pizza Night.
= Students to provide their own
= Provided by the school
We will set up work groups - i.e. to do the communal cooking/cleaning. Record your Group Members (and phone numbers) here:
Fish and Chips (Students buy) Pre-booked dinner at Port Arthur Caravan Park. N/A
MY CAMP CHECKLIST
Things to purchase / Things to take
