HATTAH CAMP BOOKLET 2025
HATTAH CAMP
2-8 MAY 2025
Dear Parents/Guardians,
The Year 10 Hattah program for this year is scheduled for Friday 2 - Thursday 8 May 2025.
The expedition will take place in the Hattah-Kulkyne National Park in North West Victoria. Last year students participated in a challenging, rewarding and memorable expedition, where they learnt, in a “real” situation, navigation, food planning, camp-craft, bush cooking, many social group skills and many personal insights concerning themselves, the nature of endurance and challenge. As Year 10s they will be asked to capitalise on the skills learned on the Year 9 Expedition as they undertake the Hattah program at the start of Term 2.
Hattah-Kulkyne National Park is located between the Calder Highway and the Murray River, approximately 70kms south of Mildura. The major feature of the park is a system of creeks and lakes in an otherwise desert area. A commitment by the government to restore the drought affected lake system resulted in pumping of water into the lakes in 2014 and for the first time in more than 10 years, the park filled with water in 2015. The health of the environment is once again flourishing. Large groups of emu and wallaby are frequently seen in the Park. Bird and reptile life is prolific, the trees, sunrises, sunsets and landscapes provide an image of Australia that is unforgettable.
A staff student ratio of 1:6 and a comprehensive safety and back-up system will be in place. Students will be responsible for their navigation and conduct during their hikes between camps each day. Students will hike unaccompanied during the day on an approved route. Staff members will be with every group each evening and overnight and will set the group off each morning. The park is basically flat and sparsely treed making walking and navigation reasonably easy both on and off track. Each group will carry an InReach device which enables staff to track their location in the event of an incident. Students will also travel through fixed and planned checkpoints (vias) which ensures staff are able to remotely supervise each group. Over the 7-day trip, one day will entail canoe touring on the Murray River. The canoe tour will be staffed by qualified instructors.
Preparation for the expedition will involve students in a Core Activity prior to camp. Students will receive instruction in the following areas: First Aid/Survival, Navigation/Route Planning, Equipment/Clothing, Menu Planning, Ecology, Light Weight/Low Impact Camping. A major theme throughout all of the instruction was ensuring a low impact on the environment.
To guarantee all students have the necessary items to ensure their safety, each student will be provided with a basic ‘kit’ which will include gaiters, a compass, maps, a whistle and an appropriate roller bandage – specifically for use in the event of snake-bite or sprains. Each of these items has a valuable future use for students and families. Each walking group will also be supplied with a comprehensive First Aid Kit belonging to the school and a First Aid information book. As previously mentioned, groups will also be allocated an InReach device and a radio in order to contact support staff in the event of an emergency.
Students will need to be suitably clothed and equipped for this expedition. Hiking boots or sturdy trail runners are essential for this journey. Each student must have a well-fitting, robust backpack with an internal frame. There is a gear list available on the Hattah Portal. All students and parents have access to this through SEQTA.
We have arranged a bulk hire deal to minimize costs. Any requests received after the official order has been calculated by the supplier will not be included in the arranged discount and may also not be able to be filled. Please see that your child attends to these requirements quickly. Some time spent in digging out and checking Uncle Bert’s backpack and sleeping bag will make the camp considerably cheaper and will also ensure that your child remains responsible for organising their requirements for themselves. Please note that all gear hired through the school will be collected at Hattah on the last day.
Woodleigh School Hattah Camp
Students must provide their own pack, sleeping mat, sleeping bag, rain jacket, Trangia stove, eating utensils, and all food. The school will provide “bivvies” and ropes with which to make shelters. Fuel for the Trangias will be supplied.
This will be an exciting and rewarding experience, and somewhat a Rite of Passage for Woodleigh students. Students should develop strong feelings of self-worth and success as a result of completing this expedition, as well as learning vital bush survival and navigation skills and developing empathy for the environment. The necessity to address and solve the problems they will encounter among their group of peers, with the inherent consequences, are invaluable life skills.
As a core Woodleigh experience, there is no additional charge for this camp. However, costs associated with the hire of additional equipment your child may require will be processed through student accounts.
Please approve your child’s attendance via Operoo by Friday 28 Feburary at the latest. Please communicate any last-minute medical/ medication issues directly to me. Feel free to contact me at school if you have any further queries.
The organisation of the camp is a joint project between Woodleigh staff and Outward Bound (OB). OB provide seven staff, two 4WDs and a mobile communication system. Please be aware that student medical information will be shared with OB staff and you should have already given permission for this to occur via Operoo.
To ensure the smooth running of the camp, we need to ensure that OB staff working on the program have access to up-to-date medical and dietary information. OB make use of Operoo to collect this information. To facilitate the collection process, Woodleigh will provide your child’s name and your Operoo contact email details to OB. You may also be asked to submit additional information for specific conditions or requirements. This information will only be accessible by the staff who are administering and delivering the program for your child.
You can visit the Operoo website for more information: www.operoo.com
Yours sincerely,
Mr Andrew Peach Director of Outdoor Education.
Woodleigh School Hattah Camp
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Hattah Camp is being held on the lands of the Latji Latji Mumthelang, Tati Tati, Culpra-Millee, Nyeri Nyeri and Munatunga people and we wish to acknowledge them as Traditional Owners.
We also pay our respects to their Elders, past and present and emerging, and Aboriginal Elders of other communities who may be on this land we are travelling to.
PARTICIPATION
Participation by students in Hattah Camp is a compulsory part of the school curriculum and all students are expected to attend.
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 such as canoeing, 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 their 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 unpredictablility of weather patterns within Australia, this camp will be held not long after 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, non-rubber sole shoes, head protection).
HATTAH CAMP INFORMATION
PARENT INFORMATION EVENING DATES
Tuesday 11 February 2025 (Homestead Night).
CAMP STAFF
Woodleigh Staff attending: Andrew Peach, Elspeth Cooper, Mark Adams, Michael Scott, Hannah Watts, Kelly Ann Twist, Michelle Pitcher, Craig Azzopardi and Lucy Clapham. Additional staff to be confirmed.
CAMP DATES
Friday 2 May until Thursday 8 May 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 Thursday 24 April 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.
TRANSPORT & DEPARTURE TIMES
We will be leaving the school car park at 4.30am on Friday, travelling by charter coach, to arrive at Hattah at approximately noon. Students are expected at school by no later than 4.00am. We will return to the school car park at approximately 7.30pm on Thursday 8 May.
LOCATION
The expedition will take place in the Hattah-Kulkyne National Park in Northwest Victoria.
ACCOMMODATION
The camp accommodation for the week will under handmade shelters.
FOOD
Food must be planned as outlined in the Food Activity sessions at school. Reduce packaging and be prepared to carry all of your rubbish. Seek staff advice if necessary. We are adhering to a strict NO NUTS POLICY. Please do not send nuts or nut bars, no nut butters or Nutella, due to the risk of allergic reactions. Students are encouraged to prepare meals in advance and use the school or home dehydrators.
Students and parents have access to the Hattah Portal through SEQTA. Instructions on how to access the portal has been explained to students during the Preparation sessions.
HATTAH EQUIPMENT LIST
The following list is a sample only. You should use this list in conjunction with the notes and the personalised gear list students make in their Hattah Prep sessions in Term 1, 2025.
Ground sheet
Sleeping bag
Sleeping mat
Hiking Pack
Waterproof Rain jacket
Waterproof Over pants
Long sleeve shirts
Long pants
Thermals
Underwear
Socks x 5
Sunhat – broad brim, not cap
Sunglasses
Beanie
Wool or polar fleece jumper
Gloves
Strong shoes/boots
Crocs, Old runners/reefs for river –no thongs
Anolog watch (with an alarm feature)
Bathers/shorts
Toilet paper
Toiletries, minimise
Insect repellent, not aerosol
Sunscreen
Plate / cup
Knife, fork, spoon
Trangia Stove
Food – minimise packaging
Garbage bags, x 3-5
Plastic shopping bags x 5
Tea Towel
Pocket knife – small (one per walk group)
Small sewing kit
Torch and spare batteries
Exercise Book
Pen/pencil
Fly veil
Water bottle – 3 litres
Blister management kit
Please note: No short shorts (and midriffs). Each student will be wearing (supplied) gaiters while walking.
Optional Items:
• Camera.
• Sketch pad.
• Small musical instrument (harmonica/ukulele).
The following will be supplied:
• Bivvy.
• Fuel.
Woodleigh School Hattah
• Group first aid kit.
• Toilet trowel.
• Maps.
• Map bag.
• Gaiters – to be returned at the end of the camp.
• Compass.
• Whistle.
• Bivvy cords.
• Roller bandage.
DO NOT BRING
Valuables or any articles that you wouldn't want to lose or break, an excessive amount of money, lollies, or any electronic/digital devices.
MOBILE PHONES
Mobile phones must be left at home and not brought on camp. They compromise the experience and will not be required. Staff will have a phone for emergency use.
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 cold/hot weather, water and extreme temperatures.
• Soft tissue injuries.
• Getting lost. In order to mitigate these risks:
• Students will be required to have the appropriate safety clothing and equipment (list provided).
• The professional instructors at the various facilities visited are well regarded for their safety record, professionalism, and knowledge of the locations.
• Daily assessment of weather and conditions will dictate locations used.
• Staff will carry first aid kits and have first aid training.
BEHAVIOURAL EXPECTATIONS
The Hattah program requires a high level of responsibility and expectation with respect to behaviour. All normal school policies apply; in particular:
• As a Student at Woodleigh School participating in the Hattah Expedition, 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.
• A preparedness to participate wherever appropriate.
• Safety of all participants is paramount.
• It is a courtesy 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.
• 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 shelter before breakfast or after dark. You will only enter someone else's shelter if the people in that group are there, invite you in and you have obtained permission from a staff member.
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 campsite is of the upmost importance.
Infringement of these policies will result in the student being sent home, at your own expense, suspension and influence participation in future activities.
HIRE GEAR – HATTAH 2025
If you need to hire gear for your child, the school can organise gear needed for this camp at a discounted price through “Outsports”. You will need to fill in the Operoo Gear Opt-In form by no later than Monday 24 February
If you choose to hire a Sleeping Bag & Liner Sheet, the liner must be brought on camp and must be used for hygiene purposes.
All gear is mandatory. If you choose not to hire, it is expected that you will supply the equipment yourself. If you use the hired option, please don't send any money. The cost of hire will be added to your school account. Any damage or loss of hired equipment will also be charged back to accounts to cover the gear damage or loss.
If you have filled in your Operoo Gear Opt-In Form and decide to buy instead, please contact camps@woodleigh.vic.edu.au so the gear order can be cancelled. This must be advised by no later than Monday 24 February
The gear will be issued on Wednesday 30 April before school. We will handle the return of the hire gear after the camp, which will be collected at Hattah. Students hiring a backpack will need to bring garbage bags to pack their personal gear into for the trip home.
MY CAMP CHECKLIST
Things to purchase / Things to take
Woodleigh School Hattah Camp
