Year 9 Camp Surf Discovery
K E Y I N F O R M A T I O N
Dates: Monday 30 December to Friday 4 December 2026
Pre departure meeting point and time: Keith Anderson Oval, 8.20am
Departure: Chatfield Avenue bus bays (back of school) at 8 30am
Return: Chatfield Avenue bus bays (back of school) at approximately 3 30pm
Travel Updates: For the most up to date information about Friday’s return time please check updates on Year 9 Camp page on DEEDS
Location: Lorne, Victoria.
Transport: Students will travel on chartered buses arranged by Panorama Coaches.
Food: All food will be provided by Club Lorne, with the exception of lunch and snacks on the first day. All parents are asked to review and update their son’s Administrative and Medical Details, including nonmedical dietary requirements, using Consent2Go, when completing the consent form Instructions about how to update your son’s details through the Consent2Go App can be found here
Accommodation: students will camp in bunk rooms at Club Lorne
Luggage: each student is limited to one soft sided bag (eg sports bag; not a suitcase) weighing no more than 20kg and a daypack
Injury: Any student with an injury that may affect his participation in any camp activities should include this information on their Student Health Record. This information can be added through the Parent Lounge. If a student gets injured or is sick while on camp they are to inform a staff member immediately. Each camp will have qualified first aiders.
Medications: If your son needs to take medication to camp please complete the Medication Authorisation Form by Thursday 26 November 2026 Any Schedule 8 medications must be delivered to the Student Health Centre from Tuesday 24 November to Thursday 26 November 2026 In accordance with our medication administration policy, students in Year 9 and above are allowed to self-administer their regular medications (except for Schedule 8 medications, which will need to be held by a teacher) The school requires a Medication Authorisation for all medication, so that staff are aware of what medications students are taking, in case of emergency
We request that parents do not send paracetamol or antihistamines on camp, for ‘just in case’. The School will provide Panadol, Claratyne and Zyrtec, and it is important that teaching staff are aware if any student is requiring these medications.
Asthma inhalers will be the responsibility of students unless otherwise agreed upon.
Students requiring an Epipen must bring an Epipen from home with them on camp and carry it with them at all times This Epipen is in addition to the one supplied to the school for use during school activities
An up-to-date Asthma, Allergy or Anaphylaxis plan is required if your child is affected by any of these conditions
Year 9 Camp Surf Discovery
A C T I V I T I E S
Year 9 Camp seeks to help students to learn outside the classroom and be better equipped to meet the challenges of the future. In Year 9 the focus is on learning new skills, meeting challenges and appreciating the necessity of working in a team.
The program has been designed to improve each student’s knowledge of the natural areas that exist in Victoria, and to arm them with the skills to manage themselves in these areas safely The foreshore, forest, mountains and waterways in Australia will have an ever-increasing importance as our population expands and each student should be aware of these factors
This program is an extension of the normal school program - it is not intended as a holiday camp It provides each student with a variety of experiences and controlled challenges
Students can learn in these situations on three levels: they can learn in a practical, hands-on manner, gaining new skills; they can learn more about themselves, and how they react to different and unusual situations; and they can learn more about how they interact within a group, learning co-operative and help- seeking behaviours
On this camp students will have the opportunity to try a range of activities in the water and on land around Lorne
Surfing, body surfing and boogie boarding:
Under the guidance of Club Lorne instructors, students will have the opportunity to develop their surfing, body surfing and boogie boarding skills. Instructors are as experienced at introducing new enthusiasts to the surf as they are at refining the skills and techniques of seasoned surfers.
Beach games and initiatives:
Utilising expansive sandy beaches near Lorne SLSC, groups will participate in a range of activities, some based on land and some situated in shallow waters. Team Initiatives encourages social connection, negotiation, problem-solving and adaptability, in a fun and supportive setting.
Kayaking:
Depending on conditions, kayaking sessions can be totally on the flat water of the Erskine River at the Swing Bridge area, or they can incorporate catching waves in the surf. In both instances, the basic paddling strokes are learnt, and control of the craft is gained through participating in a variety of fun activities Plastic, sit on top kayaks are used for this activity and all paddlers are equipped with helmets and personal flotation devices
Day and night walks:
Throughout the camp students will have opportunities to explore Lorne and its surrounds, walking on some the many trails in the area A particular highlight will be a walk up to Teddy’s lookout, for spectacular views of the local area All day walks on this camp will be on marked trails and students will only be required to carry minimal personal equipment in a small day pack they have brought with them on camp
Surf Safety Awareness:
Closely following the education principles used by the Australian Surf Lifesaving Association, sessions will cover important a variety of topics including surf survival, rescues, first aid, identification of dangers at the beach and surf awareness
Staffing: Each group is led by experienced and qualified Club Lorne instructors and chaperoned by CGS teachers.
Year 9 Camp Surf Discovery
Monday 30 November
Group 1
P R O G R A M
Group 2
Arrive at Lorne SLSC. Introduction, orientation and safety briefing.
Surf Lesson
Swing Bridge Walk
Sand art or beach cricket
Swing Bridge Walk
Surf Lesson
Evening activty: Surf Safety Presentation - Rips on the Beach followed by a night walk to Lorne Pier
Beach Games
Surf Lesson
Tuesday 1 December
Wednesday 2 December
Surf Carnival
Teddy’s Lookout Walk Led by Club Lorne Staff
Movie Night
Morning activity: Kayaking on the Erskine River
Surf lifesaving skills and first aid
Beach games/beach art/ indoor games
Evening activity: Night walk and trivia night
Beach Games
Surf Lesson
Thursday 3 December
Snorkeling at Lorne Pier (Eco-Logic)
Beach Soccer
Evening activity: Movie Night
Surf Carnival
Surf Lesson
Surf lifesaving skills and first aid
Kayaking on the Erskine River
Snorkeling at Lorne Pier (Eco-Logic)
Surf Lesson
Year 9 Camp Surf Discovery
P R O G R A M C O N T I N U E D
Group 1
Make lunches and pack up bunkrooms
Surf Lesson
Friday 4
December
Mini surf carnival
Group 2
Mini surf carnival
Surf Lesson
Load buses and depart Lorne at 12.30pm. Return to CGS by 3.30pm
Students need to be ready for a range of conditions on the camp. Having the right gear and clothing can make a big difference in the enjoyment of the experience.
Weather: the weather at Lorne can be cold in November and December. Nights can be cold and mornings are often cool and crisp. Days can be clear and warm but they can also be cold and wet. Make sure you read the kit list carefully and bring all the items listed
Wet weather: A good raincoat is essential The CGS spray jacket will not be sufficient If you do not have a good quality raincoat you may decide it is worth hiring one from an outdoor store such as EMC, 68 Whitehorse Road, Deepdene or One Planet
Layering: The principle of layering clothing should be followed Rather than wear one heavy coat over a tshirt which only gives you two options - you should keep warm by using a number of layers Start with thermals (polypropylene or wool), then add a t-shirt, a long sleeved shirt, a jumper and a jacket. In the coldest conditions, you can wear all of these; as you warm up during activities, you can strip off till you are comfortable, and then quickly put layers back on when you stop moving. Remember a warm hat is invaluable. It is good to have something warm and dry to change into at the end of the day - a tracksuit is ideal.
Bedding: all students should bring a sleeping bag that comes up past their shoulders Students who don’t have a suitable sleeping bag may decide to hire one rather than buy one
Footwear: Runners or approach shoes are necessary for this camp All students will participate in a number of walks on uneven, walking tracks during the camp
Sun protection: All students will need to have a hat with a broad brim, not a baseball cap, and sunscreen A long sleeved shirt with a collar with a collar is recommended. The nature of the camp means you will be spending a lot of time outdoors, regardless of weather conditions.
Be prepared for all conditions
Your experience will be made so much more enjoyable by making sure you bring the right gear. With a little planning, you can outfit yourself perfectly with items most people already have at home. You may find a trip to your local op-shop helps you find items, that you don’t have at home
Year 9 Camp Surf Discovery
C L O T H I N G
A N D E Q U I P M E N T L I S T
Club Lorne will provide specialist equipment needed to kayak, surf, and participate in beach activities. This includes the provision of wetsuits for all water based activities. Students will need to be prepared for a wide range of conditions. Weather can change quickly. All items listed below should be brought on camp.
Clothing and equipment must be packed in a soft-sided bag, rather than a rigid suitcase Students should bring a daypack to carry personal effects each day
SLEEPING BAGS can be hired from EMC Deepdene or One Planet
Clothing
2 x jumpers, woollen or fleece
3 x shirts/t-shirts, must have sleeves
2 x pairs of long pants/track suit pants, no denim
2 x pairs of shorts
Underwear as needed
4 x pairs of socks
1 x beanie, woollen or fleece
1 x sunhat
1 x pair walking boots/runners
1 x towel
1 x set of travelling clothes to wear to and from camp
1 x rash vest
1 x bathers
1 x boardshorts or quick dry shorts
1 x pair of Crocs, sandals or similar footwear to wear between the Surf Club and beach
1 x japara/waterproof jacket (can be hired from Oneplanet)
Equipment
warm sleeping bag
sleeping bag liner
old tea towel
water bottle (min 1 litre)/ water bladder plate, bowl, mug (preferably unbreakable), knife, fork, spoon
2 x heavy duty rubbish bags (not black) for wet and sandy gear
daypack
Personal Items
sunscreen
insect repellant
torch and spare batteries
small personal first aid kit
personal medication toiletries (soap, toothbrush and paste, comb)
antibacterial hand sanitiser gel
Optional
Book (keep in a plastic bag)
Camera
1 x pair of sunglasses
The items above are in addition to the clothes worn to camp. All items should be clearly marked. Older, comfortable clothes are preferable to stylish ones
Do NOT bring jewellery or other valuables.
Do NOT bring any mobile phones, iPads or tablet devices, headphones, earbuds or other music devices.
No aerosol sprays are permitted on camp (use roll-ons)
Year 9 Camp Surf Discovery
C A M P R U L E S
Camp will be a challenging experience for all students We want it also to be fun and safe, as well as providing you with valuable lessons about co-operation, teamwork and your own strengths and resilience Remember that some people may find the outdoor experience challenging Support them, be positive and be considerate - think of others, not just yourself, and if you see someone is struggling, offer to help
There are a few key rules to ensuring that camp is safe and enjoyable for all:
aerosol cans, alcohol, cigarettes, drugs, electronic equipment, matches and pocket knives are not permitted on camp no student is to leave the camp site or activity site without a leader’s permission no student, by his actions, is to place any other student or group of students in danger students are required to follow directions from staff at all times, whether from Camberwell Grammar School of Club Lorne
Questions: If you have any questions regarding any element of Year 9 Camp please contact Ms Kirsty McDougall, Head of Co-curricular Activities by phone or email kem@cgs.vic.edu.au
Emergency contact during camp: If you need to get in touch with a student during camp, please call Camberwell Grammar School on 9835 1777 during school hours or Ms Karen Whelan on 9835 1710 outside of school hours