ACTIVITIES WEEK
HORSING AROUND GUNNAMATTA TRAIL RIDES CAMP 2025
ACTIVITIES WEEK CAMP 18-22 AUGUST 2025
HORSING AROUND WITH GUNNAMATTA TRAIL RIDES CAMP
July 2025
Dear Student and Parents/Guardians,
The Activities Week Horsing Around with Gunnamatta Trail Rides Camp will be held from Monday 18 - Friday 22 August, and is a program designed to cater for all riders with an emphasis on horsemanship - working with and understanding the horse.
Each morning, we travel to Gunnamatta Trail Rides in Fingal where we will spend each day. The students will be allocated a horse for the entire week matched to each rider’s age, skill, experience and size. They will spend time getting to know their horse and have lessons based on their riding ability.
The program will proceed regardless of the weather. If we are not able to ride due to stormy weather, there are plenty of sessions that can be run elsewhere in the facility. We will ride in rain, but not storms, so wet weather gear is essential.
By the end of the week, the students will have significantly increased their riding experience and gained considerable knowledge about horses. We learn how to saddle, mount, lead, groom and ride, and learn about riding equipment, riding styles, different breeds of horses, reading a horse’s body-language, handling horses with care and respect, and different feed options.
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, please do not hesitate to contact me. We look forward to a fun and rewarding week!
Yours sincerely,
Ms Vaishali Kentish
Horsing Around with Gunnamatta Trail Rides Camp Coordinator
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Our camp is being held on the lands of the Bunurong and Boonwurrung 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 ACTIVITIES WEEK CAMP/ABSENTEE CHARGEBACK POST CAMP
Activities 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 EFORM
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, i.e. 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.
HORSING AROUND WITH GUNNAMATTA TRAIL RIDES CAMP INFORMATION
CAMP DATES
Monday 18 - Friday 22 August 2025.
MEDICATION ON CAMP
If you believe your child needs to take medication during the school day on camp, please contact the School Nurse before Monday 11 August.
COST
The cost of this Activities Week Camp is approximately $815 which will be charged to student accounts.
TRANSPORT
Students will travel by bus and return to school each day.
Departure Each day (Monday 18 August to Friday 22 August) meet at 8:45am for a 9am bus departure. Please refer to the bus location map at the end of this booklet.
Return Returning each day to school at approximately 3:45pm (earlier return on Wednesday, by 2:45pm).
LOCATION
Each morning we will travel from Woodleigh to Gunnamatta Trail Rides in Fingal.
MEALS
Bring a morning snack, substantial lunch and plenty of water to drink daily. There is no option to buy there!
CLOTHING/EQUIPMENT
Be prepared for all weather conditions.
• Closed toe shoes must be worn. Whilst boots are not essential, they are recommended, as students will be walking around in potentially wet, mucky areas. They may also be riding in the rain so boots that have been waterproofed are ideal.
• Comfortable, well-fitting long pants – avoid at all costs over-tight jeans, slippery activewear or over-baggy pants.
• Thigh-length raincoat, parka, japara or “DrizaBone” (we ride in all weather conditions). A bomber-jacket is too short.
• Layers are a good idea and perhaps a warm vest. If the weather forecast is cold, you will need warm clothes around the facility, however you will warm up on the ride. Gloves are an optional extra and good if you suffer from eczema or circulation problems.
• Riding helmets are supplied, and it is compulsory to wear one at all times. Hair nets will also be provided.
• Wear the same gear each day, unless it’s really dirty. The horses don’t care about your appearance.
• Bring a change of shoes so you can bag your muddy boots to keep the bus clean.
• It’s a good idea to bring a backpack with a spare pair of pants, a warm top and plastic bag for wet/dirty shoes and clothing, in case you get really drenched on the ride. You are not permitted to ride with a backpack; this will be left at the facility. You will be given a small bum bag if needed to carry items on the ride.
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
A reminder that the Woodleigh School Mobile Phone policy will be in effect throughout the week.
Students may bring their mobile phones on this camp to be able to contact parents for pick up at the end of each day if required. However, phones will be turned off and put away in bags while at camp.
GUNNAMATTA TRAIL RIDES - RISK ASSOCIATED WITH HORSE RIDING AND HANDLING
Whilst GTR operate diligently under its safety policies and procedures to ensure the safety of all staff, customers and horses, and any risk to the public there is inherent risk involved with riding and handling and being around horses.
Exposure to such risks may cause permanent injury or death.
Risks associated, but not limited to:
• Fall from height.
• Kicked by a horse.
• Bitten by a horse.
• Trampled by a horse.
• Head butted by horse.
• Being stood on by a horse.
• Allergic reactions to horsehair, dust, native flora and fauna, hay, horse feed, or other domestic animals kept on the property such as cats or dogs.
• Being exposed to inclement weather, storms, wind, heat, cold.
• Uncontrolled environment, passing members of the public, vehicles, or any other form of transportation or machinery not considered for road use or being appropriate around horses.
• Pre-existing injuries or physical conditions can be worsened by riding a horse.
• Witness to or being subject to an injury or near miss may result in lasting shock or trauma.
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 weather 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
• As a participant in the Activities Week 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.
• 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 venue 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
GUNNAMATTA CAMP PROGRAM
DAY PROGRAM
8.45am Everyone meets in the Woodleigh bus shelter - main driveway exit side (see bus location map).
9am Travel to Gunnamatta Trail Rides in Fingal.
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
9:30am - 12pm Morning sessions which will vary day to day but include safety, theory, arena work, horse care, riding preparation and trail rides.
12pm - 12:30pm Lunch.
12:30pm - 3pm Afternoon session, which will include a trail ride and may include theory, games, arena work, feeding and grooming.
3:00pm - 3:45pm Bus back to Woodleigh - Arrive Woodleigh.
8.45am Everyone meets in the Woodleigh bus shelter - main driveway exit side (see bus location map).
9am Travel to Gunnamatta Trail Rides in Fingal.
9:30am - 12pm Morning sessions which will vary day to day but include safety, theory, arena work, horse care, riding preparation and trail rides.
12pm - 12:30pm Lunch.
12:30pm - 3pm Afternoon session, which will include a trail ride and may include theory, games, arena work, feeding and grooming.
3:00pm - 3:45pm Bus back to Woodleigh - Arrive Woodleigh.
8.45am Everyone meets in the Woodleigh bus shelter - main driveway exit side (see bus location map).
9am Travel to Gunnamatta Trail Rides in Fingal.
9:30am - 12pm Morning sessions which will vary day to day but include safety, theory, arena work, horse care, riding preparation and trail rides.
12pm - 12:30pm Lunch.
12:30pm - 2pm Afternoon session, which will include a trail ride and may include theory, games, arena work, feeding and grooming.
2:00pm - 2:45pm Bus back to Woodleigh - Arrive Woodleigh.
8.45am Everyone meets in the Woodleigh bus shelter - main driveway exit side (see bus location map).
9am Travel to Gunnamatta Trail Rides in Fingal.
Thursday
Friday
9:30am - 12pm Morning sessions which will vary day to day but include safety, theory, arena work, horse care, riding preparation and trail rides.
12pm - 12:30pm Lunch.
12:30pm - 3pm Afternoon session, which will include a trail ride and may include theory, games, arena work, feeding and grooming.
3:00pm - 3:45pm Bus back to Woodleigh - Arrive Woodleigh.
8.45am Everyone meets in the Woodleigh bus shelter - main driveway exit side (see bus location map).
9am Travel to Gunnamatta Trail Rides in Fingal.
9:30am - 12pm Morning sessions which will vary day to day but include safety, theory, arena work, horse care, riding preparation and trail rides.
12pm - 12:30pm Lunch.
12:30pm - 3pm Afternoon session, which will include a trail ride and may include theory, games, arena work, feeding and grooming.
3:00pm - 3:45pm Bus back to Woodleigh - Arrive Woodleigh.
Please note: These times and/or activities could be subject to change.
BARRETTS
BUS LOCATION - DEPART/RETURN
2025 ACTIVITIES WEEK CAMP BUS LOCATIONS
WOODLEIGH SCHOOL
SENIOR CAMPUS
Please make sure you refer to your camp booklet for departure and return dates and times.
Parents, please park in designated parking areas when dropping off/collecting your child to avoid congestion around the buses on Monday departures and Friday returns.
MY CAMP CHECKLIST
Things to purchase / Things to take
