18-22 AUGUST 2025
VOLCANIC PLAINS
July 2025
Dear Student and Parents/Guardians,
As part of the Term 3 Activities Camp Week your child will be participating in the Volcanic Plains Conservation Camp which will be held from Monday 18 August until Friday 22 August 2025. The camp is a five-day environmental service camp and will give students a variety of experiences involved with the management of Australian native flora and fauna at three Conservation Sites.
Mt Rothwell Biodiversity Interpretation Centre is a 450-hectare property in the foothills north of the You Yangs. Mt Rothwell has been established for the management of high conservation value species, which involves breeding and research programs. Tiverton Pastoral Station at Dundonnell near Mortlake is our second stop. At Tiverton, we’ll help Tim, the Manager, with conservation work including; planting, weeding, and maintaining the fences.
Another fabulous property which is seeking to combine a working grazing property, tourist facilities with conservation activities is the Mt. Sturgeon Pastoral Lease owned and operated by the Dunkeld Pastoral Company. We’ll complete some more volunteer work, climb Mt. Sturgeon or Mt Abrupt and enjoy a celebratory dinner in Halls Gap.
Students will be involved in service programs that will assist in the management and upkeep of these three sites. Students will also be involved in scientific data collection from the native animal populations on the properties. This may include trapping and possibly handling of some animals.
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,
Dr Gary Simpson
Volcanic Plains
Camp Coordinator
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Our camp is being held on the lands of the Wadawurrung 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.
VOLCANIC PLAINS CAMP INFORMATION
CAMP DATES
Monday 18 - Friday 22 August 2025.
MEDICATION ON CAMP
Any students taking prescription medication on camp will need to provide all medication (in original packaging) to school by no later than Tuesday 12 August 2025. You can drop off the medication to reception or the First Aid Centre anytime between 8am-4.30pm. Before handing in your child's prescription medication, you are required to answer all the questions within the Operoo e-Form.
COST
The cost of the Volcanic Plains Camp is approximately $450, which will be charged to student accounts. This cost includes accommodation, transport, fuel, food and the final night meal. Although opportunities will be limited, students may bring money for shop purchases.
TRANSPORT
All students will be collected and returned by a staff driven bus from Woodleigh Senior Campus.
Departure Students must arrive at Woodleigh prior to and by no later than 7.30am on Monday 18 August for an 8.00am bus departure. Please refer to the bus location map at the end of this booklet.
Return Friday 22 August by approximately 3.45pm at the same location as departure.
LOCATION
The camp is located at Mt Rothwell Biodiversity Interpretation Centre in the foothills north of the You Yangs, Tiverton Station near Mortlake and the Mt Sturgeon Pastoral Lease. On Thursday night we’ll enjoy a celebratory dinner in Halls Gap.
ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation will be in basic shared facility houses at Mt Rothwell. At Tiverton we will stay in the brand new community centre/fire station. At Dunkeld we use the Braeur College Outdoor Education Campus with bunk beds and great facilities.
MEALS
Apart from our final evening meal in Halls Gap, celebrating all our great work, students will be expected to assist in the preparation and cleaning up of all our communal meals - breakfast, lunch and dinner.
All meals will be supplied so please do not pack snack food.
ACTIVITIES
Service work
Service work will involve a range of activities. These may include planting, weeding, fence cleaning/repair, landscaping, feeding, and equipment management.
Nocturnal Walk
Students will experience the difference that nightfall brings to the bush. They will see many of the native species that call the Volcanic Plain their home and get to view the night sky free of the light pollution of the city.
Trapping and Data Collection
Students may collect data for management purposes via trapping. Where appropriate, students may handle some of these animals during the health checks, data collection and release processes.
Grampians National Park
We will visit the Southern Grampians taking the opportunity to explore the beautiful, forested areas around Dunkeld. August is wildflower time in the Grampians and we should be surrounded by a carpet of colour.
CLOTHING/EQUIPMENT
It will be winter in the Western Districts, so it is important that students pack all the necessary equipment to suit what will be cool to mild conditions by day and cold nights.
It is preferable that students pack all their equipment in one soft bag. Storage of bags for transport is limited so please bring only listed items.
We will have some down time, so having a book to read and games to play would be great.
Personal Equipment
Clothing to last five days and must include the following:
• Long pants.
• Long sleeve shirt.
• Wet-weather gear. (Including a very warm coat).
• Boots to work in. They must be good, robust & waterproof as it can get very wet on the ground.
• Sneakers or other fully enclosed shoes are always necessary.
• Sandals or Croc-style shoes will be suitable at accommodation - NO Thongs permitted.
• Hat (peaked cap/brimmed).
• Beanie (advised - especially for cold nights).
• Water bottle (a one litre bottle).
• First Aid Kit (personal needs such as elastoplast, elastic bandage, sunscreen and lip balm/moisturiser - essential - and insect repellent).
• Sunglasses (advised).
• Hoodie/Pyjamas/Thermals (or alternate sleeping apparel).
• Sleeping bag (essential).
• Sleeping sheet (great for adding extra warmth when cold).
• Sleeping mat (essential).
• Torch (a small, lightweight torch is essential. A headlamp is recommended for night work).
• Spare batteries (essential as torch will be frequently used).
• Utensils (mug, plate/bowl, tea-towel, knife, fork and spoon).
• Toiletries (towel, toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, etc. As getting towels dried could be an issue bringing a Chamois towel or “chux” wipe can assist).
• Camera (optional).
• Pillow.
• Journal/reading book (optional).
• Games/Cards (optional).
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. Mobile phones may be brought on camp for the purposes of contacting parents regarding our arrival time back at school as we cross the city on our return trip on a Friday afternoon. They will not be required for any other purpose during the week.
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.
• Soft tissue injuries.
In order to mitigate these risks - students will be required to have the appropriate clothing and equipment (list provided above). Staff will be checking the weather and conditions daily and the program may change in the interests of safety if required. Staff will carry rescue equipment and first aid equipment.
BEHAVIOURAL EXPECATIONS
• 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 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 room before breakfast or after dark. You will only enter someone else's room if the people in that group are there, invite you in and you have obtained permission from a staff member.
Students will be placed 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. 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 bedrooms. The rooms are only for sleeping, dressing and showering. 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 house is of the upmost importance.
VOLCANIC PLAINS PROGRAM
TIME & DAY Morning Afternoon Evening
Monday 8am
Leave Woodleigh and travel to Mt Rothwell (ETA 10:00am)
Tuesday Service work then depart 9.30 for Tiverton
Wednesday Service work
Service work – could be weed removal, tree planting, fence construction/demolition, quoll enclosure cleaning and quoll feeding etc.
Arrive at Tiverton for lunch and spend the afternoon doing service work.
Animal Trapping and Data Collection – weighing, checking or adding tags etc.
Or Night walk
Frog Hunting or Night Walk
Service work prior to leaving for Dunkeld about 4 .00 pm
Thursday Service work Service work
Arrive Dunkeld in time for dinner and then Nocturnal Walk or Board Games beside the open fire
Friday Clean up and say farewell to the wonderful people at Dunkeld 10.30am 3.45pm
Please note: These times and activities could be subject to change.
Celebration Dinner in Horsham or Halls Gap
Return to Woodleigh, via Inverleigh for a lunch stop and Queenscliff to catch the ferry Home
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
