St Albans Secondary College owns its own campsite in the Strathbogie Ranges, approximately 180kms north-east of Melbourne.
As part of the Student Transition initiatives, all students in Year 7 and Year 8 attend an annual three-day camp and is a compulsory component of the Integrated Studies subject.
The purpose of the camp is for students to increase their self-esteem, build solid relationships with their teachers and new classmates, learn to interact within a group and to develop communication and leadership skills.
Students are provided the opportunity to appreciate and connect with Strathbogie’s natural environment by participating in activities such as swimming, canoeing, archery, environmental projects, bush walking, farm visits, table tennis, volleyball and basketball.
Research reveals that the skills and positive relationships facilitated through outdoor learning are essential for the wellbeing and sustainability of individuals, society and our environment. Our College values are reflected in the Camp Program which is designed to support students’ engagement with the curriculum beyond the classroom.
Students have the opportunity to rewild their physical and mental wellbeing through a variety of group challenges, initiative tasks, outdoor adventure activities, farm visits, bush walks, artificial climbing, canoeing, paddle boarding and other water activities with a professional accredited provider. Students will learn to build positive relationships, interact in group settings, enhance their leadership responsibilities, build resilience and manage challenging situations constructively.
The campsite is equipped with all required amenities including newly renovated four-bunk cabins, separate showers, toilets, air conditioned and heated dining room, kitchen and sports equipment. Students just have to bring their own sleeping bag, pillow and personal items. There is also a recreation room featuring an indoor hangout area with pool tables, table tennis tables, foosball, television, board games and couches.
Please contact the Camp Program Leader or the Year 9 Advanced Program Coordinator for more information about other outdoor education opportunities provided by the College.
Cost
The cost of the all-inclusive three-day Camp is $200.00. Your child will receive a Consent & Payment Form that requires parent approval by the due date. Further details about camp, including payment details, can be found on your child’s Consent & Payment Form or you may contact the General Office at the College.
Payment Options
The preferred method of payment for camps and excursions is via the online Compass parent portal. You will be able to provide consent and payment through this portal.
You can access all camp and excursion (event) information, provide consent and make payment in the Payments Centre section at the top of the screen.
Parents have the option of completing the consent/payment online, or of printing the consent form and handing it in to the office with payment.
For further information on using Compass, there is a Compass Parent Guide listed below.
If you require any assistance, please contact the General Office on 9366 2555.
Transport
Students travel the 2 hour journey to and from Strathbogie Camp via the College bus. The bus is fitted with passenger seat belts and has passed the requirements of the Quality Assured Maintenance System set by VicRoads.
Packing List
If your child is embarking on a Summer camp (Terms 1 & 4), click here to view the Summer Camp Packing List.
If your child is embarking on a Winter camp (Terms 2 & 3), click here to view the Winter Camp Packing List.
Further Details
- The Camp Program is run in accordance with DET Excursion (Including Camps & Adventure Activities) Policy. The College’s Camps & Excursion Policy and the Camps & Excursions Implementation Policy can be viewed in the Policies and Reports section of this website.
- Please note that parents / guardians must complete their child’s Camp Medical Form at least seven days prior to departure in order for their child to attend. This form will be provided to your child to bring home. If students develop COVID-19 whilst at camp, parents will be contacted to collect their child. If parents are unable to collect the student from the campsite, then arrangements will be made for the student to be sent home in which case parents may be asked to cover the cost.
- Whilst attending camp your child is expected to have fun and follow the camp rules. If your child’s behaviour is dangerous or severely disruptive, the teacher in charge of the camp has the right to cancel the camp or to contact parents to collect the child from the campsite.
