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CanoeingAbout our school camps

Don't take our word for it! Last year 250 organising teachers gave Sport and Recreation school camps an excellent report card.

An average mark of 95% for the quality of their camp program; More than 95% for the quality of our staff; More than 8 our ot 10 teachers gave the highest satisfaction rating possible for their overall experience "very satisfied".

 

  • Meals
  • Our staff
  • The role of the visiting teacher
  • Duration
  • Risk assessments
  • Costs
  • Which centre is best for my group?

Meals

All meals are prepared on site by qualified catering staff in commercial kitchens. Care is taken to ensure food is tasty, nutritious and plentiful. Morning tea and supper are also provided, and we can cater for special dietary requirements on request.

Our staff

The centre’s program staff are all qualified in the instruction of outdoor education activities.

During the camp, our staff will:

  • design and deliver the program of activities
  • work with visiting teachers to ensure smooth running of the program
  • organise and coordinate meal duties
  • deliver evening recreation activities
  • run all assemblies
  • liaise between clients and centre support teams
  • provide primary first aid care if needed
  • provide a 24-hour on-call emergency service.

Everyone employed at our centres are screened for his or her suitability to work in a child-related employment environment. Staff members also maintain appropriate qualifications in first aid, resuscitation and child protection.

The role of the visiting teacher

Visiting teachers are a vital component of each camp’s success. We make every effort to help make visiting teachers comfortable and encourage them to make the most of any opportunities to have fun.

Teacher to student ratio: Schools need to send at least one teacher or other staff member for every 20 students attending camp. Refer to the Centres at a glance list for the specific ratios.

Centre program staff will run every activity; visiting teachers will be allocated to an activity group and are required to remain with their groups during most activities.

There is a small amount of free time for students. Visiting teachers are rostered to supervise students during these periods and while students are fulfilling their duties in the dining hall and scullery. Teachers are also responsible for students during the night in the lodges.

Duration

School camps can vary from two to six days in duration depending on the school’s needs.

Risk assessments

Excursion risk assessment's are are location-specific and available on request. Please contact the centre for a copy.

NSW Public school teachers can also download Sport and Recreation Centre risk assessments from their NSW Department of Education and Training's intranet.

Costs

Prices vary between centres and according to program length. For 2007, five-day programs start at $211.10 per participant. One adult for every 20 students attends free of charge.

Which Centre is best for my group?

Berry

A blissful rural retreat in the heart of lush dairy farming country on the south coast. A camp at Berry often includes thrilling altitude activities on high ropes, giant swing, rock climbing and 370 metre cable glide. Schools can also visit nearby attractions like Nowra Wildlife Park, Jervis Bay Dolphin Watch Cruises or Minnamurra Rainforest.

  • Age groups: Berry is especially popular with primary schools, but also regularly hosts local secondary schools for study and activity days.
  • Capacity: Maximum occupancy up to 130 campers and 8 staff members.
  • Teacher to student ratio: 1:20

Borambola

A rural retreat in the heart of the Riverina district just outside Wagga Wagga. The Borambola’s proximity to Canberra and the Snowy Mountains provides opportunities for additional educational excursions. The region is famous for its produce, so a school camp at Borambola is also a rare opportunity to explore the state’s fascinating rural heritage.

  • Age groups: Borambola is particularly well-suited for groups of primary-aged students.
  • Capacity: Maximum occupancy up to 120 campers and 6 staff members.
  • Teacher to student ratio: 1:20
  • Visiting teacher facilities: Dedicated staff room with heating, air conditioning, kitchenette, tea and coffee-making facilities and television.

Broken Bay

Spectacular bush and beach setting at the mouth of the Hawkesbury River. Broken Bay is only accessible by ferry from Brooklyn, the centre is situated on 600 hectares of bushland reserve and it’s just an hour’s drive and a short ferry trip from Sydney. An abundance of native flora and fauna as well as Aboriginal rock carvings provide ample opportunities for engrossing learning experiences at school camps.

  • Age groups: Broken Bay is equally suitable for primary and secondary age groups. High school students can take advantage of the wilderness with overnight expeditions.
  • Capacity: Maximum occupancy 200 campers and 20 staff.
  • Teacher to student ratio: 1:20
  • Visiting teacher facilities: Dedicated staff room with television and video, tea and coffee-making facilities and a fridge.

Jindabyne

At the gateway to the Snowy Mountains, the natural beauty of the area in any season is a great drawcard for school groups, with many students experiencing mountain country for the first time. State-of-the-art sporting facilities give lots of options for exciting activities, and many schools take advantage of distinctive environmental features and nearby attractions like the Snowy Mountains Scheme Information and Education Centre to explore aspects of the curriculum.

  • Age groups: The programs and facilities are especially suited to secondary school groups, although primary schools also enjoy annual visits to Jindabyne.
  • Capacity: Maximum occupancy up to 260 campers and 20 staff members.
  • Teacher to student ratio: 1:20
  • Visiting teacher facilities: Dedicated staff room with tea and coffee-making facilities and television.

 

Lake Ainsworth

A magnificent natural location on the North Coast of NSW that’s the envy of five-star resorts. The centre fronts both Lake Ainsworth (a freshwater tea tree lake) and a pristine beach. Aquatic adventures offered by the location are a feature, and the mild climate means year-round fun in the water. A brand new recreation hall features a multi-purpose indoor stadium with an “A Grade” timber sprung floor perfect for basketball, netball or volleyball.

  • Age groups: Primary school groups particularly enjoy what’s on offer at Lake Ainsworth.
  • Capacity: Maximum occupancy up to 150 campers and 10 staff members.
  • Teacher to student ratio: 1:20
  • Visiting teacher facilities: Dedicated visiting teacher’s common room.

Lake Burrendong

Conveniently located between Orange, Mudgee and Dubbo, Lake Burrendong is a great base for visits to Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo Gaol, Wellington Caves, gold mining sites and Mudgee’s honey farm. The centre’s bushland environment provides opportunities for exploring native flora and fauna, indigenous culture, aquatic ecosystems and astronomical wonders. And there’s plenty of fun to be had with traditional camp activities like high and low ropes courses, grass skiing, rock climbing, orienteering, canoeing and bivouac.

  • Age groups: Groups from both primary and secondary schools equally enjoy visiting Lake Burrendong.
  • Capacity: Maximum occupancy up to 164 campers and 12 staff members.
  • Teacher to student ratio: 1:20

Lake Keepit

A rural retreat in the state’s north-west 40 minutes from Tamworth. In the heart of pastoral and timber country, a camp at Lake Keepit makes the most of the great outdoors in magnificent big sky country. Overnight campouts are popular with visiting schools, as are activities that focus on the environment. A visit to nearby Skywatch Observatory in Coonabarabran or Waterways Wildlife Park at Gunnedah can add an extra dimension to school camps.

  • Age groups: Primary and high school groups both enjoy camps at Lake Keepit.
  • Capacity: Maximum occupancy up to 150 campers and eight or more staff members.
  • Teacher to student ratio: 1:20
  • Visiting teacher facilities: Dedicated staff room with kitchenette, tea and coffee-making facilities, fridge and television.

Milson Island

The magic of Milson Island lies in its secluded location and rich history. Built more than 100 years ago, it has been used as a river trading post, veteran rehabilitation centre and jail. Accessible only by ferry from Brooklyn just north of Sydney, the centre has a smorgasbord of activities for school groups. The beautiful natural island environment makes for picturesque bushwalking, orienteering and overnight camping experiences.

  • Age groups: Milson Island is especially suited to primary school groups.
  • Capacity: Maximum occupancy up to 167 campers and 10 staff members.
  • Teacher to student ratio: 1:20
  • Visiting teacher facilities: Dedicated staff room with heating, air conditioning, television, tea and coffee-making facilities, and a fridge.

Myuna Bay

Nestled on the western foreshore of Lake Macquarie on the outskirts of the fabulous Hunter Valley. Much of the action happens on magnificent Lake Macquarie, where students can enjoy canoeing, kayaking and sailing all year round. Other facilities include a swimming pool, tennis courts, mini golf course, beach volleyball court and ropes course.

  • Age groups: Most groups come from primary schools, but a number of secondary schools enjoy Myuna Bay’s excellent facilities and close proximity to population centres of Sydney, Newcastle and the Central Coast.
  • Capacity: Maximum occupancy up to 230 campers and 30 staff members.
  • Teacher to student ratio: 1:20
  • Visiting teacher facilities: Dedicated staff room with tea and coffee-making facilities and television.

Point Wolstoncroft

A school camp at Point Wolstoncroft makes the most of the great outdoors by Australia’s largest saltwater lake, Lake Macquarie. Aquatic activities like canoeing, fishing, sailing and swimming form a major part of the Point Wolstoncroft experience. And the diversity of the magnificent environment provides ample opportunities to explore, touch, experience, and learn about the natural world.

  • Age groups: Point Wolstoncroft is especially suited to primary school groups.
  • Capacity: Maximum occupancy Up to 200 campers and 25 staff members.
  • Teacher to student ratio: 1:20
  • Visiting teacher facilities: Dedicated staff room with tea and coffee-making facilities and television.

Sydney Academy

With state-of-the-art sporting facilities, Sydney Academy is particularly appropriate for school sport, music and other special interest camps. Set on the Narrabeen Lakes on Sydney’s northern beaches, Sydney Academy is a treasure trove of natural beauty perfect for any type or size of school group. Its location means easy access to Sydney attractions such as the zoo, beaches, the Opera House and museums.

  • Age groups: Equally suited to primary and secondary age groups, as well as a variety of sporting and special interest camps.
  • Capacity: Maximum occupancy Up to 340 campers and 20 staff members.
  • Teacher to student ratio: 1:20