Camps
Camps are an important part of the educational program offered at Bacchus Marsh Grammar. The year-level Camps Program enables students to further enhance their learning and social skills development in a non-school setting incorporating a wide range of environments available to us in a local geographical area.
In line with our Teaching and Learning Framework and the Australian Outdoor Education Guidelines, we are focusing on several elements to align with this.
The main focus elements are:
- Sustainability – how we impact the world around us.
- Science & Geography – where are we in the world (mapping and location) geology.
- Indigenous links – where did we come from.
- Character building – which links to developing the key elements of the framework, Respect, Discipline, Confidence, Ambition, Leadership and Kindness, incorporating the physical challenge and curriculum links.
- Community Awareness – which allows students to explore social responsibility, connection, problem solving and Team Work in the natural world.
Experiential learning programs provide the platform to assist students to discover more about their personal strengths, capabilities and resilience as well as developing interpersonal, teamwork and leadership skills.
Students are exposed to a wide range of experiences, opportunities and environments, linking curriculum with cultural, environmental and outdoor emphases.
The Year Level Camps Program aims to:
- provide opportunities for students to discover more about themselves and others; encouraging students to build relationships with their peers and staff;
- provide opportunities for authentic leadership and teamwork skills;
- promote the lifelong interpersonal skills of resilience, self-esteem, self- management, independence, communication, judgement, cooperation and respect;
- promote access to, and engagement in, the outdoor environment, which enables students to develop their understanding of the natural world;
- expose students to unfamiliar environments and hands on real-world experiences,
- enable staff to develop supportive and effective professional relationships with students,
- enable students to experience success and become more confident,
- promote and encourage students to be involved in physical activities to promote their physical and mental wellbeing; and
- provide skills and knowledge that may lead to a lifelong involvement in leisure pursuits.
Lady Northcote
Day Camp
An exciting day camp for Prep students at Lady Northcote, participating in activities that promote sustainability, scientific exploration, cultural awareness, character building, and teamwork.
Sustainability
Students learn about growing their own produce, engage in yabbying, and practice bush cooking, gaining hands-on experience with sustainable living.
Geography and Science
Through mapping and geocaching, students draw maps of their journey, enhancing their navigation skills and understanding of geography.
Indigenous Links
Students create indigenous art using natural materials like leaves, sticks, twigs, and flowers, deepening their appreciation for indigenous culture.
Character Building
Initiative games help students build confidence and leadership skills, encouraging creative problem-solving and teamwork.
Community Awareness
Teamwork activities emphasise the importance of connection and cooperation, fostering a strong sense of community.
Physical Activities
Students hike distances of 500 meters to 1 kilometer and canoed on the dam, enjoying physical challenges and the beauty of nature.
A day camp at Lady Northcote provides a well-rounded, enjoyable learning experience that combine practical skills, scientific inquiry, cultural appreciation, and physical activity.
Anglesea
Beach Day Camp
Year 1 students will embark on an unforgettable beach day camp at Anglesea, filled with diverse activities that will emphasise sustainability, geography, indigenous culture, character building, and community awareness.
Sustainability
Students will engage in recycling activities focused on the principles of reducing and reusing, learning the importance of minimizing waste and protecting the environment.
Geography and Science
The coastal trek will allow students to explore rock formations and the unique coastal landscape. They will practice map-following skills, enhancing their understanding of geography and the natural world.
Indigenous Links
Students will participate in indigenous games and an indigenous walk, where they will follow pre-constructed clues through natural bushland. This activity will enrich their knowledge of indigenous culture and traditions.
Character Building
Activities centered around resilience, responsibility, caring, and kindness will help students develop essential character traits. They will learn to navigate challenges, take responsibility for their actions, and show empathy towards others.
Community Awareness
Games designed to foster a connection to each other and the land will emphasise the importance of community and environmental stewardship.
Physical Activities: Bike, Hike, and Paddle
The students will embark on a 2-kilometer hike and engage in various beach games and water activities. These exercises will promote physical fitness and ocean awareness, teaching students to respect and enjoy coastal environments.
Sunnystones
Overnight Camp - 1 night
Year 2 students will experience an exciting overnight camp at Sunnystones, spending one night in cabins. The camp will feature a variety of activities focusing on sustainability, geography, indigenous culture, character building, and community awareness.
Sustainability
Students will learn about biodiversity, environmental safety, and awareness as they walk through Long Forest along the Werribee River. They will gain insights into the importance of protecting our natural environment.
Geography and Science
Students will map the area and study its geology, using quartz to make sparks on a night hike. They will also learn about water usage and storage and participate in a biodiversity game, deepening their understanding of ecological systems.
Indigenous Links
Students will engage in bush cooking, preparing damper, oranges, and spices. This activity will help them connect with the land and appreciate traditional indigenous culinary practices.
Character Building
A bush walk will be organised to help students build confidence, ambition, leadership, and resilience. This challenging activity will encourage personal growth and self-assurance.
Community Awareness
Through low ropes courses, students will become problem solvers and enhance their teamwork skills. They will participate in a biodiversity game focusing on germs, species, and food chains, learning about the relationships between humans, plants, herbivores, and carnivores.
Physical Activities: Bike, Hike, and Paddle
Students will embark on a 3-kilometer hike, practice river crossing, and receive an introduction to paddling with canoeing activities. These exercises will promote physical fitness and foster a love for outdoor adventures.
Lady Northcote
Overnight Camp - 2 nights
Year 3 students will embark on an exciting three-day, two-night camp at Lady Northcote, staying in cabins. The camp will feature a variety of activities designed to promote sustainability, geographical exploration, cultural understanding, character building, and community awareness.
Sustainability
Students will learn about the forces of water and energy, gaining insights into their importance and how they can be harnessed sustainably.
Geography and Science
Students will receive an introduction to geocaching, an engaging activity that combines geography and technology to find hidden treasures using GPS coordinates.
Indigenous Links
Students will participate in yabbying, learning about native bush food and how to recognize food sources in the natural environment, deepening their connection to indigenous knowledge and practices.
Character Building
Students will take on the flying fox and various adventure challenge activities, which will promote personal challenges, confidence, resilience, leadership, and the ability to support and encourage others. They will have opportunities to demonstrate ambition and face challenges by choice.
Community Awareness
The Team Toon Challenge will emphasize teamwork, problem-solving, and cooperation through activities like low ropes courses. Students will work together to overcome obstacles and achieve common goals.
Physical Activities: Bike, Hike, and Paddle
Students will earn their Paddle Power (Cert 1) in canoeing, receive an introduction to mountain biking, and participate in a 2-kilometer night hike. These activities will promote physical fitness and a sense of adventure.
Lake Dewar
Overnight Camp - 2 nights
Year 4 students will embark on an exciting three-day, two-night camp at Lake Dewar, staying in cabins. The camp will feature a variety of activities focusing on sustainability, geography, indigenous culture, character building, and community awareness.
Sustainability
Students will learn about waste management, including recycling, water conservation, and composting. They will understand the importance of restrictions and reduction in maintaining environmental sustainability.
Geography and Science
Students will participate in geocaching and an adventure race, working in teams to navigate and explore, enhancing their geographical knowledge and teamwork skills.
Indigenous Links
Students will learn about local tribes, such as the Wutherung, and engage in activities involving message sticks and painting poles. These activities will provide insights into indigenous cultures and traditions.
Character Building
Students will take on personal challenges with the flying fox, giant swing, and other adventure activities. These will promote confidence, resilience, leadership, and the ability to support and encourage others, allowing students to choose their challenges and demonstrate ambition.
Community Awareness
The Survivor Challenge will emphasize teamwork and problem-solving. Students will work in teams to earn points by completing various challenges, fostering a spirit of cooperation and competition.
Physical Activities: Bike, Hike, and Paddle
Students will embark on a 4-kilometer hike along the Aurora Trail, earn their Paddle Power (Cert 2) in kayaking, and try out kick bikes. These activities will promote physical fitness and a love for outdoor adventures.
Queenscliff
Overnight Camp - 2 nights
Year Five students will experience an exciting marine biology camp at Queenscliff, with accommodation at YMCA Wyuna for three days and two nights. They will spend one night in cabins and one night in tents, engaging in a variety of activities focusing on sustainability, geography, history, indigenous culture, character building, and community awareness.
Sustainability
Students will participate in the Big Rock Walk, learning about invasive and introduced species of flora and fauna. They will also engage in tree planting activities, understanding the importance of preserving native ecosystems and promoting environmental sustainability.
Geography, History, and Science
Students will tour the lighthouse at Port Arlington, visit the maritime museum, and explore the Marine Discovery Centre to investigate coastal and geographical environments. These activities will provide a comprehensive understanding of the area's historical significance and marine biology.
Indigenous Links
Students will learn about the story of William Buckley through a talk and the book "Buckley's Chance." This activity will provide insights into the indigenous history and culture of the region.
Character Building
Students will take on the mountain bike challenge, using bike trails to build confidence, resilience, leadership, and ambition. They will support and encourage each other, fostering personal growth and teamwork.
Community Awareness
Through ocean awareness activities, students will participate in team challenges and learn about social responsibility. Surfing adventures will emphasize the importance of ocean safety and teamwork.
Physical Activities: Bike, Hike, and Paddle
Students will embark on a 5-kilometer hike around Queenscliff, earn their Paddle Power (Cert 3) in kayaking at Swan Bay, and navigate mountain biking trails. These activities will promote physical fitness and a love for outdoor exploration.
Canberra
Educational Tour - 5 nights
Year Six students will embark on an educational tour to Canberra, where they will engage in a variety of activities focusing on sustainability, geography, science, indigenous culture, character building, and community awareness.
Sustainability
Students will learn about renewable energy by exploring wind turbines in the local area, gaining insights into sustainable energy sources and their importance.
Geography and Science
Students will visit key landmarks and institutions, including Parliament House, the Australian Mint, the National Gallery, the War Memorial, the Electoral Education Centre, Questacon, Mt Ainslie, the Museum of Australian Democracy, Duntroon, Government House, and the AIS National Arboretum. They will also participate in orienteering activities, enhancing their geographical knowledge and scientific curiosity.
Indigenous Links
Students will engage in bush cooking using Trangia stoves, learning about various fuel sources and traditional cooking methods. This activity will provide a deeper understanding of indigenous culture and survival techniques.
Character Building
Through biking and hiking activities, students will develop ambition, leadership, confidence, resilience, stamina, and endurance. These challenges will encourage personal growth and the ability to overcome obstacles.
Community Awareness
Throughout the tour, students will work together on various tasks, emphasizing teamwork and problem-solving. This collaborative approach will foster a sense of community and the importance of working as a team.
Physical Activities: Bike, Hike, and Paddle
Students will undertake a 12-kilometer hike around Canberra, promoting physical fitness and allowing them to explore the city in an active and engaging way.
Lake Dewar to Lady Northcote
Overnight Camp - 2 nights
Year 7 students will experience an adventurous three-day, two-night journey from Lake Dewar to Lady Northcote. They will spend two nights in tents, one night at Lake Dewar, and one night at Lady Northcote. The journey will include a variety of activities focused on sustainability, geography, indigenous culture, character building, and community awareness.
Journey Details
Students will journey from Lake Dewar to Lady Northcote, covering a 12-kilometer hike and a 20-kilometer bike ride. They will have the experience of cooking their own meals using trangias, fostering independence and self-reliance.
Sustainability
Students will learn about the impacts of land use, focusing on biodiversity, clearing land for farming, early settlers, and deforestation. These discussions will highlight the importance of sustainable practices and environmental stewardship.
Geography and Science
Students will study erosion impacts, particularly tunnel erosion, and will have the opportunity to encounter wildlife through a conservation and wildlife mobile show presented by the Wild Action Group. These activities will enhance their understanding of environmental science and wildlife conservation.
Indigenous Links
Students will visit the White Elephant Reserve to learn about indigenous history, gaining insights into the cultural significance of the area and the heritage of its original inhabitants.
Character Building
Through biking and hiking activities, students will develop ambition, leadership, confidence, resilience, stamina, and endurance. They will face personal challenges, such as high ropes courses, and will rely on their own cooking skills to prepare substantial meals. These experiences will promote teamwork, support, and encouragement.
Community Awareness
Students will learn about social responsibility by cooking in teams and preparing tents together. These activities will emphasise the importance of cooperation, shared responsibility, and community living.
Physical Activities: Bike, Hike, and Paddle
Students will embark on a 12-kilometer hike and a 20-kilometer mountain bike ride. They will also earn their Paddle Power (Cert 5) in canoeing, promoting physical fitness and outdoor adventure skills.
Lady Northcote to Staughton Vale
Overnight Camp - 2 nights
Year Eight students will soon embark on an adventurous three-day, two-night journey from Lady Northcote to Staughton Vale Outdoor Education Centre (SVOEC). They will spend two nights in tents, one night at Lady Northcote, and one night at Staughton Vale, engaging in a variety of activities focused on sustainability, geography, indigenous culture, character building, and community awareness.
Journey Details
Students will journey from Lady Northcote to Staughton Vale, covering a 15-kilometer hike and a 30-kilometer bike ride. They will have the experience of cooking their own meals using trangias, promoting independence and self-reliance.
Sustainability
Students will learn about global warming and its impact on oceans, emphasising the importance of being socially responsible and taking action to mitigate environmental changes.
Geography and Science
Students will study geographical environments in Brisbane Ranges, Staughton Vale, and Anglesea, conducting impact studies on how these areas are affected by global warming and climate change. These activities will deepen their understanding of environmental science and geography.
Indigenous Links
Students will explore survival skills on the land, learning about traditional cooking methods and tribal groups that historically inhabited these areas. This exploration will provide insights into indigenous cultures and their deep connection to the land.
Character Building
Through biking and hiking activities, students will develop ambition, leadership, confidence, resilience, stamina, and endurance. They will face personal challenges, such as cooking their own meals and enduring physical exertion throughout the journey. These experiences will foster endurance, discipline, fairness, kindness, and mutual support.
Community Awareness
Students will practice social responsibility by cooking in teams and preparing tents together. These activities will emphasize the importance of cooperation, shared responsibility, and community living.
Physical Activities: Bike, Hike, and Paddle
Students will embark on a 15-kilometer hike and a 30-kilometer mountain bike ride. They will also earn their Paddle Power (Cert 6) in kayaking at Anglesea, developing their physical fitness and outdoor adventure skills.
Duke of Edinburgh
Overnight Camp - 4/5 nights
Year Nine students are in for an extensive adventure spanning four to five days. This Duke of Edinburgh expedition will include a range of activities designed to foster sustainability, geographical exploration, indigenous learning, character building, community awareness, and physical challenges.
Journey Overview
Students will embark on a diverse journey that includes a Surf Coast trek, canoeing along the Murray River, exploring Halls Gap, and visiting Lake Mungo. They will spend one night cooking their own meal, with the remaining nights catered.
Sustainability
Environmental awareness will be emphasised, focusing on the impact of recreational land use. Students will learn about sustainable practices and their importance in preserving natural habitats.
Geography and Science
Mapping will be integral to the journey, with students using compasses and GPS to navigate trails and conduct mapping exercises. This hands-on experience will deepen their understanding of geography and navigation.
Indigenous Links
Students will engage with the history of the Surf Coast and Murray River through ranger talks and discussions on indigenous culture and heritage. They will gain insights into the traditional custodians of the land and their connection to these environments.
Character Building
The journey will challenge students physically and mentally, promoting ambition, leadership, confidence, resilience, stamina, and endurance. They will cook their own meals using Trangia stoves, carry food for camps, and rely on their own skills to sustain themselves throughout the expedition. These experiences will foster endurance, discipline, fairness, kindness, and mutual support among the group.
Community Awareness
Students will practice social responsibility through tasks like cooking in teams and preparing tents. These activities will encourage cooperation, shared responsibility, and respect for communal living spaces.
Physical Activities: Hike, Paddle, and Bike
They will canoe along the Anglesea and Murray Rivers, and undertake a 40-kilometer hike over five days in Halls Gap, promoting physical fitness and outdoor adventure skills.
