QUESTION

ANSWER

What is Somers School Camp?

Somers School Camp is a Department of Education and Early Childhood Development school that provides a program for Year 5 and 6 children. Each Victorian government primary school has the opportunity to send children to camp once every two years. One hundred and sixty children (80 boys and 80 girls) attend the nine-day camp.

Camps begin on a Tuesday and children return home on the Wednesday of the following week.  The Sunday in the middle of the camp is Visitors' Day when family and friends can visit the students.

Who gets to go to Somers Camp?

Schools in Victoria are divided into Regions and school network groups. Primary schools from each network group are given the opportunity to send children to the camp once every two years.

Schools are responsible for selecting which children they will send.  The number of children that each school can send is determined by the camp's local organiser, the District Secretary.

How do I find out which group my child is in and where they will be picked up from and dropped back to?

Your child's school should provide you with copies of Parents' Circulars 1 and 2, an order form for camp t-shirts and hats plus a "what to bring to camp" list.  Details of your child's group, plus pick up/drop off points and times will be listed on Parents' Circular 2.  If you do not receive these forms please contact your child's school to obtain them.

How much does the camp cost?

The total cost is $160.  This includes transport and an $8 "canteen card" that can be used to buy items from the canteen each evening.

Please do not send additional money because the children do not use cash while at camp.

What do the children do at camp?

The nine-day Outdoor Education program, with emphasis on Environmental Studies and Sustainability, provides a variety of activities such as bush cooking, boating, drama, orienteering, indoor rock climbing, ropes courses, flying fox and the challenge swing.

There are also organised evening activities such as a concert, disco, games, night hike, bush dance and campfire.

What is the accommodation like?

The children sleep in dormitories. Each dormitory has a room for the teacher, five rooms each accommodating four children and a small lounge area. The bathroom and toilets and a small drying room are located within the dormitory.

How well will my child be supervised?

The safety and wellbeing of your child is our priority.

Twenty-four hour supervision is provided by the 16 permanent staff and the nine visiting teachers from your local schools. 

There is also a qualified nurse living on site and available 24 hours a day.
Somers Camp also has support staff who are responsible for the kitchen, laundry, grounds, administration and animal management.

What does my child need to bring to camp?

Each child is provided with a pillow and two blankets.

General requirements: - sleeping bag and fitted sheet (or two sheets), one pillow case, two towels, toilet requirements, underwear, pyjamas, warm jumpers, jeans/tracksuit pants, runners, bathers, socks, underwear, handkerchiefs, stamps, envelopes, writing pad, pen or pencils.

Essential requirements: - Good strong shoes and raincoat. Sunscreen and wide brimmed hat are compulsory in term 1 and 4.
As laundry facilities are limited children should bring sufficient clothing for nine days.

 
All items should be clearly named and luggage clearly labelled.
Children can bring their own musical instrument. It will be stored safely.

 
IMPORTANT: - Do not bring items of value, including mobile phones, ipods, or portable gaming devices to camp.

What if my child has special dietary requirements?

The catering staff can provide for special dietary requirements.

Make sure that you inform the camp on your child’s medical form.

What happens on Visitors' Day?

Visitors' Day is on Sunday from 12.00 pm to 2.30 pm. Your child will be able to show you around camp and tell you about the activities they have done. 

Children can be taken out of camp for the afternoon by their parent/s or legal guardian/s, however you need to sign your child out at the office and then sign them back in on return. Children MUST be back at camp by 2.20 pm for the start of afternoon activities. 

Children without visitors are cared for by camp staff, provided with lunch and participate in a variety of activities during the visiting time.

How can I contact my child while they are at camp?

You can contact your child through letters, emails and faxes.

This is an important part of your child’s camp experience, as they look forward to communications from home.

They too can communicate with you during the camp by writing a letter home, so please supply your child with envelopes and stamps.

 Address :  Somers School Camp, Lord Somers Road, Somers, 3927

 Email : somers.camp@edumail.vic.gov.au

 Fax : 03 5983 5950