Year 9 Camp
Project Otway Coast, Creatures, Community 30 November - 4 December 2026
Year 9 Camp
Project Otway KEY INFORMATION
Dates: Monday 30 November to Friday 4 December 2026 Pre departure meeting point and time: Keith Anderson Oval, 8.20am Departure: Chatfield Avenue bus bays (back of school) at 8.30am Return: Chatfield Avenue bus bays (back of school) at approximately 3.30pm Travel Updates: For the most up to date information about Friday’s return time please check updates on Year 9 Camp page on DEEDS. Location: Apollo Bay and surrounds, Victoria. Transport: Students will travel on mini buses driven by Infuse Travel drivers. Food: All food will be provided by Infuse Travel, with the exception of lunch and snacks on the first day. All parents are asked to review and update their son’s Administrative and Medical Details, including non-medical dietary requirements, using Consent2Go, when completing the consent form. Instructions about how to update your son’s details through the Consent2Go App can be found here. Accommodation: students will camp in tents at the Big4 Apollo Bay Caravan Park. Luggage: each student is limited to one soft sided bag (eg. sports bag; not a suitcase) weighing no more than 20kg and a daypack. Injury: Any student with an injury that may affect his participation in any camp activities should include this information on their Student Health Record. This information can be added through the Parent Lounge. If a student gets injured or is sick while on camp they are to inform a staff member immediately. Each camp will have qualified first aiders. Medications: If your son needs to take medication to camp please complete the Medication Authorisation Form by Thursday 26 November 2026. Any Schedule 8 medications must be delivered to the Student Health Centre from Tuesday 24 November to Thursday 26 November 2026. In accordance with our medication administration policy, students in Year 9 and above are allowed to self-administer their regular medications (except for Schedule 8 medications, which will need to be held by a teacher). The school requires a Medication Authorisation for all medication, so that staff are aware of what medications students are taking, in case of emergency. We request that parents do not send paracetamol or antihistamines on camp, for ‘just in case’. The School will provide Panadol, Claratyne and Zyrtec, and it is important that teaching staff are aware if any student is requiring these medications. Asthma inhalers will be the responsibility of students unless otherwise agreed upon. Students requiring an Epipen must bring an Epipen from home with them on camp and carry it with them at all times. This Epipen is in addition to the one supplied to the school for use during school activities. An up-to-date Asthma, Allergy or Anaphylaxis plan is required if your child is affected by any of these conditions.
Year 9 Camp
Project Otway ACTIVITIES
Year 9 Camp seeks to help students to learn outside the classroom and be better equipped to meet the challenges of the future. In Year 9 the focus is on learning new skills, meeting challenges and appreciating the necessity of working in a team. The program has been designed to improve each student’s knowledge of the natural areas that exist in Victoria, and to arm them with the skills to manage themselves in these areas safely. The foreshore, forest, mountains and waterways in Australia will have an ever-increasing importance as our population expands and each student should be aware of these factors. This program is an extension of the normal school program - it is not intended as a holiday camp. It provides each student with a variety of experiences and controlled challenges. Students can learn in these situations on three levels: they can learn in a practical, hands-on manner, gaining new skills; they can learn more about themselves, and how they react to different and unusual situations; and they can learn more about how they interact within a group, learning co-operative and help- seeking behaviours On this camp students will have the opportunity to try a range of activities in the Great Otway National Park and around Apollo Bay and engage in service and conservation projects. Sea Kayaking: On this camp participants will have the opportunity to sea kayak alongside stunning coastline and near local seal colony as they learn about the diverse marine life and conservation efforts protecting the fragile ecosystem in the Marengo Marine Sanctuary. No previous paddling experience is required, instruction will be provided. Plastic, sit on top kayaks are used for this activity and all paddlers are equipped with helmets and personal flotation devices. Day walks: At various point during the camp participants will have opportunities to hike along sections of the Great Ocean walk and explore some of the Otways’ most stunning waterfalls, tucked within the rainforests of the Great Otway National Park. On these walks you will be able to spot the native plants and wildlife you’ve been studying throughout the program in their natural environment. All day walks on this camp will be on marked trails and students will only be required to carry minimal personal equipment in a small day pack they have brought with them on camp. Wildlife Wonders: is natural wildlife sanctuary inside a predator proof fence that aims to replicate the landscape as it was before the introduction of non-native species. At the sanctuary, participants will explore the unique ecosystem that has been created on a guided experience, getting hands-on with activities like flora and fauna identification, ecological sampling, and field sketching. Otway Fly: Is an unforgettable rainforest adventure set amongst the tree tops of the Otways. Participants begin their visit by wandering along an elevated walkway high in the forest canopy, taking in breathtaking views from above. Afterward they connect with the zipline course and soaring between “cloud stations” up to 30 metres above the forest floor. Guided by experienced instructors, participants not only experience the thrill of flying through the trees, but also learn about the history and unique features of this incredible ecosystem. Cape Otway Lighthouse and the Conservation Ecology Centre: After visiting the Cape Otway Lighthouse participants will visit the neighbouring Conservation Ecology Centre to work alongside experts to explore real-world environmental challenges such as biodiversity loss, climate change, and land management. Through hands-on, fieldbased learning, participants will build practical skills and gain a deeper understanding of their role in protecting the environment. Feed Me Bellarine: Is a local charity and community service initiative supporting local food security efforts. All participants will be involved in hands-on activities to help bring food security to those living on the Bellarine Peninsula. These may include sorting donated food, packing hampers, preparing fresh produce boxes, assisting with warehouse organisation, and supporting distribution logistics. Staffing: Each group is led by experienced and qualified Infuse Travel instructors and chaperoned by CGS teachers.
Year 9 Camp
Project Otway PROGRAM
Monday 30 November
Group 1
Group 2
Depart CGS at 8.30am and travel to Apollo Bay to set up camp.
Depart CGS at 8.30am and travel to Feed Me Bellarine
Visit Wildlife Wonders
Travel on to Apollo Bay to set up camp.
Camp at Big 4 Apollo Bay Caravan Park.
Tuesday 1 December
Otway Fly - Zipline and canopy tour
Wildlife Wonders
Waterfall hikes
Sea kayaking to seal colony
Camp at Big 4 Apollo Bay Caravan Park.
Wednesday 2 December
Sea kayaking to seal colony
Zipline and canopy tour
Cape Otway & Conservation Ecology Centre
Waterfall hikes
Camp at Big 4 Apollo Bay Caravan Park.
Thursday 3 December
Great Ocean Walk
Great Ocean Walk
Great Ocean Walk
Great Ocean Walk
Camp at Big 4 Apollo Bay Caravan Park.
Feed Me Bellarine Friday 4 December
Cape Otway & Conservation Ecology Centre
Return to Camberwell Grammar School, Chatfield Ave bus bays 3.30pm
Year 9 Camp
Project Otway CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT
Students need to be ready for a range of conditions on the camp. Having the right gear and clothing can make a big difference in the enjoyment of the experience. Weather: In November, Apollo Bay typically has an average daytime temperature of around 20°C, with overnight temperatures dropping to about 12°C. Weather in the Otways can change quickly, and conditions may vary throughout the day. As students will be camping and completing most activities outdoors, it is essential they are prepared and dressed for all weather conditions. Wet weather: When packing for a program, it’s important to choose a waterproof raincoat, compared to a waterresistant raincoat.Waterproof raincoats are made with sealed seams, waterproof fabrics, and special zippers to keep you dry in heavy rain. They will often have waterproof membranes, with the most popular membrane being Gore-Tex. In contrast, water-resistant raincoats are treated with a DWR coating, which will only repel light rain. Heavy rain would soak through, and your inner layers will get wet. It is important that you pack a waterproof raincoat, to ensure you are prepared for all conditions, especially when out hiking. CGS spray jackets and down jackets are NOT waterproof jackets will not be sufficient. If you do not have a good quality raincoat you may decide it is worth hiring one from an outdoor store such as EMC, 68 Whitehorse Road, Deepdene or One Planet. Layering: Layering for camping involves wearing multiple layers of clothing to effectively manage body temperature and moisture. The system typically includes a base layer (thermals), which wicks sweat away from the skin; a middle layer (Fleece jumper), usually made of insulating material like fleece, which retains body heat; and an outer layer (raincoat), which protects against wind and rain. This approach allows people to adjust their clothing according to changing weather conditions and activity levels, ensuring they stay warm, dry, and comfortable. Please note that even though we are travelling in November groups will be outside for a majority of the program and conditions in the Otways can vary. Fleece vs Cotton: Where possible, please pack fleece (Polyester) instead of cotton clothing. This is especially important for your ‘warm layers’. Fleece is a better choice than cotton because it wicks moisture away, dries quickly, and retains its insulating properties even when wet. It's lightweight, compressible, durable, and breathable, making it ideal for regulating body temperature and ensuring comfort during physical activity. In contrast, cotton absorbs moisture, stays damp, loses insulation when wet, is heavier and bulkier, and is less breathable, leading to discomfort and increased risk of hypothermia in cold conditions. Bedding: all students should bring a sleeping bag that comes up past their shoulders. Students who don’t have a suitable sleeping bag may decide to hire one rather than buy one. Footwear: The best hiking boots should offer ankle support and be waterproof. This will be helpful for long days hiking through multiple terrains and help prevent injury.If you don’t have hiking boots, runners are suitable as long as they have good grip, support, and are in good condition. You must be comfortable wearing them for a full day of walking. If buying new hiking boots, wear them in before coming on the program, new hiking boots can often take a couple of weeks to soften, wearing them in will prevent blisters and uncomfortable hiking days. All students will participate in a number of walks on uneven, walking tracks during the camp. Sun protection: All students will need to have a hat with a broad brim, not a baseball cap, and sunscreen. A long sleeved shirt with a collar with a collar is recommended. The nature of the camp means you will be spending a lot of time outdoors, regardless of weather conditions. Be prepared for all conditions Your experience will be made so much more enjoyable by making sure you bring the right gear. With a little planning, you can outfit yourself perfectly with items most people already have at home. You may find a trip to your local opshop helps you find items, that you don’t have at home.
Year 9 Camp
Project Otway
CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT LIST Infuse Travel will provide specialist equipment including camping and kayaking equipment. This includes the provision of wetsuits for sea kayaking. Students will need to be prepared for a wide range of conditions. Weather can change quickly. All items listed below should be brought on camp. Clothing and equipment must be packed in a soft-sided bag, rather than a rigid suitcase, and weigh no more than 15kg. Students must also bring a daypack to carry personal effects each day. SLEEPING BAGS can be hired from EMC Deepdene or One Planet. Clothing 1 x jumpers, woollen or fleece (not cotton) 4 x shirts/t-shirts, must have sleeves 2 x long sleeve collared shirts for hiking and service projects 1 x pair of hiking pants (lightweight and loose fitting, no denim or trackpants) 2 x pairs of knee length shorts 5 x pairs of underwear 5 x pairs of socks 1 x beanie, woollen or fleece 1 x broad brimmed sunhat (not a baseball cap) 1 x set of woollen or polypropolene thermals (long sleeve top and long john pants) 1 x pair of pyjamas 1 x long sleeved rash vest 1 x bathers 1 x boardshorts or quick dry shorts 1 x pair of runners (that can get muddy and dirty) 1 x hiking shoes (boots or approach shoes suitable for day hikes) 1 x pair of sandals or thongs (for showers) 1 x pair of closed toe water shoes for water activities 1 x japara/waterproof jacket (can be hired from Oneplanet) Equipment warm sleeping bag small pillow (A4 size) or empty pillowcase sleeping bag liner 1 x lightweight towel 1 x beach towel old tea towel water bottle (min 1 litre)/ water bladder plate, bowl, mug, knife, fork, spoon (plastic or metal) gardening gloves (for service projects) 2 x heavy duty rubbish bags (not black) for wet and sandy gear head torch and spare batteries watch daypack
Personal Items sunscreen insect repellant small personal first aid kit (bandaids, insect bite cream, aloe vera gel) personal medication toiletries (shampoo, deodorant, soap, toothbrush and paste, comb) antibacterial hand sanitiser gel a small packet of tissues a small packet of biodegradable wet wipes Optional book (keep in a plastic bag) camera 1 x pair of sunglasses playing cards frisbee, hacky sack or handball
All items should be clearly marked. Older, comfortable clothes are preferable to stylish ones. Do NOT bring jewellery or other valuables. Do NOT bring any mobile phones, iPads or tablet devices, headphones, earbuds or other music devices. No aerosol sprays are permitted on camp (use rollons)
Year 9 Camp
Project Otway CAMP RULES
Camp will be a challenging experience for all students. We want it also to be fun and safe, as well as providing you with valuable lessons about co-operation, teamwork and your own strengths and resilience. Remember that some people may find the outdoor experience challenging. Support them, be positive and be considerate - think of others, not just yourself, and if you see someone is struggling, offer to help. There are a few key rules to ensuring that camp is safe and enjoyable for all: aerosol cans, alcohol, cigarettes, drugs, electronic equipment, matches and pocket knives are not permitted on camp no student is to leave the camp site or activity site without a leader’s permission no student, by his actions, is to place any other student or group of students in danger students are required to follow directions from staff at all times, whether from Camberwell Grammar School or Infuse Travel.
CONTACT INFORMATION Questions: If you have any questions regarding any element of Year 9 Camp please contact Ms Kirsty McDougall, Head of Co-curricular Activities by phone or email kem@cgs.vic.edu.au Camp Provider: Infuse Travel 1800 321 435 Emergency contact during camp: If you need to get in touch with a student during camp, please call Camberwell Grammar School on 9835 1777 during school hours or Ms Karen Whelan on 9835 1710 outside of school hours.