Parent information: School camps

Prior to camp your child’s school will provide you with a unique URL and further instructions to complete our online medical and consent form on behalf of your child.

The information you provide on the medical and consent form will help us look after your child’s health needs at camp. If your child has an injury or pre-existing condition, allergy, special dietary needs or is on prescription medicines, please provide full details on this form.

The Office of Sport will share the information you provide with your child's school.

Your child should bring enough medication for the duration of their stay. All medication should be in its original packaging and clearly labelled with your child’s name, the dosage and frequency.

You should discuss this with your child’s teacher as they will be responsible for making sure your child takes their medication.

If your child suffers from anaphylaxis, they should have an anaphylaxis action plan which has been prepared by their doctor. Download sample plan templates from Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy website. If your child has a plan, please provide it to the Centre at least three weeks prior to attending camp. 

Children at risk of anaphylaxis need to bring at least one adrenaline auto injector. On catered programs, children with food allergies are required to wear an identifying red wristband. This is an added precaution to assist staff when managing situations where food allergens may be present. Find out more about processes and procedures in place to manage allergies and anaphylaxis. 

If your child is prone to bed wetting, please advise the school or Centre staff in advance so staff can deal with the situation in a discreet and caring manner.

If required, please provide a waterproof mattress protector.

Students stay in comfortable rooms or lodges with male and female students accommodated separately. At least one visiting teacher will stay in a room nearby and will be responsible for student safety and behaviour.

Our qualified catering team prepare nutritious and delicious meals so your child will never go hungry at camp. If your child has any special dietary requirements or food allergies, it’s crucial that these are listed on the Medical and Consent form. It’s also a good idea to mention it to your child’s teacher before camp.

Special diets are provided for medical conditions, religious beliefs and lifestyle choices such as vegetarians or vegans.

Find out more about processes and procedures in place to manage allergies and anaphylaxis.

So that camp is a fun and safe experience for everybody, we have rules in place for students to follow. These will be explained to your child on arrival at camp. If your child misbehaves, we will discuss with your child's teacher the best course of action. The Office of Sport has a zero tolerance stance on bullying.

Every effort is made to ensure your child’s safety and comfort while at camp. Our SunSmart policy promotes wearing broad-brimmed hats and sunscreen, and we minimise sun exposure during the hottest part of the day. Personal flotation devices are supplied by the Centre. Covered shoes must be worn when participating in all boating activities.

Your school may ask students to buy meals going to and from camp.

Note: The Office of Sport takes no responsibility for the loss or damage to a client’s personal property, including money or other valuable items.

Centre staff hold senior first aid accreditations and can administer first aid, if required. If your child requires medical assistance, they will be taken to the nearest medical centre or hospital and we will notify you. In case of emergencies, parents can contact the school teachers in attendance at camp. 

Luggage should be limited to one bag equivalent in size to airline ‘carry on’ luggage with maximum weight of 10kg and a separate sleeping bag, plus a small backpack per child. Remember, your child will be required to carry their luggage so it is essential to make sure it is not too big or heavy.  

Limiting luggage size and weight is especially important when visiting Milson Island or Broken Bay Sport and Recreation Centres as luggage will be handled multiple times throughout the journey.

For school camps, pack:

Please label all clothing, towels and sleeping bag with your child’s name.

• Shorts and t-shirts (no singlets, sleeveless or midriff tops)

• Jeans

• Jumpers and tracksuit pants

• Socks and underwear

• Raincoat

• Warm jacket (winter only)

• Three layers of warm clothing (winter only, or all-year round at Jindabyne, Borambola, Lake Burrendong and Lake Keepit)

• Pyjamas

• Swimming costume and rashie shirt

• Sunscreen, sun hat and sunglasses

• Two pairs of running shoes (one old pair to wear in the water)

• Toiletries, soap, lip balm and insect repellent (no aerosols)

• Two towels

• Sleeping bag or doona and two single flat sheets

• Bring your own pillow

• Day backpack

• Paper, pens or pencils

• Plastic bags for dirty or wet clothes

• Medication (if required)

• Handkerchief or tissues

• Water bottle

Snow camps

If your child is attending a snow camp at Jindabyne or Borambola*, please pack:

• Waterproof pants and jacket

• Goggles

• Waterproof gloves

• Beanie and scarf

• Long, thin woollen or ski socks

• At least 3 layers of warm clothing

* Ski clothing can also be hired for an additional cost at our ski hire outlet.

Please note, we do not allow students to bring or use their own snow sports equipment, such as skis or snow boards.

If visiting teachers and supervising adults use their own ski equipment it is accepted, as per the terms and conditions, that the Office of Sport is not liable for any injuries or loss suffered due to the use of equipment that has not been supplied by the Office of Sport.

What not to bring:

• Aerosol cans (i.e. spray-on deodorant or insect repellent)

• Mobile phones and other electronic devices

• All Food – Unless pre-approved by the Centre you’re attending

• Jewellery

• Anything valuable (The Office of Sport takes no responsibility for the loss or damage to a client's personal property, including money or other valuable items)

Prohibited

Drugs, cigarettes and alcohol are not allowed at camp and any student found using or in possession of these items may be removed from the Centre. Students found in possession of illegal drugs will be reported.

If you need to contact your child while on camp, please contact your child's school to arrange communication with the onsite teachers and supervisors.

We do not encourage children to phone home as this can contribute to homesickness.

Sport and Recreation Centres:

• Berry (South Coast)
• Borambola (Riverina)
• Broken Bay (Central Coast)
• Jindabyne (Snowy Mountains)
• Lake Ainsworth (North Coast)
• Lake Burrendong (Western NSW)
• Lake Keepit (North West NSW)
• Milson Island (Central Coast)
• Point Wolstoncroft (Central Coast)
• Sydney Academy (Sydney)