YEAR 10 WESTVENTURE 2020 Westminster School recognises that the outdoor setting offers a powerful venue for achieving many aspects of the school’s educational philosophy. We believe that by taking students away from their everyday, comfortable environment into a place of perceived uncertainty, we can engage students in learning that might not be possible in an urban context or day-program. Many activities are conducted on the School property, Glenroy, in the first week and the majestic Coorong in the second week.

Dates for Westventure 2020

Camp Houses Week Comments Depart Return

1 Clark , Dunstan, Jeffries 1 & 2 Monday

January 27 Friday

February 7

2 Forder, Heaslip 3 & 4

Exeat: 15 - 16 February Monday

February 10 Friday

February 21

Swimming Carnival: Thursday 20 and Friday 21 February

3 Woollacott, Fricker 5 & 6 Monday

February 24 Friday

March 6

4 Carter, Fereday, Kelly 7 & 8

Exeat 7-9 March Monday March 9

Friday March 20 Adelaide Cup Holiday

9 March

NO CAMP 9, 10 & 11

Athletics Carnival: Thursday 26 and Friday 27 March

The time of departure from Westminster School for all camps will be 9.00 am and the estimated time of arrival back at Westminster at the end of each camp is 12 noon.

What is Westventure?

Westventure is Westminster’s Outdoor Education Program provided for Year 10, building on the skills and experiences derived from the Year 8 & 9 camp curricula. The program is facilitated by a full-time staff of 1 teacher and 4 instructors who plan and lead the whole experience. In regards to Wellbeing, this is a critical age to focus on building self-esteem, responsibility, resourcefulness, teamwork and communication skills. The challenges provided by these outdoor experiences are used as a means to an end, the development of positive and important life-skills. Facing challenges, setting goals, working individually or in a group (often outside of their comfort zone) prepares students for the rest of their school life. For many students, it is the experience of a lifetime.

Westventure Philosophy

Westventure seeks to promote self-discovery, interactive social skills, as well as a more holistic understanding of the natural world through experiential, adventure, and environmental education. Westventure provides students with outdoor learning experiences that are processed, reflected upon and integrated into the students’ lives. These experiences are designed to challenge both the individual and the group as a whole physically, emotionally, and intellectually. Westventure prides itself on its contribution to Westminster’s mission to inspire students to thrive in positive and meaningful lives and inspire students to face their future with confidence.

Westventure operates under the premise that role modelling sensible decision-making with respect to risks is inherent to the experiential learning process. Using the natural world as a classroom affords us many opportunities to expand the participant’s life experience and encourage personal growth. Support, trust and respect are valued and promoted throughout all phases of instruction and trip management.

Our environmental ethic is such that we enter into all of our program areas as visitors and practice minimum impact camping skills that promote respect and understanding of the natural environment. Westventure aims to instil a connection with nature that will encourage the students to continue to pursue outdoor activities in the future.

The Westventure camps will be co-ordinated by Gordon Begg, conducted by Rob McLean and the Outdoor Education Department. Consent forms are due by Friday, 8 November 2019. Please ensure forms are handed back promptly and fully completed. Remember, if your son or daughter is unable to attend their allocated camp due to sporting, family/other commitments then you must notify Mr. David Wallage in writing and send this in with the consent form. Forms need to be handed in to House Tutors or the Outdoor Education Office. Any further enquiries can be directed to: Gordon Begg Head of Outdoor Education Westminster School E: gbegg@westminster.sa.edu.au P: 08 8276 0337 M: 0428 974 759

YEAR 9 AQUATICS DAY and FIRST AID COURSE

As part of their preparation for Westventure all Year 9 students are involved in an Aquatics Day held

at West Lakes Aquatic Centre and the Swimming Pool at Westminster. During the sessions the

students familiarize themselves with the equipment they use while on camp, as well as learn the basic

skills involved with kayaking, sailing and aquatic safety. The dates for the aquatic days this year are

below.

All students will complete a Provide First Aid course on the 9 and 10 of December to provide them

with important self-reliant emergency response skills.

Class 9.1 Mon 2 December

Class 9.2 Tues 3 December

Class 9.3 Wed 4 December

Class 9.4 Thurs 5 December

RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT LIST

Please pack in large sports bag or similar to be left in Dorms and accessed for daily activities as required:

Aquatic Activities: **Must have Long sleeved Rashee (short sleeve and

cotton tops will not be allowed on the water) **Must have 1 long sleeved thermal top (available

from Outdoor Equipment stores) Woolen beanie **Must have wide brimmed hat with neck strap Sunglasses with strap 1 WOOLEN JUMPER or equivalent for AQUATICS. **Pair of aquatic shoes (wetsuit boots or similar) **2 Pairs Quick Dry Boardies (Knee length, no shorter) Bike shorts or tights to prevent sunburn on tops of legs. Raincoat or waterproof jacket suitable for

kayaking/sailing (school will supply if student does not have their own)

Aquatics Towel General Activities:

**Must have Minimum 2 collared long sleeved shirts (apart from running, all other outdoor activities require long sleeved collared tops- students will not get their WV top until the end of camp – keep it clean)

Another Woolen Jumper or equivalent for general use 6+ pairs of socks (thick and thin) Casual Jumper or equivalent 2 T-shirts with collars 2 pairs of trackies (e.g. tracksuit but jeans are not

acceptable) Underwear Pyjama’s Another towel for showering 1 pair of thongs or crocs for wear at camp 30+ sunscreen, SPF lip balm and insect repellent Personal first aid kit –medication (clearly labeled and

multiple quantities) and blister prevention Minimal toiletries (toothbrush, soap, sanitary items and

roll-on deodorant. Aerosol deodorants are not allowed due to asthma risk)

Running Activities: Peaked running cap 1 Short Sleeved and collared running shirt for 17 km 1 pair of sport shoes for walking/running Bike shorts or tights for running (prevents chaffing) 1 Running singlet for 5 km Camping Activities: Suitable sized sleeping bag (approx. -3 rating. PLEASE do

not bring a large sleeping bag, as it must be able to fit into a kayak or rucksack!)

1 thin sleeping mat/roll or thermarest for expeditions (needs to be small enough to fit in a rucksack or kayak!)

Pillow and pillow-slip (pillows are not provided) Bed sheet for single mattress (makes the dorm bed

homelier) 1 set of cutlery, crockery, (knife, fork, spoon, bowl and 1x

plastic mug) Lightweight Torch (spare batteries)

Miscellaneous requirements: Packed lunch for the first day 2 x 1 Litre water containers - essential 1 tea towel - labeled 2 ballpoint pens 1 notebook, 2 pencils, 20 large garbage bags (for waterproofing gear) Note:

thicker bags are recommended – less likely to get holes. 5 small plastic shopping bags for dirty clothes Snap Lock bags for waterproofing smaller items and

snacks on water Maximum of $20 pocket money is suggested to purchase

‘treats’ from camp shop & Milang shops. Optional:

Rucksack, digital camera The Following items are NOT PERMITTED at camp:

Extra food or lollies as they attract mice into the dorms Radios/computers/ iPods etc. Mobile phones (school provides communication devices

when students are on expedition)

Please ensure that your son or daughter is currently covered for tetanus immunisation. Please discuss this matter with your family doctor if it is more than two years since your child received a routine tetanus booster. The telephone number of the Point Sturt Campsite is 8537 0134 or 0428 974 760 (Voicemail). Postal address: Westminster School – Westventure Camp, Post Office, CLAYTON SA 5256.

If students have particular commitments, which may preclude them from involvement on a particular camp with their Allocated House e.g. family wedding, State championships, overseas travel etc. then this information needs to be brought to the attention of Mr. David Wallage and ACCOMPANY the consent form.

EQUIPMENT / CLOTHING Firstly, and most importantly, we do not expect you to buy additional materials for your child, most of the items

on the equipment list can be found, borrowed or bought cheaply.

Hats: It is important that your child has some form of broad brimmed hat with a drawstring. It is both very windy

and very sunny while on camp and the peaked style caps are generally not suitable given the amount of time

the students spend outside. However, a peaked cap may be preferable for running in only.

Long Sleeved Shirt: It is an essential item given that the students spend long periods outside. This should be

suitable for both aquatic activities and walking. It can be in the form of a long sleeved rash vest (lightweight and

quick drying) or long sleeve cotton shirts. A Thermal Top is also required whilst students are completing their 2

expeditions as a range of weather conditions can be experienced.

Aquatic Shoes: Your child will require 3 pairs of shoes. One pair for running in, one pair for walking in, and one

pair for aquatic activities (these will get wet and probably stay relatively wet for the entire camp). The aquatic

shoes need to be sturdy and last for the duration of the camp. Suitable shoes include wetsuit booties (with a

sole), old sneakers (with laces) or sturdy reef type sandals (cheaper versions break too quickly and are not

suitable). Unsuitable shoes include slip on style shoes, sneakers without laces, wetsuit booties without sole and

cheap reef style sandals. Cheaper department stores are selling suitable mesh shoes with a sole for under $10.

Roll Mat/Thermarest/Sleeping bag: Your child is required to bring a roll mat (or self-inflating thermal mat) and

sleeping bag, which they should already have from year 8 and 9 camps. They will be required to carry these on

expeditions so please make sure they are not too big and heavy. If you do not have a roll mat, please purchase,

borrow one from friends (who are on a different camp), or the school. They are an inexpensive item that can be

purchased for around $10 - $15. Please remember that students will be carrying their sleeping bags and need

to pack them into rucksacks, kayaks and sailing boats. Big, bulky sleeping bags make this process difficult. Swags

are not allowed.

Woolen Jumpers: 1 woolen jumper (or equivalent- fleece, merino etc.) are vital to have packed. Woolen jumpers

are ideal for Westventure as they still keep you warm even when they get wet – unlike cotton materials.

WESTVENTURE PROGRAM 2020

DAY MORNING AFTERNOON EVENING

MONDAY

Meet at school at 8.45 am Drive to Point Sturt - set up camp - divide into 4 activity groups - intro talk on philosophy of WV and Program Outcomes - give out equipment

*Sail Session – basics Reach, run, beat, heave to *Paddle Session – forward sweep, reverse, capsize 5 km run

Map and compass work Night Navigation activity in groups Dorm accommodation

TUESDAY

Morning Swim Program Assembly, Briefing & Reflection *Sail Session – basics Reach, run, beat, heave to *Paddle Session – forward sweep, reverse, capsize

*Paddle Session – capsize, draw strokes, supports *Sail Session – on boats by themselves when ready, triangular course & races 5 km run

Route planning for overnight hike Packing a rucksack Food / Gear collection Dorm accommodation

WEDNESDAY

Morning Swim Program Assembly, Briefing & Reflection *Sail Session – sail by them self when ready *Paddle Session – capsize, draw strokes, supports

Students navigate in groups on Pt. Sturt and camp on Glenroy property. Investigate revegetation areas by current students.

Overnight camp on Glenroy (school property) in tents Environmental readings and Reflections

THURSDAY

Program Assembly, Briefing & Reflection *Sail Session – sail by self towards Rat Is. & capsize drill *Paddle Session – group roles, extended paddle or games

*Sail Session – sail by self towards Rat Is. & capsize drill *Paddle Session – group roles, extended paddle or games 5 km run

Planning for overnight expedition Trip Preparation Waterproofing Food / Gear collection Dorm accommodation

FRIDAY

Group 1 Kayaking from WV base to Reedlands on the Finniss River

Group 2 Sailing from WV base via Pt. Sturt to Milang.

Overnight camping in tents at Milang Camping Ground

SATURDAY

Group 1 Sailing from Milang via Pt. Sturt to WV base

Group 2 Kayaking from Reedlands on the Finniss River to WV base

Expedition debrief on Program Outcomes Dorm accommodation

SUNDAY

Program Assembly, Briefing & Reflection 17 km group ‘run’ activity

Heptathlon (initiative activities) Coorong Trip Briefing Trip preparation Food collection Dorm accommodation

MONDAY

Program Assembly, Briefing & Reflection Group 1 Kayaking from WV base to Waterhole Point on the Coorong

Group 2 Sailing from WV base to Waterhole Point on the Coorong

Camp in tents at the spectacular Waterhole Point. Debrief expedition outcomes, night walk

TUESDAY

Guided Environmental Indigenous walk visiting Southern Ocean, bush tucker and cockling activities

Guided Environmental Indigenous walk visiting Southern Ocean, bush tucker and cockling activities

Camp in tents at the spectacular Waterhole Point. Night games/star gazing. Brief the next day return expedition

WEDNESDAY

Group 1 Sailing from Waterhole Point to WV base

Group 2 Kayaking from Waterhole Point to WV base

Expedition Outcomes Debrief and Skits Night. Dorm accommodation

THURSDAY

Program Assembly, Briefing & Reflection 17 km Individual ‘Run’ (Challenge by choice)

Sailing/Kayaking Races Campsite cleaned Gear packed up

Games Night Dorm accommodation

FRIDAY Program de-briefs on outcomes and integration to school life and returns to Westminster by 12 noon.

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FROM THE SENIOR SCHOOL CONSENT FOR CAMP

As parent/guardian of: (student name)

House (House)

I give my consent (your name)

for my son / daughter to

participate in

Westventure 2020 Camp 1, 2, 3, 4, please circle

at / on (at) Clayton (date)

Agreement • I agree to delegate my authority to supervising teachers/instructors. Such leaders may take whatever

disciplinary action they deem necessary to ensure the safety, well-being and successful conduct of the students as a group and individually.

• In the event of an accident or illness, and contact with me being impracticable or impossible, I authorise the teacher-in-charge to arrange whatever medical or surgical treatment a registered medical practitioner considers necessary. I will pay all medical and dental expenses incurred on behalf of my child.

• I have provided all information necessary to plan safe and reasonable health care support for my child. This includes, if relevant, information about any activity modifications my child may require for medical reasons.

• I consent to my child’s doctor or medical specialist being contacted by medical personnel in an emergency.

• The information given is accurate to the best of my knowledge.

Signed: Date:

EMERGENCY FAMILY CONTACTS

Parent/guardian

(address)

(home phone)

(work phone)

(mobile phone)

Alternative emergency contact

(name)

(address)

(phone)

Staff supervising this camp will use the medical and personal information you have already provided to the school and which is recorded on the School’s database. If circumstances have changed since last updating your child’s personal information, please advise of any changes using the attached form. All forms should be returned to the Senior School Office. After reviewing the camp programme please advise us of any additional information that would assist our staff to care for your child in this camp setting. This information will not be used to update the School’s permanent records and will only be used for this camp/activity.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION SPECIFIC TO THIS ACTIVITY / CAMP

Please attach any requests for particular camps due to conflicts with dates with previous/known commitments. These requests will be considered by Mr. David Wallage.

Confidential

To be completed by the PARENT/GUARDIAN for students who need additional support whilst on camp. This information is confidential and will be available only to supervising staff and emergency medical personnel and will not be recorded on the School’s permanent database records. Student Name ______________________________________________________________________________

Please provide details of any current situation that will affect your child undertaking this activity/camp including any dietary needs.

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.................................................................................................................................................................................. Routine supervision for health care related safety Does your child need additional supervision for health-related safety? Yes No If yes, consider and attach as relevant: Instructions from the child’s doctor Medication plan

If assistance with medication must occur on camp identify responsibilities for: - Delivery, storage, supervision, record keeping - Off-site activities - Reminding if necessary

Health service provider details If a care/health worker is involved because requirements exceed staff training and duties (i.e. other than oral or metered dose inhaler medication), write down: - Who this is and the contact staff member? - How, when and where will this occur?

Signed: ________________________________________ Date: _____ /_____ /_____

INFORMATION TO UPDATE SCHOOL’S PERMANENT RECORDS

Confidential

To be completed by the PARENT/GUARDIAN to update student information on the School’s permanent database records. Student Name ______________________________________________________________________________

Personal

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Medical

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Other

Swimming Ability Please rate the students swimming ability. Please note that buoyancy vests are worn by all students when in the water.

Weak CANNOT swim 50 m COMFORTABLY

Comfortable Can swim 50 m COMFORTABLY

Strong Can swim 50 m STRONGLY

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Signed: ……………..………………………..

Date: ............/............/………

WESTVENTURE SHIRTS

In the tradition of Westventure, students who participate on the camp are entitled to purchase a shirt

commemorating their experience (it is not a requirement that they have one of these shirts). This provides the

students with a sense of ownership of their Westventure Outdoor Education experience. The shirts are long

sleeved, white and printed with the Westventure logo and activities. Students will receive the shirts at the

completion of their camp.

The shirts have been approved to wear during school Physical Education lessons and after school sporting

practice, but they are not permitted to be worn during co-curricular sporting competitions. They are practical

sun-safe shirts, a policy which the school is continuing to promote.

ORDER DETAILS

Where: School Uniform Shop Cost: $38.00 Final date for orders and payment: Friday, 22 November 2019 (This will be their only opportunity to purchase shirts) If you wish to purchase a shirt, please complete the form below and return it with your payment to the uniform shop by the due date. The shirts are on display in the uniform shop and a range of sizes are available to try on to ensure your child orders the correct size. We look forward to your child’s participation on the Westventure program for 2020! __________________________________________________________________________________________ RETURN SLIP FOR WESTVENTURE SHIRTS I give permission for my son/daughter _______________________________ to purchase a Westventure shirt. I understand that the cost of the shirt is $38.00 and needs to be paid up front for the order to be accepted. PARENT/GUARDIAN SIGNATURE _________________________________ FOR UNIFORM SHOP USE SIZE ORDERED: Child 12 14 Adult S M L XL 2XL 3XL PAYMENT RECEIVED: YES / NO