Constructed:

May 2018

Gawler Primary School Next review:

CAMP POLICY May 2021

Teachers are encouraged to provide opportunities for students to participate in active learning outside the classroom.
Students will have opportunities to participate in planned outdoor educational activities that aim to support the learning
outcomes of the Australian Curriculum. These activities will enrich the classroom learning process. Generally at Gawler
Primary School two different camps are offered. Year 7 students traditionally attend the Murraylands Aquatic Centre
Camp for 3 days in Term 4. Students in years 3-6 are offered a camp at another time of the year (usually term 2 or 3). As
this camp covers four year levels it is important for students to not revisit a camp site more than once. Currently we are
rotating between Stockport (2017), Illawonga (2016), Arbury Park (2015) and Woodhouse (2014). This is not prescriptive
and other camp sites can also be considered.

WHEN PLANNING A CAMP, ORGANISING TEACHERS ARE REQUIRED TO:

 Complete an excursion form ED 169 before arranging the camp.
 Complete a risk assessment once health forms for attending students are returned.
-Include documentation of strategies and information that relate to identified risk eg. location of power
points for nebuliser.
-Discuss the risk assessment with the principal to determine risk and related strategies to minimise
identified risk. This may include additional staff allocation above departmental guidelines.
 Check Department of Education ‘Camps and Excursions Guidelines’ Policy.
 Identify teachers attending camp based on final numbers and risk needs in line with the Department’s
guidelines.
 Ensure all communication with parents is checked by leadership.

Complete Appropriate Forms

ED 169
Student Health Information
Swimming and Aquatics if required
Consent for Camps
Risk Assessment
Any other notes specific to the relevant camp

CHECKLIST TO ASSIST IN PLANNING CAMP

In Term 1
 Refer to camp addendum for recommended location of camp.
 Book camp at earliest convenience for a time that suits school needs (include Principal in decision making)
 Record on staff room whiteboard the allocated dates.
 With finance officer and Principal organise an approximate cost of camp subject to final numbers, bus cost, extra
activities, etc.

10-12 Weeks Prior to Camp

 Send home general camp information with brief overview of location, cost, activities, dates and finance
deadlines. Allow minimum of 4 weeks for a deposit to be paid to confirm numbers.

6-8 Weeks Prior to Camp

 Finalise numbers and organise bus(es).
 Finalise staff attendance in line with Department guidelines. Refer to camp addendum for process of selecting
staff.
 Identify staff and possible location for students not attending camp.
 All teaching staff attending camp to attend regular fortnightly meetings and will be allocated supporting tasks to
assist in the organisation of camp.
 Camp oranisation to determine whether parent/caregiver volunteers will be required for camp. If so decide on
process for selection (please ensure parents/caregivers up to date criminal history clearance).
6 Weeks Prior to Camp
 Second note to be sent home with attending teachers, further details of camp and a health form to be returned
as soon as possible and reminder of final camp payment date.

4 Weeks Prior to Camp

 Send home list of clothes/equipment and food donations list (if required), information for food allergies and
dietary requirements (to be returned) and re-send any health forms that have not been returned.
 Liaise with finance officer re: progress of camp payments.
 2 Weeks Prior to Camp
 Organise final camp list, dorm arrangements and groups for activities (including teacher supervision of groups).
 Liaise with NIT teachers and leadership to provide an adjusted NIT and Yard Duty timetable for camp week.
 Finalise list of students not attending camp and give to supervising teacher for camp week.
 Gather list of contacts eg. local hospital, emergency services, etc.
 Organise with camp organisation committee for one car to be on camp site at all times in case of emergency
situations.
 Liaise with finance officer re: progress of camp payments.
 Teachers to organise several meetings with students to discuss camp. This would include specific rules and
expectations.

1 Week Prior to Camp

 Re-send clothes/equipment note and last minute reminder of important times and information. In particular
leaving and returning expectations.
 Organise school equipment to be taken on camp (sports equipment, games, etc).
 Liaise with front office staff to organise a first aid kit which includes any medication that students already have at
school. Front office staff will also follow up any specific medications from home that is not currently held at
school.
 Hold meeting with leadership to go over camp arrangements to ensure they are aware of everything that is in
place.

Staff Involved in Camp

 Refer to Department for Education policy for student to teacher rations.
 Where possible year 3-6 teachers will staff camp and will also manage students who are not attending. However
where less than 12 students remain at school other class teachers will be asked to supervise several students
each for the duration of camp.
 Staff attending camp should be decided by negotiation.
 NIT staff are offered an opportunity to attend camp on a yearly rotational basis (Currently Science teacher
attends camp in odd years and Japanese teacher attends camp in even years).

Behaviour Code
All students will follow the Gawler Primary School Behaviour Code on camps. Leadership will be contacted for advice on
breaches of this code. In serious cases students may be required to be collected either by leadership or the student’s
parents/caregivers.

Funding
Social Justice funding line may support camp as well as class fundraising activities to reduce expense to families.

Electronic Devices
Electronic devices (including cameras) are not to be taken on camp by students. Teachers will ensure that sufficient
photos of camp will taken. All communication between home and camp will be through a member of leadership. Staff
will take school phone on camp for emergencies. Parents will be provided with an out of school hours contact number
for camp.