If you’ve been to Winter Camp at Cave Hill Creek, you’ll know the routine. BUT Winter Camp OUT is different.
I’m 14 now, and this is the next step for people our age (14–15) when you’ve outgrown Winter Camp. It’s less about being looked after and more about stepping up — more independence, more responsibility, and a lot more real adventure.
Before camp even starts, there’s an online pre-camp meeting where you can ask questions and meet some of the staff — which actually helps you feel a bit more prepared and know what to expect. Don’t worry too much about not knowing anyone, you’ll make friends very quickly!
It’s More Real
You’re not just at camp — you’re camping out.
This is a base camp adventure – you’ll head to the campsite, help set things up, look after your gear, and actually live outdoors in one spot for the week. You’re trusted more, and it feels different straight away.
The Challenge Is the Point
You’ll be pushed — in a good way.
Hikes, abseiling, mountain biking, high ropes… and sometimes the biggest challenge is just the conditions. Cold mornings, wet gear, muddy boots.
You learn fast:
If you don’t pitch your tent properly, you’ll get wet.
If you don’t stay organised, you’ll feel cold.
The responsibility is on you — and that’s what makes it work.
(Also — bring plenty of warm clothes and good wet weather gear just in case. You’ll be very glad you did.)
But it also makes the end of the day feel even better — warming up by the fire, eating a hot meal, and finally climbing into your tent after a big day.
You Learn Real Skills
You’re not just doing activities — you’re learning things you’ll actually use:
- How to set up and manage a campsite
- Cooking outdoors (there’s plenty of food — but it’s up to you and your group to prepare it, and yes… some people are definitely better at it than others)
- Bushcraft, navigation, local flora and fauna, and caring for the environment
- Local Indigenous stories and connection to place
There are always moments that don’t go to plan — but that’s part of it. You figure it out, laugh about it, and keep going.
Your Group Matters
Everything is done as a team.
On hikes, you only go as fast as your slowest person — so you learn pretty quickly it’s not about being the fastest. It’s about sticking together, encouraging each other, and finishing as a group.
You rely on each other more, and by the end, it actually feels like it.
The Best Moments Are the Simple Ones
Some of the best parts don’t look big on a schedule:
- Laughing and singing around the campfire
- Toasting marshmallows
- Cooking a BBQ together on the last night to celebrate
- Epic games of cards in your tent
- Watching the sunrise in the cold, fresh air
- Looking at the stars on a still, clear evening
- The random, funny food mishaps along the way
You also notice the people — your group, and the camp staff who genuinely care and make it feel safe, supportive and fun.
And don’t worry about being tech-free — everyone’s in the same boat. You forget about your phone pretty quickly, and it’s honestly a relief. You get to switch off, reconnect, and just enjoy being there without any pressure.
It’s a Step Up
For me, I want to become a junior camp counsellor and then a senior one in the future — and this feels like a real stepping stone.
You start thinking differently — not just about yourself, but about your group, your role, and how you show up.
What You Take Home
Winter Camp OUT isn’t just another camp — it’s a level up.
And what sticks with you isn’t just the big activities — it’s the moments in between. The fire, the laughs, the shared effort, and knowing you got through it together.
You’ll leave wearing your camp hoodie with pride, heading home with promises to stay in touch with new friends — because those connections you make along the way are honestly one of the best parts.
If you’re ready for more — this is it.
If you’d like to know more about Winter Camp OUT, give us a call on 03 5349 7381 or visit:
👉 https://www.cavehillcreek.com.au/cave-hill-creek/holiday-programs/winter-camp/
