When I wake up, it’s still a bit cold (okay… really cold), and I can hear the cockatoos outside being super noisy and waking everyone up. Inside, the cabin is warm and cosy, and people are starting to stir — a bit of chatting and some quiet laughing from the bunks.

One of our camp counsellors knocks on the door with a cheerful “Good morning, rise and shine!” I don’t know how they do it, but they’re always full of energy — even when we’ve kept them up talking and laughing way too late the night before. There are a few counsellors looking after our group for the week, and they’re always around if you need something or just feel like a chat.

Before breakfast, we clean our rooms. Everyone actually tries pretty hard because we want to earn points for the Cave Hill Creek Cup. Then the ‘Inspector’ comes through to check our rooms (which sounds scary but is actually very funny), and we wait to see how we did. Once we pass, we head off to eat, hoping we’ve earned some points!

We put on lots of layers and head to the pavilion, calling out to the kangaroos grazing on the oval as we go. The fire is already lit, which is the best. We sit with our colour clans, and it’s nice getting to know people my own age — the ones I’ll be hanging out with all week. I’m in Yellow Group. I grab some porridge and toast for breaky — perfect on a cold morning — and we all chat about what we’re doing today.

After breakfast, it’s time for activities. I was a bit nervous at first — especially when we got to the high ropes — but the activity instructors are really encouraging. They help you through it, cheer you on, and before you know it, you’re doing something you didn’t think you could. When you get down, everyone’s cheering and it feels awesome.

Later we go bushwalking in the Mt Cole State Forest. Everything feels different in winter — quieter and kind of peaceful. Our activity instructor shows us things we would never notice on our own, like animal tracks and cool little details. I’m also trying to find the longest leaf, because there’s a camp competition and a prize for whoever finds the biggest one – I’ve got to find a big one to beat those that other campers have already entered! After the walk, we have lunch at Richard’s Campground — hot baked jacket potatoes topped with bacon, cheese, coleslaw and all the trimmings, which taste soooo good after being out in the cold.

One of the best things about camp is that no one has phones. At first, I was worried about this, and it feels a bit weird, but then it’s actually really good. You end up talking more, laughing more, and just doing stuff instead of looking at a screen.

In the afternoon, we do more activities — maybe canoeing or something different. There’s heaps to do. It’s cold, but you warm up pretty quickly (especially if there’s a bit of splashing going on). I can’t wait to come back in Summer when we can really get wet! Later in the week we get “choose your own adventure” activities — I already know I want to do bikes and cooking (making Anzac biscuits… yum!).

Before dinner, we get some free time, which is really nice. I might play cards with some friends or have a game of table tennis, while other people are playing chess or kicking a footy on the oval.

Dinner is always great after a big day — and tonight is lasagne (my favourite!). Everyone’s chatting and laughing, and it already feels like we’ve known each other for ages.

After dinner, we all go to the campfire. It’s probably my favourite part. We toast marshmallows, tell stories, and sit around the fire keeping warm. One of the counsellors plays guitar and some of us sing along. When you look up, the sky is full of stars — way more than at home. Tomorrow night we’ve got a team challenge — Minute to Win It — and our colour clan really wants to win more points for the Cup!

By the time we go back to the cabin, everyone is tired, but in a good way. We talk about the best parts of the day and joke around a bit until someone finally says we really need to sleep.

At the start of camp, you might not know anyone. But by the end of the first day, it already feels different.

You feel braver. You’ve made new friends. And you’ve done things you didn’t think you could.

And you can’t wait to wake up and do it all again tomorrow.

If you’d like to know more about Winter Camp, give us a call on 03 5349 7381 or visit:
https://www.cavehillcreek.com.au/cave-hill-creek/holiday-programs/winter-camp/

The post A Day in the Life at Winter Camp appeared first on Cave Hill Creek.

Why let the fun stop when summer ends?!

Cave Hill Creek is excited to offer a brand new Winter Camp this July!

Don’t be fooled – although nights may get colder, and the ground a little muddier, our Victorian winter camps are held at the same stunning venue, with the same awesome hosts, fun activities & delicious food, but with a different but equally as an exciting camp program tailored to better suit the cooler months…

What to expect from our Winter Camp program?

Attendees of our Summer camps can expect the same, same…but different! For new attendees, we’ve tweaked our classic camp formula to celebrate the cold, wintery months – whilst keeping all the things our camp regulars love the most!

Our range of fun activities and experiences will not only get your kids off the couch and the devices out of their hands, but they’ll also get their heart rate up, some mud on their shoes and by the end, hopefully a few lasting friendships, too!

See our range of Winter Camp activities below:

• Abseiling
• Archery
• Bouldering
• Canoeing
• Low Ropes
• Bushwalking
• Mountain Biking
• Giant’s Ladder
• Crate Stack
• Bush Cooking
• Map Reading
• Raft Building

Winter brings spectacular changes to the surrounding plant and wildlife!

The changes in weather also bring a dramatic change in the colours of the leaves, trees and animals around our spectacular grounds, from an influx of Flame Robins seeking shelter to several sightings of some of our most elusive residents- Platypus!

*Psst.* There have been numerous recent Platypus sightings at Cave Hill Creek, with as many as three juveniles having left their nests are now swimming freely in our creek.

Although there have been multiple sightings, there is no footage yet …guess you’re going to have to come and see for yourself!

The aim of Winter Camp is to provide a welcoming and comfortable space for your children to have fun and activate their minds and bodies over the school break.

With over 30 years’ experience running fun and safe camps, we do our best to ensure your child is supported and cared for whilst under the supervision of our experienced and professional camp leaders.

Details about Cave Hill Creek’s 2019 Winter Camp:

Where:

Cave Hill Creek, 110 The Glut Rd, Beaufort VIC 3373

When:

Beginning Monday 8th of July and finishing  Friday 12 July of 2019

Ages:

Winter camp spots are still available for 8-14-year-olds

Getting there:

Will you need public transport from and to Melbourne?

Cave Hill Creek also provides accompanied transport service on the V-Line train to Beaufort from Southern Cross and return. If you would like your child to use this service it is essential to pre-book with us. Tickets are $50 each return.

Pricing:

Winter Camp is $649pp.  

Bring a friend or relative and save $50pp.  If you have attended a Summer or Winter Camp before – you also save $50 by entering your special discount code (sent to you by email). Book before 7 June to receive a complimentary Winter Camp hoodie personalised with your name!

Other Details?

Includes all meals and accommodation, outdoor activities, supervision, new friendships and yes a bit of good old fashioned winter mud and fun.  Join us this winter for a whole heap of holiday fun and excitement!

Click here for booking/register forms. Hurry! Spots won’t last!

The post Join Us For Winter Camp At Cave Hill Creek In 2019 appeared first on Cave Hill Creek.