FAQ
Where are the campsites located?What is the minimum age for Campers?
What type of activities are available?
How much does the camp cost? Are there extra expenses?
How are you able to make camp so inexpensive?
What are your Staff to Camper ratios?
What transport options are available?
Do you cater for special dietary requirements?
What are the facilities like?
Do you have to be a Christian or go to church to come on camp?
What should I bring to camp?
Do you have a policy on smoking?
What sort of things should I NOT bring to camp?
Can my child be in the same room as their friends?
Do you accept campers from overseas?
How do I get involved in Leadership?
Can I come for part of the camp?
Am I able to visit the campsite beforehand to see where my child will be staying?
Do you have Staff trained in First Aid?
Are you equipped to have children with disabilities on camp?
What kind of background checks etc. are staff required to complete?
Are the activities and equipment safe?
What forms of payment do you accept?
Do you offer family discounts?
What is the difference between the camps?
Do the Leaders stay in the cabins with the Campers?
Where are the campsites located?
Holiday Camps are run at the following campsites:
CYC The Island
41 - 53 Church Street
Cowes, 3922
Phillip Island Adventure Resort
1775 Phillip Island Road
Cowes, 3922
Forest Edge CYC
405 McKenzie Road
Neerim East, 3831
Adanac CYC
47 Hoddle Street
Yarra Junction, 3797
What is the minimum age for Campers?
Rather than a minimum age, we go on school year to determine the age groups. We find that this tends to work better, and means that Campers go on camp with others in their year levels. The two main age groups for our camps are Primary and Teen
Primary Camps are for those in years 3 - 6 at school. This usually means 8 - 12 year olds.
Teen Camps are for those in years 7 - 12 at school. This usually means 12 - 17 year olds.
On some camps the age groups may be different, such as years 7 - 10 at school (12 - 16 year olds).
We also divide our Summer Teen Camps at CYC The Island into Senior Teen (Going into year 9 through to just finished year 12) and Junior Teen (Going into year 7 or just finished year 8)
What type of activities are available?
We offer a wide variety of activities that depend on factors such as the campsite, age group, time of year and themes of the camps. We make great use of the activities provided on each site, such as Archery, Bikes, Canoes, Climbing Wall, Crate Climb, Flying Fox, Giant Swing, High Ropes, Mini-Golf, Swimming, Trampolines, Tubing, Water Slide and more.
We also bring a number of other program elements, such as themed activities, team games, wide games, craft activities and the like.
Especially on the Phillip Island campsites, we also make use of external activity providers for things like Surfing etc.
How much does the camp cost? Are there extra expenses?
Our camps are heavily subsidised and priced to be affordable to as many people as possible. It is our desire that no child misses out on camp because of lack of finances.
The cost of each camp depends on many factors, especially the number of nights (as camps range between 4 and 6 nights).
The current cost for all camps can be found on the applications page.
There are no extra expenses for activities, however, on most camps, campers are able to bring pocket money for the week.
Note: On some occassions there will be special “extra” activities offered on certain camps, in which case this is clearly explained on the camp information. But normally, all activities, accommodation, food etc. is included in the camp fees
How are you able to make camp so inexpensive?
This is a question we are asked quite a bit, with the underlying question being, “Do you cut corners on quality to provide a cheap camp?”
The answer to this question is most definitely not. We believe the quality of camp is important, and would not sacrifice quality for a cheaper price.
We do, however, desire that no children miss out on the opportunity of camp due to financial reasons, and therefore our camps are heavily subsidised to allow a greater number of people to be able to afford camp. Our camps are not run for profit, which means all the money paid in fees for Holiday Camps simply goes towards paying the expenses involved in running that camp, and camps are staffed by volunteer Leaders (who often donate towards the running of the camp as a support to the ministry).
In short, our camps have subsidised fees, but are a “full-value” product.
What are your Staff to Camper ratios?
We operate on approximately a one Leader to three camper ratio for our Holiday Camps. In general, Cabin Leaders will have between 3 - 6 Campers directly in their care, and they are supported by Program staff, First Aid, Study Leaders etc. This does not include other staff such as cooks, cleaners etc.
What transport options are available?
For all camps, transport to camp must be provided by the camper/parents.
For most of the camps at the Phillip Island campsites, we run a bus to Dandenong on the last day of the camp to make it easier for parents to pick up their children, rather than driving back down to Phillip Island.
Please note: Due to privacy laws, we are unable to organise lifts for campers to camp.
Do you cater for special dietary requirements?
The first thing to note with this question is that the catering provided for the camp is usually done so by the campsite at which the camp is being held. Therefore, our ability to cater to different dietary requirements may be slightly different depending on the location of the camp.
In general, we are able to cater for basic dietary requirements, such as vegetarians, dairy-free etc. without a problem. For more complex needs, we may require the camper to supply some or all of their own food for the week. The key is good communication early in the process. If you have any concerns with regards to food allergies etc. please talk to us and we’ll work out the best approach for an enjoyable stay for your child at camp.
All of the campsites operate year-round for school and weekend groups, so the catering staff are quite conscious of the different dietary requirements that come through the camps.
What are the facilities like?
Often people hear the word “camping” and think of tents. This is not the case (except on special occasions) with Holiday Camps. There are different styles of accommodation at each campsite, but in general, the campers sleep in ensuited cabins, heated during the winter months. This is camping with the creature comforts of home.
Meals are served in restaurant quality dining rooms from commercial kitchens, and the facilities are kept in top condition all year round.
Check out the information specific to the individual campsites for more information.
Do you have to be a Christian or go to church to come on camp?
Not at all! Being “Christian Youth Camps”, this is one of the most common questions we are asked about Holiday Camps. We have a wide variety of children who come to our camps, and these range from campers who go to church regularly, to campers who have never been to church before in their lives.
Campers are not required to come from a particular denomination or have any affiliation with a church in order to come to camp. Many children come because they are invited by friends, come to one of the campsites on a school camp, or stumble across this website!
Having said this, it is important that all Campers are aware that age-appropriate interactive Bible-based sessions are held each day as an integral part of camp. They are Christian camps, but you don’t have to be a Christian or go to church to attend.
What should I bring to camp?
When you book into camp, you will be sent a “reply letter” that has a list of items to remember to bring along to camp. Sometimes it is the most obvious things that people forget to bring along to camp (ie. shoes, towels). Some basic things to remember to pack are:
Shorts
Tee-shirts
Long pants
Warm tops
Rain Jacket
Shoes (more than one pair)
Socks
Underwear
Bathers
Towel
Beach Towel
Sunscreen
Toothpaste and Toothbrush
Plastic bag for dirty clothes
Sleeping Bag/Doona and Pillow Slip
Bible (If you have one, if not, that’s fine)
Notebook and pens
Torch
Camera
Pocket Money (Suggested $2 - $5 per day)
Do you have a policy on smoking?
Smoking is not allowed on camp. Whilst we do not want to discriminate against campers who have this addiction, even if we wanted to allow smoking, under Victorian laws, it is impossible to do so.
As our Leaders are in a role of being a positive role model to campers, we also require that they do not smoke, as this is not seen as a desirable habit to model to the campers.
What sort of things should I NOT bring to camp?
There are certain items that we do not allow on camp for a variety of reasons. Some of those reasons may be obvious, others less so, but all are designed to make camp a better place and a more enjoyable experience for all involved.
Please do NOT bring any drugs (other than those prescribed by a doctor) to camp. This includes alcohol and cigarettes. Strictly no drinking or smoking on camp.
Note: Any medication brought to camp must be given in at registration and supplied in clearly labeled dosage boxes.
Please do NOT bring electrical devices such as CD Players, Walkmans, Stereos, Portable TV’s, Computers, Video Games, iPods etc.
Please do NOT bring mobile phones to camp.
Note: We realise that many Teen Campers may wish to bring their mobiles to have after camp. If this is the case, then they can be handed in (clearly named) at registration and will be handed back at the end of the camp.
Dress Code
We strongly encourage the use of protective clothes, hats and sunscreen, and encourage modesty in bathing attire. Please do not bring clothes to camp that may be offensive (eg. certain tee-shirt slogans etc.)
Can my child be in the same room as their friends?
On the camp application form there is space to list a cabinmate. We do our very best to accommodate these requests. Sometimes, such as when too many people are “linked” together in a friendship group, this may not be possible.
Please note: Unless requested otherwise, we usually put siblings in different cabin groups.
Campers are usually accommodated with others their own age.
Do you accept campers from overseas?
This is a question that really needs to be answered on a case by case basis. We have at times accepted campers from overseas. In these situations, it is important that there is clear parental permission for the child to attend camp, and that there is a local guardian who can be contacted throughout the course of the camp.
How do I get involved in Leadership?
There’s a whole section of our website devoted to this question, so the best thing to do is probably to have a look there.
There is also a FAQ section specifically for questions that are often asked by people wanting to get involved.
Can I come for part of the camp?
In general, the answer to this question is no. We think it is very important for campers to be there for the whole week of camp. It is hard for campers when they miss the start of camp, and if they leave early, they are potentially taking the place of a camper who could be there for the whole time.
We do realise, that especially for older campers, there may be work commitments etc. that make it impossible for them to come to camp for the full duration. We try to be sensitive to this where possible, but our preference is always to fill spaces with campers who can be there for the whole camp.
In those circumstances when campers are allowed to come only for part of the camp, it is important to know that we do not offer discounts for this - full fees still apply.
Am I able to visit the campsite beforehand to see where my child will be staying?
Occasionally we have parents request to come and visit the campsite beforehand.
On the day camp commences, we encourage parents to bring their children to camp themselves, meet the camper’s leader/s for the week etc.
Apart from this, an important thing to note is that in visiting the campsite, you are simply visiting the facilities, so therefore this will need to be arranged with the campsite directly, not with CYC Ministries. It is important to call ahead and organise an appropriate time to do so. There are groups in most weeks and weekends of term, so it is important if you are visiting, to report to the office and sign in as a visitor etc.
Please note: On the commencement day of camp, we are unable to register campers earlier than the advertised registration time, as this is a very busy time of preparing for camp and the Leadership Team. We strongly discourage parents from “dropping off” campers early, as we cannot take responsibility for campers until registration.
Do you have Staff trained in First Aid?
We ensure that on each Holiday Camp we have a designated First Aid Officer who has a minimum of Level 2 First Aid. Many of the other campsite staff (and often many Leaders) also hold First Aid qualifications.
Are you equipped to have children with disabilities on camp?
We are not specifically equipped to have children with disabilities on camp, however, the campsites do have disabled facilities, and we can accept some disabled campers on camp.
It really depends on the level of the disability, and the question is not so much whether we accept the camper on camp, but whether our camp would be the best camp for the particular child.
There are organisations around who run camps specifically for children with disabilities, and these camps may be better suited to some children who need one to one attention.
On the other hand, at times, camp can be great both for campers with disabilities, as well as the other campers who may not have experience outside of camp with disabilities, as they develop friendships with each other.
We run on an overall Leader to Camper ratio of about one to three, and Cabin Leaders may have between three and six campers in their cabin. Leaders need to be able to divide their time evenly between all their campers, and it is this level of need that is often the determining factor on whether we are adequately equipped. The other option can be for campers to come along to camp with a professional one-to-one carer to take care of their needs relating to their disability as a way of integrating them into the camp.
If you have questions about a specific situation, please give us a call.
What kind of background checks etc. are staff required to complete?
We take very seriously our duty of care to the campers. All Leaders must have a thorough reference check completed before serving on camp.
Leaders are selected based upon a Confidential Reference (usually completed by a pastor at their church) as well as a secondary reference.
Leaders complete an initial application, are required to undergo initial and ongoing training, and sign up to a Leader’s Code of Conduct and Safe Practice.
Leaders complete a Statutory Declaration regarding their good character and must hold a valid Working With Children Check Card (or applicable check from their state/country if from outside of Victoria)
Are the activities and equipment safe?
All new activities run on camp undergo a risk-assessment before camp and are run according to OH&S regulations.
The campsites are accredited with both NARTA and the ACA (formerly CAV) accreditation schemes.
As the campsites are used by school groups and weekend groups most weeks throughout the year, equipment is maintained regularly to a high standard.
The two most important rules on camp are “have fun” and “stay safe”, and we aim for all campers to do both.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept cash (not through the post please), money orders, cheques, Mastercard and Visa for camp fees. We also have the ability to accept EFT payments, with details of this included in your reply e-mail after placing the application. Camp fees may be paid in full at the time of application, or a $50 non-refundable deposit can secure the position, with the remainder to be paid either before camp or at registration on the starting day of camp.
Do you offer family discounts?
Our pricing structure is based on heavily subsidised rates, and as such we do not offer a specific “family discount”. Rather than discount camp for one specific demographic, we have chosen to discount camp for all. For most camps there is an early-bird price for the camp that provides a $50 discount off the already subsidised fees.
However, through generous donations, we do have the ability to provide sponsorships for those in financial need. If you are wanting to send your child/children to camp, but are struggling financially to do so, please contact us about the possibilities.
What is the difference between the camps?
One of the questions we get asked a lot is what the main differences are between the camps that we run at the various campsites.
Most of our camps have very similar elements, but they do have differences due to both location and traditions.
First of all, the different campsites lend themselves to different types of activities. CYC The Island and Phillip Island Adventure Resort are both within walking distance of beaches, and therefore, heading down to the beach is a common activity on camp. Camps at Forest Edge and Adanac CYC tend to be self-contained in the setting of the campsites. Rather than listing all the differences here, a brief look at the websites for the individual venues will give an idea as to the different types of activities available at each.
In terms of traditions, there are certain games that might always get played at one camp and not the other, there might be slightly different routines in the Dining Room, songs sung in the input times, or just differences in “culture”.
Another difference is that the Turbo Camps at Adanac CYC are specifically designed for those in the Yarra Valley, with the majority of Campers and Leaders coming from the local area. The camps at the other sites have more of a wide spread of Campers.
As most of our camps are theme-based to different extents, this can change things on an individual camp basis as well.
In general, there are a number of standards that carry across all our camps, but each has it’s own “flavour”.
Do the Leaders stay in the cabins with the Campers?
On the vast majority of our camps, we stick to the traditional model of having Leaders in the rooms with the Campers. Where this is not the case, the Leaders are still responsible for their cabin group until it is time to go to sleep, and are accommodated within easy access to the Campers in case they are needed overnight (ie. If a Camper is sick etc.)
On the Impact Camps, the Leaders do not stay in the rooms with the Campers, but are spread out in adjoining rooms (similar to teachers on a school camp).
