Here are some of the most common questions we get asked here at Camp Kedron about our holiday camps. Hopefully you’ll find an answer here to all the questions you have. If not, please just get in touch with us through our contact form and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.

Camping

I’ve never been to camp before and am a bit nervous about it. What should I expect?

We understand that coming to camp can be a big thing, so we do everything we can to make you feel welcome. When you arrive you’ll be introduced to your cabin leaders – their role is to watch and care for you and help you get adjusted to camp life quickly. You will soon meet the other campers in your cabin and quickly make new friendships. On the first afternoon of camp we then begin playing some games. Very soon you’ll find yourself having fun and getting into the swing of camp life.

What should I bring to camp?

A sleeping bag, pillow slip, pyjamas, warm clothes, toiletries, 2 pairs of shoes – one pair that are good for sports and bush-walking, sun-screen, hat, torch, towel, your Bible, a notepad and pen, plus any medication you’ll need (this will be collected on arrival by the Camp Nurse).

Before camp we usually send you a letter, which may also mention a few specific things that you should bring to camp.

What am I not allowed to bring to camp?

Mobile phones, iPods, cigarettes, drugs, alcohol and any other dangerous items are not allowed at camp.

How will I take my medication on camp?

If you take medication, please make sure you that you include all of the medication details on your application form (type of medication, frequency). When you arrive at camp you will hand the medication to the Camp Nurse. The Camp Nurse will then find you at the right time every day to give you your medication.

What activities will we be doing at camp?

Each camp is different, and it depends upon what season it is (summer is different from winter). Some of our favourite activities include: trips to the beach, outdoors games, ball games in the gym, craft, walking up the mountain, swimming at the water-hole, rock-climbing, archery, movie night, concerts, night games, dancing, camp-fire + lots more.

Who will look after the campers?

Each camp we have a team of young, quality leaders to take care of the children. All leaders are committed Christians. They have been reference checked and trained in their specific role at camp. Leaders are up-to-date on child protection procedures and have completed the NSW Government Working with Children Check. On camp we also usually have a Camp Mum and Dad. They are experienced parents who can help any campers who are struggling with homesickness.

How many leaders are on camp?

On camp we have at least 1 leader to every 5 campers. This means we have an exceptional standard of care and that campers are well looked after.

What are the sleeping arrangements at camp? What is the accommodation like?

Campers sleep in 10-bed cabins. The cabins are comfortable and newly renovated. Each cabin is equipped with showers and toilets that provide full-privacy. We have heating in the cabins, although in the winter months they can still get cool at night.

In each cabin there are 6-8 campers and 2 leaders. The 2 leaders sleep in one section of the cabin. They are there to ensure the safety of the campers overnight and to deal with any emergency medical situations that might happen. Having the leaders stay in the cabin also fosters a great cabin spirit, and is the best way to ensure the well-being of campers throughout the week.

Will I be able to be in a cabin with my friends?

We make every effort to put you in the same cabin as your friends. On the application form please mention the names of the friends who you would like to room with. Please note that if you are accepted onto camp from the waiting list or just a day or 2 before camp, it will be harder for us to put you into a cabin with your friends.

What is the Christian component of the camp?

Each morning we have about 15 minutes of singing and then a Bible talk for around 20 minutes. During the camp we also have small-group times where campers discuss Biblical and life issues with their leaders in their cabin groups.

Should I bring pocket-money to camp?

At camp we have more than enough tasty food, so you won’t be hungry! We do though go on outings during the week, where campers will have an opportunity to buy a snack or an ice-cream. We suggest therefore that campers can bring a small amount of pocket money to camp. When you arrive we will put your money in a bag and lock-it away for safe-keeping until the day of the outing.

Why can’t I bring my mobile phone on camp?

We’ve found that if you have your mobile phone on you, you will be missing out! You won’t be engaging in the camp activities, you’ll be distracted, and it will take away from the friendships you can have with the other campers on camp. For these reasons we don’t allow mobile phones on camp.

How can campers be contacted?

Parents can call campers on the main camp line: 0492 901 678. If the camper is not in the immediate vicinity, we will pass a message on to them and they can call back from the camp phone.

Some younger children can be prone to home-sickness, so we encourage parents to let the child settle into camp first, and then call after a few days. Late mornings are generally the best time to call, rather than in the evenings when feelings of home-sickness can arise. Be assured that your child is being well taken care of at camp. If any significant medical issues or concerns arise at camp, we will contact you.

Campers can also call their parents from the camp phone. They just need to ask their leader to do this.

How can I raise a concern about camp?

If you have any concerns or feedback regarding camps, please contact the Child Safety Officer: Bruce Marlin (0492 901 678) or via the contact page on this website.

Do you have a child safety policy?

Yes, Camp Kedron has a Child Safety Policy, and all of our leaders are trained in how to ensure the safety and well-being of all children while at camp.

Our Child Safety Officer is Bruce Marlin. Please feel free to contact him if you have any questions or concerns about your child’s safety at Camp Kedron (0492 901 678).

Do you have camps for young people with a disability?

Camp Kedron runs 3 camps a year for young people with an intellectual disability. Life Exchange is a 4 day camp in the April School holidays for campers aged 15-21. Campers with a special need are buddied with another camper and have a great time doing activities, games, crafts and singing. Registrations for this camp open in early February. In June and November we also run a weekend camp called Life Exchange Plus for additional needs campers who are over 21 and too old for the Life Exchange camp. For both camps, campers must be able to take care of their own personal needs (showering, toileting) and be physically mobile to move around our site.

Does your site have wheelchair access?

Camp Kedron is set on a hill so unfortunately wheelchair access is limited in areas. Use of a car is required for guests in a wheelchair to move between certain points because of the steepness of slopes. We realise this makes our site difficult for guests in wheelchairs. We ask that guests coming who will need wheelchair access or have restricted mobility to contact us prior to making a booking so we can best accommodate your needs.

Registration

When do registrations open for the holiday camps?

We usually open online registrations for the holiday camps from the 2nd or 3rd week of school term.  We encourage you to register for camp as soon as possible, because camps can fill up quickly.

What is the minimum age to attend a camp?

Children must be at least 9 years old to attend the primary school camp. They must be in at least year 7 to attend the high school camp (on the January camps, if you’re heading into year 7, we suggest you attend the Primary camp). The minimum age for the January Leadership camp is year 10.

Can I still register using a paper application?

Yes. Most of our registrations are made online, but if you are unable to register online and would like to register using a paper-application, please contact the office (0492 901 678). Please then post or email the completed application to us. Payment details are on the application form.

The website says that the camp is full and that registrations are no longer being accepted. What can I do?

We have a waiting list for camps. Sometimes it happens that campers cancel in the week leading up to camp, which opens up places for other children. If you would like your child to be on the waiting list, please call (02 9450 1296) or email (registrations@campkedron.com) – we will be in touch as soon as a place opens up.

If I cancel my application, can I receive a refund?

Cancellations made up to 30 days before the commencement of camp will receive a refund less an administration fee of $50. Cancellations made within 30 and 10 days of camp will incur a cancellation fee of 50% of the camp fee. Cancellations made within 10 days of camp will incur a charge of 100% of the camp fee. Where possible, we will endeavour to refund some of the camp fee.