Packing
Packing well for camp is key - not just the items you pack but also what you carry your belongings in.
Keep in mind that each guest needs to carry their own bag. We have both downstairs and upstairs accommodation, this may include carrying luggage up two flights of stairs. A good rule is: if your child can't carry their bag, you may need to re-think what you have packed or what sort of bag you have chosen.
These are items you need to bring to camp:
sleeping bag (please do not tie to luggage)
fitted sheet (to cover the mattress)
pillow (we recommend fitting it into your suitcase, you don’t need much on camp)
towel
drink bottle
bag to pack everything in
*Remember to label each child's possessions.
Carry-on luggage works best
Backpacks and small cabin size cases are practical options for bringing your belongings to camp. Think about whether it’s easy to lift and move around between the train station/bus & camp. Large suitcases and sports bags (duffle bags) may hold a lot of luggage but are difficult to carry. There is a 10kg limit for luggage.
Quick Links
Tips for school camp
The experienced Urban Camp team have put together some tips to help families prepare for school camp.
Here’s a video we have put together which shows life at Urban Camp from our dorms to the dining hall and students out exploring Melbourne’s fantastic attractions.
Sleepovers
Arranging a sleepover at a friend or family’s house is a great way to prepare a child for the experience of packing a bag and sleeping away from home.
Pack together
We supply a list of suggested items to bring on camp to teachers. Packing together ensures kids attending camp know exactly what is in their bag during their time away.
Encouraging independence
In order to feel confident while away, ensure kids can independently approach their day; including brushing their teeth, putting on sunscreen, doing their hair and turning on the taps in the safe order in the shower.
Talk about feelings
How is your child feeling about camp? Excited? A little nervous? Unsure what to expect? Have a chat in the lead-up to camp. This may be a great time for parents or an older sibling or cousin to reflect on their own experience at school camp. Highlight the positives and if there were any challenges, how they were overcome.
You may suggest for your child to bring something familiar from home to camp. It could be a photo or a soft toy to tuck into their sleeping bag or their favourite pillowslip.
Get familiar with sleeping bags
Sleeping bags are one of the many fun elements of school camps. You may consider your child trying out a sleeping bag for a couple of nights.
Insight from students and teachers
Here’s what other students who have stayed at Urban Camp have told us about their experience:
We got to sleep in bunkbeds, and we got the best dinners for both days.
Although I couldn’t barely stay awake until we got home on the tram, there was no way I’d close my eyes because I might miss out on the fun.
A highlight was eating breakfast with some mates.
A memorable moment for me was learning how to ice skate, I tried my best and succeeded.
It was great in the dorms when we were helping each other pack up, I got closer to my friends.
I laughed with my friend until my stomach hurt.
A friend helped me to get my sleeping bag back in the cover.
Teachers have reflected on student goals achieved on school camp:
One of our students goal was to 'have a go' at each with activity with a positive attitude. He knocked it out of the park and we couldn't wipe the smile from his face!
A goal was for one student to leave home for the first time and be away from her parents. This was a challenge to get her to camp, but she had an absolute ball.
Our Programs Team is here to help make the school camp a great experience call on 03 9328 2818 or email enquiries@urbancamp.org.au