YEAR 7 OUTDOOR EDUCATION: THE MEBBIN CHALLENGE

YEAR 7 OUTDOOR EDUCATION: THE MEBBIN CHALLENGE 7-9 September 2016

Year 7 Outdoor Education: The Mebbin Challenge The Year 7 Outdoor Education Experience will be held from Wednesday 7 September to Friday 9 September at Outward Bound Australia in Northern New South Wales. This is a three-day program, organised and staffed by Outward Bound Australia in conjunction with St Hilda s staff who will also accompany the girls. Outward Bound Australia operates on a picturesque 3000 acre property in the Tweed Valley located 30km SW of Murwillumbah on the Kyogle Rd between Byron Bay and the Gold Coast in northern NSW. The property is hilly with a mixture of forest, grazing land, river flats, and magnificent views. Outward Bound Australia Outward Bound Australia is the provider who will lead the Outdoor Education Program. This company is highly accredited with many years of experience in outdoor education and has had a successful working relationship with the School with previous programs. Outdoor Education Goals Environmental Engagement Develop an awareness, appreciation and understanding of the natural environment. Develop an understanding of our relationship to the natural environment and how people interact with it. Personal Engagement Gain experience in a range of meaningful activities related to a variety of outdoor environments. Develop specific fitness, appropriate skills, and knowledge about equipment and techniques to participate safely in a range of outdoors recreational activities. Gain awareness of potential hazards and risks in the outdoors and various activities and develop knowledge to cope with emergencies. Personal Growth Strengthen students independence, self-awareness and positive self-concept Develop acceptance, trust, tolerance and appreciation of others by providing experiences in group living. Develop a sense of responsibility towards other people and understanding the importance of their own contribution to the group. Identify and develop students' personal talents and their potential and therefore increase their self confidence and creativity. Travel Arrangements Students will depart by bus from St Hilda s School (Cougal Street) at 8:00am on Wednesday 7 September and return to School at approximately 3:00pm on Friday 9 September. Safety We ask that families peruse carefully and complete the medical, special dietary requirement (if applicable) and physical ability forms attached to the excursion on Parent Lounge. These need to be completed and returned to the Middle School Centre by Friday, 22 July. There are strict guidelines, issued by the Health Department, regarding teachers administering medication to students. If your daughter is taking any medication or has any other medical problem, please provide details of this on the attached medical information forms. Preventative medicines for asthma and treatment of allergies must be sent to camp, even if your daughter has not suffered an attack recently. All medication must be clearly labelled with the student s name and the required dosage in a clear plastic snap lock bag. Should a problem arise just prior to departure, written advice of this would be appreciated.

We encourage parents to consider their Health Insurance arrangements. Also, whilst all due care is taken, it is advisable to take out your own insurance on valuable items as the School cannot cover lost or stolen property. As with all programs conducted at St Hilda s, the Year 7 Outdoor Education experience will operate with extremely high regard for student welfare. The Outdoor Education instructors are fully trained in wilderness first aid. The nature of the program and the intended outcomes at Outdoor Education deliberately highlight development in self-reliance and responsibility in the girls. Some activities may involve students using equipment not normally the province of classes at Southport, such as trangias. In these situations, there will be clear instructions, appropriate supervision and necessary safety procedures will be followed. The Year 7 Outdoor Education Experience at Outward Bound Australia is part of the school curriculum. The Code of Conduct (Student Diary pg 24) and normal school rules apply. Contact with your Daughter Students are not permitted to bring mobile phones. We ask that you do not phone staff (unless in case of emergency) so that students are given independence from contact with 'usual' School and home life. This is most important to facilitate the outdoor experience. The instructors are equipped with appropriate electronic devices (UHF radios and 3g or Sat phones, SPOT GPS) to communicate with base camp regarding emergencies. Parent Information Session Wednesday, 20 July 2016 3.30pm to 4.30pm Bev Philben Room Parents are invited to attend an information session regarding the Year 7 Outdoor Education Experience at Outward Bound Australia. Page 2

Personal Equipment List This list contains the items required for the various weather conditions and activities you may encounter during the program. Please bring all listed items as there are no shops along the way. Clothing should be hardwearing and durable. ESSENTIAL ITEMS (Compulsory for program participation) a) General Clothing Boots 1 pair Light rubber soled walking boots or sturdy shoes suitable for lots of walking in different terrains. Must be durable, good condition, well broken in. NOT elastic sided boots. Recommend boots with ankle support. Raincoat 1 Waterproof jacket with hood. Not lined. Lightweight but durable. See detailed notes p4. To be carried for entire program Pullover Jumper 1-2 Light to Medium weight. For general use. Wool or Polar Fleece. COTTON/ACRYLIC IS NOT IDEAL, AS IT DOES NOT KEEP YOU WARM Long Pants 1-2 Loose fitting, comfortable, lightweight pants eg Cargo, ex- Army or King Gee pants for general use. Recommend quick dry material. NOT jeans, fleece track-pants or tight fitting pants. Used for harness activities and bush walking. Shorts 1-2 Loose fitting, comfortable, lightweight. Minimum length is just above the knee - No shorter than this - to be used for water activities and hiking. Long Pants 1-2 Loose fitting, comfortable, lightweight pants eg Cargo, ex- Army or King Gee pants for general use. Recommend quick dry material. NOT jeans, fleece track-pants or tight fitting pants. Used for harness activities and bush walking. T-shirt 3 Loose fitting, comfortable, lightweight. Recommend quick dry material. 1 must have long sleeves and collar for sunburn protection and warmth. The other 2 t-shirts must be long for day pack wear and be sleeved for sun protection. No tank tops, shoe-string straps or midriffs. PJs 1 Old track pants and t-shirt to sleep in. Beanie or Wool or polar fleece. NOT COTTON. Winter Only (May - balaclava/gloves 1 Sep) Socks As needed Thick socks that extend above the ankles give better protection from blisters, leeches and sticks. Underwear As needed Comfortable and practical Thermal underwear For warmth at night. Sun hat 1 Wide brim hat for sun protection eg Cricketers hat or surf hat. Lightweight. Travelling clothes b) Water activity clothing 1 set Comfortable and warm clothes to wear while travelling home from Outward Bound Australia. Will remain at basecamp until last day. (Pants/shorts, t-shirt, Jumper, a pair of comfortable shoes / runners) Tee shirt or rash 1 To be worn in the water for sun protection shirt Joggers 1 Sandshoes or joggers. Durable, cover entire foot. NOT sandals. Compulsory for all water activities. Swimsuit and Board Shorts 1 Board shorts recommended, to be worn over swimmers in water activities Page 3

c) Toiletries Further toiletries are listed under OPTIONAL ITEMS. Bring only essential and sufficient quantities of toiletries for the duration of the program (half-used tubes of sunscreen, toothpaste, or place in small lightweight travelling containers, which are secure and durable). Toiletries should be carried in a separate lightweight toiletry/plastic bag to avoid leakage onto clothing and sleeping equipment. Sunscreen 1 SMALL and lightweight. SPF 30+ Lip balm 1 Sunscreen protection. SPF 30+ Medication 2 sets Ventolin, Insulin, tablets. NO PANADOL etc unless prescribed by a doctor and written on the medical form. All medication MUST BE NOTED ON MEDICAL FORM AND Toothbrush / toothpaste Sanitary pads/ tampons Dettol/Purrell Hand Sanitiser LABELLED WITH DOSAGE INFORMATION 1 SMALL quantity of toothpaste. NO electric toothbrushes. 50ml bottle Girls/ladies: best to be prepared even if not due as the environment and exercise may alter the regular menstrual cycle. Additional to Outward Bound s health and hygiene practices. d) Equipment Sleeping bag 1 Lightweight, warm and compact. Needs to be in a stuff sack Pillow Optional Inner sheet sleeping bag Can be made from an old single bed sheet sewn in half longways. Wrist watch 1 Cheap wrist watch with alarm for time management Torch 1 Lightweight, durable, small. Head torches recommended + batteries Day pack 1 Used for mountain biking or some hikes Bowl 1 Lightweight, durable, non-breakable. Not disposable. Cutlery 1 set Fork, spoon, knife (no pocket knives). Not disposable. Sipper bottle 3 Minimum 3 litres of water carrying capacity. Garbage bags 6 Heavy-duty large garbage bags. At least 56L. for waterproofing clothing and garbage Small garbage Eg Coles bag to take home personal rubbish bag Stationery 1 Small notebook (in waterproof bag), pencil/pen for reflection/journal Book Optional OPTIONAL ITEMS Handkerchief A few Rather than tissues Baby wipes or Small packet Good for freshening up during course wet ones Camera 1 A waterproof disposable camera can capture some of the magic of course without risking damage to expensive digital or other camera equipment (and no chance of flat batteries) Sunglasses (and retainer strap) 1 Appropriate eye protection from sun exposure. Attach to a retainer strap to prevent from losing. No expensive sunglasses, must be practical Insect repellant 1 SMALL and lightweight. NO AEROSOLS Deodorant 1 SMALL roll-on. NO AEROSOLS Sports tape 1 roll For strapping especially if you have a history of ankle or other joint injuries Page 4

Mozzie head net 1 Small head net only (not entire body). Extra personal protection from mosquitoes at night Walking poles 1 set To assist with balance and relieve some pack weight. Especially if you have any weakness or history of ankle/leg injuries 2L water bladder 1 If you happen to have one, bring it along great additional water carrying capacity to make up your 3L Towel 1 For showering Feminine Hygiene Information The menstrual cycle can alter, (resulting in an early or late period), due to change in diet, increased activity and raised hormonal levels due to a change of environment. This is a normal occurrence so be aware that this may occur and be prepared. All female participants should bring their own supply of sanitary pads/tampons even if their period is not due or hasn t commenced. If required, extras can also be obtained from the instructor/teacher who carries spares. Hygienic practices are extremely important; therefore water is always available to ensure that a high standard is maintained. There is also disinfectant provided for hand washing after going to the toilet. If concerned, participants can bring a small packet of baby wipes or wet ones to also keep clean. We understand that this is a sensitive issue and our experienced instructors will deal with it with care, discretion and sensitivity. ALL GEAR SHOULD BE LABELLED AND IS THE GIRLS RESPONSIBILITY Whilst all due care is taken, it is advisable to insure valuable items, as the School cannot cover lost or stolen property. NO OTHER ITEMS will be permitted on course COMMONLY ASKED GEAR QUESTIONS 1. What does Outward Bound Australia supply? Outward Bound Australia issues all necessary camping equipment (backpacks, shelters, sleeping mats and cooking utensils) for which there is no additional charge. However if participants lose or irresponsibly damage gear, they will be expected to pay for its replacement or repair. 2. What should I NOT bring? Technology including, ipad, mobile phones, radios, MP3 players, ipods, games, extra food/drinks, confectionery, cosmetics, non-prescription medicines, excessive toiletries, reading materials, knives (flick, sheath, or pocket), thongs or sandals, tents or other specialist camping gear. 3. How much money should I bring? You will not require money on program. 4. Do I need to carry all items at once? Yes mostly, however on longer programs there will be opportunities to swap clothes mid-way to minimise the amount being carried at once. Page 5

5. Why a Waterproof Jacket? This is an ESSENTIAL item of great importance since you will be outdoors for the whole course. An effective waterproof jacket will provide protection from cold, wet and wind. It must: Have an effective hood that protects head, neck and face from rain and wind What jackets are NOT suitable? kas, cotton/material lined or quilted jackets (they are not waterproof) Hire Arrangements: There are a limited number of japaras (waterproof coats) available for hire through the School. Students are required to book a japara with the Head of Year 7. Students will need to book early as, once all are assigned, students may miss out and will need to arrange their own. Your school account will be charged the $25 hire fee. If the japara is lost or damaged, an extra charge will be incurred. Additional Information Clothing The golden rule of any fabric is that it must be able to keep you warm even if it is wet. Only wool and fleece will do this. Cotton will actually make you colder if it gets wet. Layering is the most effective way to keep warm and comfortable. You can adjust the number of layers you wear with how cold it is, and the air trapped between layers is most effective at keeping you warm, more so than one thick jumper. As the weather can be changeable the clothing requirements are designed to protect the students. Skimpy tops and revealing clothes should not be packed. T-shirts need to be lengthy so they can be worn comfortably whilst wearing a day pack. Shirts must also have sleeve length to provide sun protection. Thermals Thermal underwear helps to insulate the body by creating a small space of air next to the skin. They are made of special materials that wick moisture away from your skin, leaving you warm and dry, even in the wet. Long Pants Light weight and quick drying are the key aspects. No denim jeans because of chaffing and unsuitable when wet. Other Clothing Needs to be lightweight, compact and quick drying. Footwear It is extremely important to have appropriate footwear. Students who wear brand new shoes, are more likely to get blisters. While walking boots are best, an old pair of runners is OK but they don t offer much ankle support. Make sure that shoes have a substantial sole/tread for grip on wet or rocky paths. Equipment Water Bottles (2 litre total capacity) If you do not already own a water bottle, don t go and buy one especially for the program. Used plastic soft drink bottles are suitable. Page 6

Garbage Bags These are used to waterproof gear and keep everything dry. Large strong, heavy duty bags are recommended. waterproofing individual items for muddy gear girls are required to bring a small rubbish bag (e.g. Coles shopping bag) in which to place personal rubbish. Packing Hints All belongings (including the day pack) need to be packed into the sports bag. Bulky sleeping bags are not ideal, as they would take up the most room in the sports bag. Turn one of the batteries upside down in your torch so that it doesn't accidentally turn on in transit. Bags are to be only as big as needed for ease of transport and for tent space. Sleeping Bag It is essential that you bring an appropriate sleeping bag. The three key features of a sleeping bag are: Warmth Filling type Size and weight when packed There are two types of bags to consider both have advantages and disadvantages. Down Dacron Advantages Disadvantages Advantages Disadvantages When wet, down Provides warmth Bulkier harder to Lightweight collapses and hence even when damp compact less warmth More warmth for More expensive Less expensive Heavier bag less weight The girls are expected to carry their sleeping bag and other gear with them. Weight and bulkiness of the sleeping bag could then become an issue. There are many types of sleeping bags. A mummy bag i.e. one that is tapered towards the feet, provides more warmth than a square bag. The zip of the bag is very important and should be covered by a baffle (flap of sleeping bag) to keep the warmth inside the bag. A two-way zip allows the camper to undo the bag from either end. A bag that totally unzips will allow the camper to use it as a doona in warmer weather. The size of the teeth of the zip is important; small teeth are more likely to jam. The sleeping bag must have a hood to prevent heat escaping from the head (over 70% of body heat is lost through the head). It is recommended that a Mummy Bag, with hood and the ability to compact to a small size be purchased. Sourcing OE Equipment You do not need to bring new gear on camp. Consider borrowing from friends/family etc as they may be able to provide some of the gear needed. Page 7