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Camp Koala
A District 201V2 Initiative
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Location
Camp Koala is located in the Grampian Mountains, 250 km north west of Melbourne (about a three hour drive) in the picturesque village of Halls Gap.
Halls Gap is situated in the attractive bush setting known as The Grampians, which is the most southerly part of the Great Dividing Range that spans the east coast of Australia, and the central west of the state of Victoria.
Climate
The camp is held during the Australian winter, so temperatures vary from zero to around 15°C.
Whilst the temperatures appear mild to many of our European visitors, they all agree that warm clothing is essential – ‘T’ shirts alone are not recommended!
Selection and Age Criteria
The Camp Koala 2010 will be limited to 40 participants between the ages of 17 and 20 years as at 1st July 2010. Participants will be selected from both Australian and overseas applicants.
All prospective campers must apply through the Official Lions Youth Exchange of their home country. Contact your local Lions Club for details.
Prospective Australian campers click on the link to learn more about the Lions Youth Exchange programme.
Some Facts You need to Know
Duration
The Camp will be for six days, commencing on Sunday 18 July through to Saturday 24 July 2010.
Camp Rules
Camp and home stay rules and protocols apply in accordance with Lions Youth Exchange Policy and International Youth Camp Policy.
Language and Health
Participants should command a minimum proficiency of the English language which is the official language of the Camp. Participants should also be healthy of mind and body with no emotional disorders.
Accommodation
Accommodation provided is motel style rooms with ensuites maximum three persons per room. All rooms are centrally heated. A heated indoor swimming pool, netball/basketball/tennis courts and a high ropes course are all available on site.
Drugs and Alcohol
As with all Lions Club activities and noted in the Consent Form, Camp Koala camps are Drug & Alcohol free and breaches may result in immediate exclusion from Camp.
Camp Costs for Camp Koala 2009
Camp Koala costs for 2010 are yet to be finalised but will be approximately AUD$695.00.
How to Contact Us
If you are interested in finding out more about Camp Koala contact either:
Contact Name: Adrian Miles
Email: v2campkoala@iprimus.com.au
Contact Name: PDG Keith Davis
Telephone/Fax: (+61 3) 5367 3429
Application & Registration Procedures
Overseas applicants must be as part of the Lions Youth Exchange Programme and apply through their local Lions Club and local District Youth Exchange Chairman. Applications will not be accepted for the camp only. Only countries participating in the Australian Youth Exchange Programme will be eligible to apply.
Australian applicants must apply through their local Lions Club Youth Exchange Chairman.
The following procedure and time lines must be followed:
Your Application
The Registration form MUST be received prior to 31 March 2010. Late applications will NOT be accepted.
Registration Forms
Registration and Indemnity forms will be issued by email to the camper ONLY when the Camp Committee has been advised by the sponsoring Lions club. The Camp Committee has resolved that this form will only be available by email to be completed as a Microsoft Word document and returned by email.
In the event of more Applications being received than places available at the Camp, the Camp Committee will decide which applications will be accepted. The Committee's decision shall be final.
The completed forms may be returned by email, facsimile or conventional mail. All Registration and Indemnity forms must be fully completed and signed by the appropriate people to be accepted.
Payment in full must accompany the above forms and be received by the closing date in order to complete registration.
Special Notes:
- Please ensure that the Registration Form is typewritten or legibly printed. All sections must be completed fully and all signatures and authorities are correct before it is forwarded with the Camp Fee.
- The Registration form must be forwarded via your own District Youth Exchange Chairman for final processing. This Chairman will be notified on the number of positions available for the Camp.
- The Camp Organisers reserve the right to refuse any candidate who does not meet all the criteria.
Sample Camp Koala Programme
The following is a sample of the programme used for the previous camp - it is an indication of the activities planned for Camp Koala 2010:
Sun – Day 1
Daytime
Orientation Activities
Evening
Informal Welcome
Cultural exchange presentations
Mon – Day 2
Daytime
Walk to Mt Reilly (2-3 hours)
Low Ropes Challenge
Evening
Bush Dance
Cultural exchange presentations
Tue – Day 3
Daytime
Gold Panning & Aussie Bush Craft
Sports Afternoon
Evening
Trivial Pursuit
Cultural exchange presentations
Wed – Day 4
Daytime
Visit Brambuk Cultural Centre
Multiple choice activities - free time
Evening
Mini Olympics
Cultural exchange presentations
Thu – Day 5
Daytime
Visit Wildlife Park
Visit to McKenzie Falls
Evening
‘Miss Camp Koala Quest’
Cultural exchange presentations
Fri – Day 6
Daytime
High Ropes Challenge
'Red Faces' Concert rehearsals
Evening
‘Red Faces’ Concert
Cultural exchange presentations
Sat – Day 7
Daytime
Pack up - Clean up
Farewells
Camp Koala Activities
All Campers should be prepared to participate in all Activities.
Bushwalking
Good walking shoes are required for the native and mountain walks in the Grampians area.
Bush Craft
Enjoy a day in the Australian bush, learn to pan for gold – and find some!! We have our own secret creek where we always manage to find a little gold to take home.
Learn how to make traditional Australian Damper (bread) as done in the bush by our early explorers.
Adventure
The camp site has Low and High Ropes courses that will challenge and test you. No one will be forced to go beyond their capabilities or ‘comfort zone’, but you will learn more about yourself. We have qualified, experienced staff to ensure your enjoyment and safety during these activities.
Cultural
Each night Campers are expected to participate in a 10 minute presentation and sharing of their own country and cultures. Any aids (maps photos etc) are welcome and conventional slides can be accommodated, however the Campsite does not have the facilities for electronic presentations such as PowerPoint etc. Please advise of any requirements prior to the Camp.
Brambuk Cultural Centre
This is a truly memorable experience with a top class experience of the aboriginal culture. Learn of the aboriginal Dreamtime and hear their stories. Get your own boomerang – and learn how to throw it so that it returns!!
Wildlife Park
Visit a small but very interesting Wildlife Park and see the kangaroos, koalas, emus, dingoes etc.
‘Red Faces’ Concert
Always the highlight of the camp. This is the last night concert when we all have a go and try not to get embarrassed by our acting ability (hence the ‘red faces’). This is great fun as the Campers make up their own items. We also like to hear and watch those Campers who have some genuine ability too!! So bring your ideas – old scripts etc for a great night.
Bush Dance
Experience a night of bush dancing just like the early Aussies did before television!! A great night that is put on by a professional bush dance caller.
Free time
There is plenty of free time during the camp to enjoy the Table Tennis table, fun on the outside ovals, play card games or a range of other table top games, or just sit and talk to the other campers. The small Halls Gap shopping centre is only 1km from camp for those who crave for a Coke or an ice cream.