With the annual cadet camp fast approaching, we would like to take the opportunity to thank you, the parents/guardians, for your ongoing support in ensuring that your children are organised for camp, returning your child’s permission forms and updating their details on Cadetnet if required.

With COVID 19 lockdown last year, we were unable to run the Annual camp. We are aware that all cadets are new to this camp apart from our amazing group of leaders. Along with the senior leaders we have planned to give the cadets an amazing experience that will ensure that your child has a great time as well as challenge them, offer opportunities for them to work as a team, as well as being offered amazing activities such as abseiling in the Grampians and an introductory session to Scuba diving at the Monivae pool. We encourage that all the cadets come with a positive attitude to get the most out of their Cadet camp.

Along with the information you were provided last week, please consider the following:

Discuss with your child whether you will be coming to the Cadet Mass on the Wednesday night and bringing tea to share with them
If they have filled in the google form in regard to the additional activities of Scuba diving, Abseiling and bushwalking
What equipment, they need to get organised over the holidays (see table below)
Ensure that your child’s health/ medical information is up to date on Cadetnet
- Cadets have access to this program – email sbyron@monivae.vic.edu.au should their password needs to be reset
Any changes to your child’s dietary requirements – email kbarr@monivae.vic.edu.au

During the week of the cadet camp, students will not attend any classes. On the first day, cadets are to supply their own food and drinks on the first day of camp, tea will be supplied. No food with any traces of nuts or nut products are allowed. Whilst water will be available at camp at all times, Cadets are required to have TWO full bottles of water in their webbing or backpack, before departure. Fizzy drinks of any type are not allowed on camp.

Just a reminder that Cadet camp is a compulsory activity, and full participation by all cadets is expected. However your son or daughter needs to be absent from camp for any period of time, a letter outlining the details must be forwarded to MAJ O’Keefe. A decision will then be made and relayed back to you.

The Annual Cadet bush liturgy is held on Wednesday night at 6.30pm, Parents and immediate family members only of cadets are cordially invited to attend the liturgy and afterwards, share dinner with your son/daughter. The liturgy is held close to the entry of the camp. Car parking signs will be clearly visible near the site of the liturgy, near the entrance, and we would ask that you follow the signs, and as well, any directions given to you by the car park attendants during the evening. Families are to follow signs and any directions given by parking attendants. NO vehicles are to be driven up to the camp area. We ask that parents and families members have left the campsite by 9.00pm.

DIRECTIONS TO CADET CAMP. (McCutcheon’s Road, Victoria Point)

Head East (towards Dunkeld!) on Ballarat road.

Turn left at ROBSONS Rd. (Third road on the left after RMIT)
Turn Right at crossroads onto Strathkellar Rd-heading towards Dunkeld
Turn Left onto the Victoria Point Road
Travel about 18km, over the Cavendish-Dunkeld Rd crossroads
Directly after the bridge, turn Left on McCutcheon’s Road.
Travel along McCutcheon’s Road about 1.1 kilometres.
1. The entrance to the camp is on the right. The Monivae banner will be on the fence next to the gate. Please close the gate after you.
Whilst driving your vehicle within the camp site, turn on your headlights on and stay on the tracks.

The camp is about 35 km from Monivae. Travelling time – about 30/35 minutes

Items required for camp:

Full cadet uniform (Including a bush hat & jumper)
Webbing or army issue back-pack - both drink bottles should be full of water
Sleeping bag & pillow
Swag or Sleeping mat (thin foam mat)
Change of warm clothes – for evenings and sleeping in
beanie and gloves
Sneakers or enclosed shoes - NO thongs
Underwear/socks for 5 days
Personal toiletries as required for the week (Boys – remember shaving equipment)
Towel, face-washer and foot powder
Tea towel
Knife/fork/spoon
Plastic plate/bowl/cup
Eight sturdy tent pegs & hammer
String – hootchie cord – green in colour if possible – 4-6 metres
Torch and spare batteries
Sheet of plastic/ground sheet-preferably green in colour (approx.2X3 meters)
Snack food may be brought, no nuts or traces of nuts.
Exercise book or note pad & pen
Plastic bags to keep clothes dry and for dirty clothes
- It is advisable to use large snap lock plastic bags to place your spare clothes in to keep them dry

The following items are band on cadet camp.

Mobile phones/ Radios/Ipods/Ipads/computers
Cigarettes/alcohol
No pocket or bush knives are allowed on camp (Platoon commanders and SGT’s excepted)
No spray deodorants – roll on only.
No make-up or jewellery – Earrings and watch are ok as per the school jewellery policy

Please do not hesitate to contact the OC of the unit MAJ Phil O’Keefe, should you have any queries. pokeefe@monivae.edu.au

CAPT Sarah Byron 2IC

On behalf of MAJ O’Keefe OC

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