Year 9 Westventure
At Westminster School, we understand the incredible benefits of outdoor settings for our educational philosophy. Our Westventure program takes students out of their everyday, comfortable environment and into a place of perceived uncertainty, creating unique learning experiences that aren’t possible in an urban context or day program. In the first week, many activities take place at Point Sturt at our campsite or on the beautiful waterfront of our Glenroy property, virtually next door. In the second week, we explore the majestic Coorong.
Term 1 and 2, 2027
Due to growth in student numbers and related logistical requirements of our program, from 2027 Year 9 students will attend Westventure across seven camps throughout Term 1 and the beginning of Term 2.
The dates for all seven camps are listed below. Students will not be allocated to a specific camp until later in Term 4 due to the complexity of coordinating student groupings and ensuring the program runs as smoothly as possible.
Due to the compulsory nature of our Westventure program, we encourage families to check their calendars and let us know of any dates that would make attendance difficult for your child following the publication of camp lists later in the year. While we cannot guarantee that requests can be accommodated, we will take these into consideration when finalising camp allocations.
Please communicate any potential clashes to Mrs Amelia Mislov, Acting Head of Senior School Amislov@westminster.sa.edu.au or Mr Jason Greenslade, Acting Deputy Head of Senior School jgreenslade@westminster.sa.edu.au later in Term 4 upon publication of more detailed information.
| Camp | Depart | Return |
|---|---|---|
|
1
|
Monday 25 January
|
Thursday 4 February
|
|
2
|
Monday 8 February
|
Thursday 18 February
|
|
3
|
Monday 22 February
|
Thursday 4 March
|
|
4
|
Monday 15 March
|
Thursday 25 March
|
|
5
|
Tuesday 30 March
|
Friday 9 April
|
|
6
|
Monday 26 April
|
Thursday 6 May
|
|
7
|
Monday 10 May
|
Thursday 20 May
|
The closing ceremony, followed by a sausage sizzle, will take place back at School on the final day of the program from 4.00 to 4.30 pm in the MMC foyer. We warmly invite parents and guardians to attend this momentous occasion.
About Westventure
What is Westventure?
Westventure is Westminster’s Outdoor Education Program for Year 9, building on the skills and experiences from the Years 7 & 8 camp curricula. The program is facilitated by a dedicated team of one teacher and five instructors who plan and lead the entire experience.
At this critical age, the focus is on building self-esteem, responsibility, resourcefulness, teamwork, and communication skills. The challenges provided by these outdoor experiences are designed to develop positive and important life skills. Facing challenges, setting goals and working individually or in a group (often outside their comfort zone) prepares students for the rest of their school life. For many students, it is the experience of a lifetime.
Westventure Philosophy
Westventure promotes self-discovery, interactive social skills, and a holistic understanding of the natural world through experiential, adventure and environmental education. The program provides students with outdoor learning experiences that are processed, reflected upon and integrated into their lives. These experiences challenge both the individual and the group physically, emotionally and intellectually.
Westventure prides itself on contributing to Westminster’s mission to inspire students to thrive in positive and meaningful lives and face their future with an adventurous confidence. The program emphasises sensible decision-making with respect to risks, using the natural world as a classroom to expand life experiences and encourage personal growth. Support, trust and respect are valued and promoted throughout all phases of instruction and trip management.
Our environmental ethic ensures that we enter all program areas as visitors, practicing minimum impact camping skills that promote respect and understanding of the natural environment. Westventure aims to instil a connection with nature that encourages students to continue pursuing outdoor activities in the future.
The Westventure camps will be coordinated by Outdoor Education teacher Maia Schnaars and supported by the Outdoor Education department.
For further enquiries, please contact Julie Engelhardt, Head of Outdoor Education
E: jengelhardt@westminster.sa.edu.au T: 08 8276 0337
Preparation for Westventure
Year 8 Aquatics Day and First Aid Course (Term 4, Week 7 & 8)
As part of their preparation for Westventure, all current Year 8 students will participate in an Aquatics Day at Brighton Seacliff Yacht Club and the Westminster Swimming Pool. During these sessions, students will familiarise themselves with the equipment they will use on camp and learn basic skills in kayaking, sailing, and aquatic safety. Additionally, all students will undergo first aid training with Royal Life Saving, equipping them with essential self-reliant emergency response skills.
To learn more about the aquatics day and first aid course, click here.
Equipment & Clothing
Firstly, and most importantly, we do not expect you to buy additional materials for your child. Most of the items on the equipment list can be found, borrowed or bought cheaply. This approach helps ensure that preparing for camp is both practical and affordable.
Hats
It is important that your child has a broad-brimmed hat with a drawstring. It can be very windy and sunny at camp, and peaked caps are generally not suitable, given the amount of time spent outside. However, a peaked cap may be preferred for running.
Long-Sleeved Shirts
This is an essential item as students spend long periods outside. It should be suitable for both aquatic activities and walking. Options include a long-sleeved rashee vest (lightweight and quick drying) or long-sleeved cotton shirts. A thermal top is also required for the two expeditions, as a range of weather conditions can be experienced.
Aquatic Shoes
Your child will need three pairs of shoes: one for running, one for walking, and one for aquatic activities (these will get wet and likely stay wet for the entire camp). The aquatic shoes need to be sturdy and last for the duration of the camp. Suitable options include wetsuit booties (with a sole), old sneakers (with laces), or sturdy reef-type sandals. Unsuitable options include slip-on shoes, sneakers without laces, wetsuit booties without soles, and cheap reef-style sandals. Suitable mesh shoes with a sole can be found at department stores for under $10.
Roll Mat/Thermavest/Sleeping Bag
Your child needs to bring a roll mat (or self-inflating thermal mat) and a sleeping bag, which they should already have from previous camps. These items will be carried on expeditions, so please ensure they are not too big or heavy. If you do not have a roll mat, please purchase or borrow one. They are inexpensive, around $10 - $15. Remember, students will need to pack their sleeping bags into rucksacks, kayaks and sailing boats. Big, bulky sleeping bags make this difficult. Swags are not allowed.
Polar Fleece or Woolen Jumpers
A polar fleece or woolen jumper (or equivalent, such as merino) is vital. Polar fleece or woolen jumpers are ideal for Westventure as they keep you warm even when wet, unlike cotton materials.
Packing List
The packing list includes both essential (required), and recommended items for Westventure. To view, click here.
Please pack items in a large sports bag (or similar) to be left in Dorms and accessed for daily activities as required.
Westventure Shirt
As part of the Westventure tradition, students will receive a shirt at the conclusion of the program to celebrate! There is no additional cost for this shirt, and students will have the opportunity to try on sizes during tutor time throughout Term 4. Future students can contact our very helpful uniform shop staff.
Uniform Shop details:
Susan Weber
Uniform Shop Manager
E: sweber@westminster.school T: 08 8276 0260
To view their opening hours, click here.
Consent
Please direct further enquiries regarding the trip, or the nature of the activities, to Westventure Coordinator, Maia Schnaars via email.
Consent2Go invitations will be released later in Term 4. Please respond in a prompt manner to these invitations.
Medical and Safety Information
Westminster School prioritises the health and safety of all students. Qualified staff will be present throughout the camp, and first aid kits will be readily available. Parents are required to complete the Consent2Go form, including any medical conditions or dietary requirements. For further information, please refer to our Medication and Medical Conditions page.
Please ensure that your child is currently covered for tetanus immunisation. Please discuss this matter with your family doctor if it is more than two years since your child received a routine tetanus booster.