Who we are...
Holiday Camps are run in various age groups by Christian Youth Camps Ltd at their three campsites, CYC The Island, Phillip Island Adventure Resort and Forest Edge, during every school holidays.
What we do...
Our Holiday Camps are designed to build confidence, self-esteem and teamwork amongst the campers - as well as being fun! Although camp is an active environment, we try to provide a balanced program, so that "non-sporty" children have just as much fun as those who are. Children are well supervised and qualified first-aid personnel are on-site during all Holiday Camps. We look forward to having your child at camp.
A week at camp is about...
Friends - A great place to meet new friends, or to bring friends along for a great week away.
Fun - A large variety of exciting activities are part of each week of camp.
Faith - Age-appropriate interactive Bible-based sessions each day are an integral part of camp and are often mentioned as a highlight of the week by campers.
Leaders - A team of awesome volunteer Leaders (supported by full-time staff), 100% committed to giving each camper a positive camp experience.
Holiday Camp FAQ
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Q. Where are your campsites located?
Christian Youth Camps Ltd have three campsites at which Holiday Camps run during the school holidays. CYC The Island is located in the township of Cowes on Phillip Island. Phillip Island Adventure Resort is on the main Phillip Island Road. Forest Edge is in Neerim East.
CYC The Island
41 - 53 Church Street
Cowes, 3922
Phillip Island Adventure Resort
1775 Phillip Island Road
Cowes, 3922
Forest Edge
405 McKenzie Road
Neerim East, 3831
CYC The Island
41 - 53 Church Street
Cowes, 3922
Phillip Island Adventure Resort
1775 Phillip Island Road
Cowes, 3922
Forest Edge
405 McKenzie Road
Neerim East, 3831
Q. What is the minimum age for camp?
The two main age groups for camp are 8 - 12 year olds and 13 - 17 year olds. The minimum age we will accept Campers is 8 years old at the time of camp for our "Primary" or "Junior" Camps. The minimum age for Teen is usually 13, but is more based on the year level at school being year 7.
Q. What type of activities are available?
We offer a wide variety of activities that depend on both the campsite, age group, time of year and themes of the camps. We suggest you visit the websites of the specific camps to get a better idea of the activities on that camp.
Some popular activities include:
Some popular activities include:
- Archery
- Bikes
- Canoes
- Climbing Wall
- Craft
- Crate Climb
- Flying Fox
- Giant Swing
- High Ropes
- Mini Golf
- Surfing
- Swimming
- Team Games
- Trampolines
- Tubing
- Walks
- Wide Games
- And many more...
Q. How much does camp cost? Are there extra expenses?
Our camps are heavily subsidised and priced to be affordable to as many people as possible. It is our desire that no child misses out on camp because of lack of finances.
The cost of each camp depends on many factors, especially the number of nights (as camps range between 4 and 6 nights).
The current cost for a 5-night camp is around $200
There are no extra expenses for activities, however, on most camps, campers are able to bring pocket money for the week.
Note: On rare occassions there will be special "extra" activities offered on certain camps, in which case this is clearly explained on the camp information. But normally, all activities, accommodation, food etc. is included in the camp fee.
The cost of each camp depends on many factors, especially the number of nights (as camps range between 4 and 6 nights).
The current cost for a 5-night camp is around $200
There are no extra expenses for activities, however, on most camps, campers are able to bring pocket money for the week.
Note: On rare occassions there will be special "extra" activities offered on certain camps, in which case this is clearly explained on the camp information. But normally, all activities, accommodation, food etc. is included in the camp fee.
Q. How are you able to make camp so inexpensive?
This is a question we are asked quite a bit, with the underlying question being, "Do you cut corners on quality to provide a cheap camp?"
The answer to this question is most definitely not. We believe the quality of camp is important, and would not sacrifice quality for a cheaper price.
We do, however, desire that no children miss out on the opportunity of camp due to financial reasons, and therefore our camps are heavily subsidised to allow a greater number of people to be able to afford camp. Our camps are not run for profit, which means all the money paid in fees for Holiday Camps simply goes towards paying the expenses involved in running that camp, and camps are staffed by volunteer Leaders (who often donate towards the running of the camp as a support to the ministry).
In short, our camps have subsidised fees, but are a "full-value" product.
The answer to this question is most definitely not. We believe the quality of camp is important, and would not sacrifice quality for a cheaper price.
We do, however, desire that no children miss out on the opportunity of camp due to financial reasons, and therefore our camps are heavily subsidised to allow a greater number of people to be able to afford camp. Our camps are not run for profit, which means all the money paid in fees for Holiday Camps simply goes towards paying the expenses involved in running that camp, and camps are staffed by volunteer Leaders (who often donate towards the running of the camp as a support to the ministry).
In short, our camps have subsidised fees, but are a "full-value" product.
Q. What are your staff to camper ratios?
We operate on approximately a one Leader to three camper ratio for our Holiday Camps. In general, Cabin Leaders will have between 3 - 6 Campers directly in their care, and they are supported by Program staff, First Aid, Study Leaders etc. This does not include other staff such as cooks, cleaners etc.
Q. What transport options are available?
For all camps, transport to camp must be provided by the camper/parents.
For most of the camps at the Phillip Island campsites, we run a bus to Dandenong on the last day of the camp to make it easier for parents to pick up their children, rather than driving back down to Phillip Island.
Please note: Due to privacy laws, we are unable to organise lifts for campers to camp.
For most of the camps at the Phillip Island campsites, we run a bus to Dandenong on the last day of the camp to make it easier for parents to pick up their children, rather than driving back down to Phillip Island.
Please note: Due to privacy laws, we are unable to organise lifts for campers to camp.
Q. Do you cater for special dietary requirements?
We are able to cater for basic dietary requirements, such as vegetarians, dairy-free etc. without a problem. For more complex needs, we may require the camper to supply some or all of their own food for the week. The key is good communication early in the process. If you have any concerns with regards to food allergies etc. please talk to us and we'll work out the best approach for an enjoyable stay for your child at camp.
Q. What are the facilities like?
Often people hear the word "camping" and think of tents. This is not the case (except on special occasions) with Holiday Camps. There are different styles of accommodation at each campsite, but in general, the campers sleep in ensuited cabins, heated during the winter months. This is camping with the creature comforts of home.
Meals are served in restaurant quality dining rooms from commercial kitchens, and the facilities are kept in top condition all year round.
Check out the information specific to the campsite for more information.
Meals are served in restaurant quality dining rooms from commercial kitchens, and the facilities are kept in top condition all year round.
Check out the information specific to the campsite for more information.
Q. Do you have to be a Christian or go to church to come on camp?
Not at all! Being "Christian Youth Camps", this is one of the most common questions we are asked about Holiday Camps. We have a wide variety of children who come to our camps, and these range from campers who go to church regularly, to campers who have never been to church before in their lives.
Campers are not required to come from a particular denomination or have any affiliation with a church in order to come to camp. Many children come because they are invited by friends, come to one of the campsites on a school camp, or stumble across this website!
Having said this, it is important that all Campers are aware that age-appropriate interactive Bible-based sessions are held each day as an integral part of camp.
Campers are not required to come from a particular denomination or have any affiliation with a church in order to come to camp. Many children come because they are invited by friends, come to one of the campsites on a school camp, or stumble across this website!
Having said this, it is important that all Campers are aware that age-appropriate interactive Bible-based sessions are held each day as an integral part of camp.
Q. What should I bring to camp?
When you book into camp, you will be sent a "reply letter" that has a list of items to remember to bring along to camp. Sometimes it is the most obvious things that people forget to bring along to camp (ie. shoes, towels). Some basic things to remember to pack are:
Shorts
Tee-shirts
Long pants
Warm tops
Rain Jacket
Shoes (more than one pair)
Socks
Underwear
Bathers
Towel
Beach Towel
Sunscreen
Toothpaste and Toothbrush
Plastic bag for dirty clothes
Sleeping Bag/Doona and Pillow Slip
Bible (If you have one, if not, that's fine)
Notebook and pens
Torch
Camera
Pocket Money (Suggested $2 - $5 per day)
Shorts
Tee-shirts
Long pants
Warm tops
Rain Jacket
Shoes (more than one pair)
Socks
Underwear
Bathers
Towel
Beach Towel
Sunscreen
Toothpaste and Toothbrush
Plastic bag for dirty clothes
Sleeping Bag/Doona and Pillow Slip
Bible (If you have one, if not, that's fine)
Notebook and pens
Torch
Camera
Pocket Money (Suggested $2 - $5 per day)
Q. Do you have a policy on smoking?
Smoking is not allowed on camp. Whilst we do not want to discriminate against campers who have this addiction, even if we wanted to allow smoking, under Victorian laws, it is impossible to do so.
As our Leaders are in a role of being a positive role model to campers, we also require that they do not smoke, as this is not seen as a desirable habit to model to the campers
As our Leaders are in a role of being a positive role model to campers, we also require that they do not smoke, as this is not seen as a desirable habit to model to the campers
Q. What sort of things should I NOT bring on camp?
There are certain items that we do not allow on camp for a variety of reasons. Some of those reasons may be obvious, others less so, but all are designed to make camp a better place and a more enjoyable experience for all involved.
Please do NOT bring any drugs (other than those prescribed by a doctor) to camp. This includes alcohol and cigarettes. Strictly no drinking or smoking on camp.
Note: Any medication brought to camp must be given in at registration and supplied in clearly labeled dosage boxes.
Please do NOT bring electrical devices such as CD Players, Walkmans, Stereos, Portable TV's, Computers, Video Games, iPods etc.
Please do NOT bring mobile phones to camp.
Note: We realise that many Teen Campers may wish to bring their mobiles to have after camp. If this is the case, then they can be handed in (clearly named) at registration and will be handed back at the end of the camp.
Dress Code
We strongly encourage the use of protective clothes, hats and sunscreen, and encourage modesty in bathing attire. Please do not bring clothes to camp that may be offensive (eg. certain tee-shirt slogans etc.)
Please do NOT bring any drugs (other than those prescribed by a doctor) to camp. This includes alcohol and cigarettes. Strictly no drinking or smoking on camp.
Note: Any medication brought to camp must be given in at registration and supplied in clearly labeled dosage boxes.
Please do NOT bring electrical devices such as CD Players, Walkmans, Stereos, Portable TV's, Computers, Video Games, iPods etc.
Please do NOT bring mobile phones to camp.
Note: We realise that many Teen Campers may wish to bring their mobiles to have after camp. If this is the case, then they can be handed in (clearly named) at registration and will be handed back at the end of the camp.
Dress Code
We strongly encourage the use of protective clothes, hats and sunscreen, and encourage modesty in bathing attire. Please do not bring clothes to camp that may be offensive (eg. certain tee-shirt slogans etc.)
Q. Can my child be in the same cabin as their friend/s?
On the camp application form there is space to list a cabinmate. We do our very best to accommodate these requests. Sometimes, such as when too many people are "linked" together in a friendship group, this may not be possible.
Please note:
Unless requested otherwise, we usually put siblings in different cabin groups.
Campers are usually accommodated with others their own age.
Q. Do you accept campers from overseas?
This is a question that really needs to be answered on a case by case basis. We have at times accepted campers from overseas. In these situations, it is important that there is clear parental permission for the child to attend camp, and that there is a local guardian who can be contacted throughout the course of the camp.
Q. I'm interested in Leadership, how do I get involved?
That's great! Camp Leadership is a very rewarding ministry.
Leadership Requirements
Please note: We take very seriously our duty of care to the campers. All Leaders must have a reference check, including police records check, completed before serving on camp.
What's the next step?
For those 14 - 17 years of age looking to start out in Leadership, we run an intensive three week LIT Program over Summer, which is a great introduction to Leadership.
For everyone, whether experienced or just starting out, we run three Leadership Weekends each year: Refocus, Refresh and Refuel.
More information on Leadership can be found at:
leaders.org.au
Leadership Requirements
- Must be at least 15 years of age
- Must display an active Christian faith
- Must be willing to work as part of a team
- Must attend initial and ongoing training
Please note: We take very seriously our duty of care to the campers. All Leaders must have a reference check, including police records check, completed before serving on camp.
What's the next step?
For those 14 - 17 years of age looking to start out in Leadership, we run an intensive three week LIT Program over Summer, which is a great introduction to Leadership.
For everyone, whether experienced or just starting out, we run three Leadership Weekends each year: Refocus, Refresh and Refuel.
More information on Leadership can be found at:
Q. Are the Leaders paid?
No. Our Leaders serve on camp in a voluntary capacity.
Q. I'm from overseas and would like to work on camp, how do I apply?
Sometimes we have enquiries from overseas (mainly US and Canada) about coming over and working on camps. Mostly these are Summer staff from Christian Camps in their own country. We need to know a lot more about you before we can begin to answer your question. What Camp/s have you worked at? In what capacity? How old are you? Are you male or female?
Are you a Christian? What is your Church Involvement? What qualifications do you have? How long were you thinking of coming for? When were you thinking of coming? Can you supply references from your Pastor, Camp Manager etc? A little bit of background helps us a lot in answering your questions.
We do not pay salary, and in general, do not provide accommodation outside of camp times. You must sort out your own visas and travel arrangements.
Please note: Camping culture in Australia is very different to that in the US and Canada. The Summer Camp "season" is a lot shorter than the two month block style of US Camps.
Are you a Christian? What is your Church Involvement? What qualifications do you have? How long were you thinking of coming for? When were you thinking of coming? Can you supply references from your Pastor, Camp Manager etc? A little bit of background helps us a lot in answering your questions.
We do not pay salary, and in general, do not provide accommodation outside of camp times. You must sort out your own visas and travel arrangements.
Please note: Camping culture in Australia is very different to that in the US and Canada. The Summer Camp "season" is a lot shorter than the two month block style of US Camps.
Q. Can I come for part of the camp?
In general, the answer to this question is no. We think it is very important for campers to be there for the whole week of camp. It is hard for campers when they miss the start of camp, and if they leave early, they are potentially taking the place of a camper who could be there for the whole time.
In rare circumstances when campers are allowed to come only for part of the camp, it is important to know that we do not offer discounts for this - full fees still apply.
In rare circumstances when campers are allowed to come only for part of the camp, it is important to know that we do not offer discounts for this - full fees still apply.
Q. Am I able to visit the campsite beforehand to see where my child will be staying?
Occasionally we have parents request to come and visit the campsite beforehand. You are most welcome to do this, however, it is important to call ahead and organise an appropriate time to do so. There are groups in most weeks and weekends of term, so it is important if you are visiting, to report to the office and sign in as a visitor etc.
On the day camp commences, we encourage parents to bring their children to camp themsleves, meet the camper's leader/s for the week etc.
Please note: On the commencement day of camp, we are unable to register campers earlier than the advertised registration time, as this is a very busy time of preparing for camp and the Leadership Team. We strongly discourage parents from "dropping off" campers early, as we cannot take responsibility for campers until registration.
On the day camp commences, we encourage parents to bring their children to camp themsleves, meet the camper's leader/s for the week etc.
Please note: On the commencement day of camp, we are unable to register campers earlier than the advertised registration time, as this is a very busy time of preparing for camp and the Leadership Team. We strongly discourage parents from "dropping off" campers early, as we cannot take responsibility for campers until registration.
Q. Do you have Staff trained in First Aid?
We ensure that on each Holiday Camp we have a designated First Aid Officer who has a minimum of Level 2 First Aid. Many of the other campsite staff (and often many Leaders) also hold First Aid qualifications.
Q. Are you equipped to have children with disabilities on camp?
We are not specifically equipped to have children with disabilities on camp, however, the campsites do have disabled facilities, and we can accept some disabled campers on camp.
It really depends on the level of the disability, and the question is not so much whether we accept the camper on camp, but whether our camp would be the best camp for the particular child.
There are organisations around who run camps specifically for children with disabilities, and these camps may be better suited to some children who need one to one attention.
On the other hand, at times, camp can be great both for campers with disabilities, as well as the other campers who may not have experience outside of camp with disabilities, as they develop friendships with each other.
We run on an overall Leader to Camper ratio of about one to three, and Cabin Leaders may have between three and six campers in their cabin. Leaders need to be able to divide their time evenly between all their campers, and it is this level of need that is often the determining factor on whether we are adequately equipped.
If you have questions about a specific situation, please give us a call.
It really depends on the level of the disability, and the question is not so much whether we accept the camper on camp, but whether our camp would be the best camp for the particular child.
There are organisations around who run camps specifically for children with disabilities, and these camps may be better suited to some children who need one to one attention.
On the other hand, at times, camp can be great both for campers with disabilities, as well as the other campers who may not have experience outside of camp with disabilities, as they develop friendships with each other.
We run on an overall Leader to Camper ratio of about one to three, and Cabin Leaders may have between three and six campers in their cabin. Leaders need to be able to divide their time evenly between all their campers, and it is this level of need that is often the determining factor on whether we are adequately equipped.
If you have questions about a specific situation, please give us a call.
Q. What type of background checks etc. are staff required to complete?
We take very seriously our duty of care to the campers. All Leaders must have a reference check completed before serving on camp.
Leaders are selected based upon a Confidential Reference (usually completed by a pastor at their church) as well as a secondary reference.
Leaders complete an initial application, are required to undergo initial and ongoing training, and sign up to a Leader's Code of Conduct and Safe Practice.
Leaders complete a Statutory Declaration regarding their good character, complete a consent to Police Check form (if under 18), and must hold a valid Working With Children Check Card (if 18 and over).
Leaders are selected based upon a Confidential Reference (usually completed by a pastor at their church) as well as a secondary reference.
Leaders complete an initial application, are required to undergo initial and ongoing training, and sign up to a Leader's Code of Conduct and Safe Practice.
Leaders complete a Statutory Declaration regarding their good character, complete a consent to Police Check form (if under 18), and must hold a valid Working With Children Check Card (if 18 and over).
Q. Are the activities and equipment safe?
All new activities run on camp undergo a risk-assessment before camp and are run according to OH&S regulations.
We are accredited with both NARTA and the ACA (formerly CAV) accreditation schemes.
As the campsites are used by school groups and weekend groups most weeks throughout the year, equipment is maintained regularly to a high standard.
The two most important rules on camp are "have fun" and "stay safe", and we aim for all campers to do both.
We are accredited with both NARTA and the ACA (formerly CAV) accreditation schemes.
As the campsites are used by school groups and weekend groups most weeks throughout the year, equipment is maintained regularly to a high standard.
The two most important rules on camp are "have fun" and "stay safe", and we aim for all campers to do both.
Q. What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept cash (not through the post please), money orders, cheques, Mastercard and Visa for camp fees.
Q. Do you offer family discounts?
Our pricing structure is based on heavily subsidised rates, and as such we do not offer a specific "family discount". However, through generous donations, we sometimes have the ability to provide sponsorships for those in financial need. If you are wanting to send your child/children to camp, but are struggling financially to do so, please contact us about the possibilities.