Program overview
This overnight camp offers primary and secondary students a unique opportunity to learn about local Dharug culture, fostering a deep connection to Country and strengthening bonds with their peers through meaningful and engaging experiences.
Throughout the camp, students will participate in a variety of activities designed to immerse them in Dharug traditions, stories, and practices, enriching their understanding of the land and its people. These experiences aim to promote cultural awareness, respect, and appreciation in an interactive and supportive environment.
Below is an overview of activities that may be included in the camp program. The final program activities depend on student numbers and whether the camp is a 1 night/2 day or 2 night/3 day experience.
We work closely with local Dharug educators and cultural advisers to ensure the authenticity and cultural sensitivity of the program, providing students with an enriching and respectful learning journey.
We aim to include Dharug educators in delivering the camp, ensuring that cultural knowledge is shared authentically and respectfully, and providing students with a genuine connection to the local Indigenous community.
| * activities will vary depending on whether a 2-day or 3-day camp is booked. If you have a preference for activities, please inform our staff when booking your camp. | |
| 1 |
Traditional Indigenous games Students take a short walk to our local oval where they will learn to play traditional Indigenous games. |
| 2 |
Spear and boomerang throwing Learn to throw returning boomerangs and spears |
| 3 |
Kayaking Learn to paddle and discover Aboriginal grinding grooves, caves and old churches while paddling on the Hawkesbury River (activity dependent on students meeting prerequisites). |
| 4 |
Mindfulness through weaving OR clapstick making Students sit around the pond and learn the traditional skill of making woven baskets, OR students learn the traditional skill of making clapsticks at our campfire. |
| 5 |
Ochre and fire making Students learn about traditional uses of ochre and tell their own story using traditional Aboriginal symbols. Students learn about cultural burning and then attempt to make a fire using traditional methods. |
| 6 |
Dip netting Students connect to Country by investigating the creatures in the Brewongle ponds. |
| 7 |
Nest box survey Students investigate the animals living in our nest boxes using cameras. |
| 8 |
Cave walk and mindfulness Students explore the bushland around Brewongle as they connect to Country. |
| 9 |
Bush resource walk Learn about Dharug bush resource plants, look for wildlife and other natural treasures ending up at our cave. |
| 10 |
Gunyah building Students learn about the importance of Country to Aboriginal people and build stick shelters (Gunyahs). |
| 11 |
Aboriginal tools, weapons and string making Discover the traditional uses of our vast array of traditional tools and items relating to Dharug culture. Attempt to make string using traditional methods. |
| 12 |
Emu egg game Students listen to a short story about how to hunt emu eggs, then play a game to put their knowledge to the test. |
|
Sample of a 2 night/3 day camp, 1 group program For multiple groups/classes, the same activities are run on an alternating schedule |
|
DAY 1 |
|
| 9:45 |
Welcome to Brewongle Safety briefing, set up cabins, toilets. |
| 10:30 | RECESS (students bring their own) |
| 11:00 | Traditional Indigenous games |
| 12:15 | Spear and boomerang throwing |
| 1:00 | LUNCH (students bring their own) |
| 1:30 | Mindfulness through weaving or clapstick making |
| 3:00 |
AFTERNOON TEA (supplied) 3:30 Brewongle day staff depart Evening staff (if booked) arrive and take over running of evening activities |
| 3:30 |
Structured free time:
|
| 5:00 | Showers |
| 6:00 | DINNER (supplied) |
| 7:00 |
Evening activity options:
|
| 9:00 | Prepare for bed - students to remain in cabins |
| 9:30 | Lights out - shh please |
DAY 2 |
|
| 7:30 |
Rise and shine! Tidy cabins. Dress and prepare daypacks for kayaking |
| 8:00 | BREAKFAST (supplied) |
| 9:00 | Kayaking |
| 11:00 | RECESS (supplied) |
| 11:30 | Ochre and fire making |
| 1:30 | LUNCH (supplied) |
| 2:15 |
Bushwalk to cave, ngarra ngalga and nature journaling/string making. Continue to work on weaving and clapsticks, or attempt to make string using traditional methods. |
| 3:30 |
AFTERNOON TEA (supplied) 3:30 Brewongle day staff depart |
| 4:00 |
Structured free time:
|
| 5:00 | Showers |
| 6:00 | DINNER (supplied) |
| 7:00 |
Evening activity options:
|
| 9:00 | Prepare for bed - students to remain in cabins |
| 9:30 | Lights out - shh please |
DAY 3 |
|
| 7:30 |
Rise and shine! Pack bags & cabin inspections |
| 8:00 | BREAKFAST (supplied) |
| 9:00 | Dip netting and nest box survey |
| 10:20 | RECESS (supplied) |
| 10:50 | Aboriginal tools and weapons |
| 11:40 | Bush resource walk |
| 12:30 | LUNCH (supplied) |
| 1:00 | Emu egg game |
| 1:45 | Depart Brewongle |
| 2:00 | Buses depart |
| Location | Brewongle Environmental Education Centre, Sackville North |
| Transport |
Buses are booked by the visiting school. A map to the bus parking will be sent with the schools confirmation email. Please ensure you print the map and give to the bus driver the morning of the excursion. |
| Program costs | Program costs |
| Student numbers |
Maximum student numbers are 70-80 students (if utilising our additional accommodation options) No minimum student numbers (instead possible minimum costs) |
| Supporting teachers and staff | Minimum requirement is one teacher per attending class |
| Program start and finish times |
Brewongle arrival time is 9:45 am - departure time is 2 pm * discuss prior to your visit if you require alternate times |
| Medical and welfare notifications |
Using the Brewongle medical and welfare form (sent with the confirmation email), inform Brewongle staff of any medical conditions or special requirements prior to the visit This program can be adapted for teachers and students with specific mobility requirements |
| Adverse weather |
Visit our visitor information page to view our weather trigger points for program changes On days where the weather is unsuitable, a Brewongle staff member will contact the organising teacher to discuss alternative arrangements |
| Booking and cancellation policy requirements |
Brewongle booking and cancellation policy Student attendance numbers confirmed 7 days prior to visit Cancellation fees may apply |
| Inclusive learning support | Visit our inclusive education website for further excursion support materials |
| Activity social stories | Coming soon! |
Booking enquiries
Get in touch to ask a question, plan a visit or find out more about what we offer