Lions Club International District 201V2

MD201: Australia, Papua New Guinea, Norfolk Island and East Timor

Camp Koala

A District 201V2 Initiative

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.

Selection and Age Criteria

The Camp Koala 2009 will be limited to 40 participants between the ages of 17 and 20 years as at 1st July 2009.   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 July 19th  through to Saturday July 25th 2009.

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 2009 are yet to be finalised but will be approximately AUD$600.00.

How to Contact Us

If you are interested in finding out more about Camp Koala contact either:

Overseas applicants must be as part of the Lions Youth Exchange Program 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 Program 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 March 31, 2009.  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 Microosft 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:  

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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 2009

Camp Koala Activities

All Campers should be prepared to participate in all Activities

Good walking shoes are required for the native and mountain walks in the Grampians area.

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

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