Westventure

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 staff member Joel Liddicoat and 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. 

Year 8 Aquatics Day and First Aid Course (Term 4, Week 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. The dates for this year’s Aquatics Days are listed below. Additionally, all students will undergo first aid training with Royal Life Saving, equipping them with essential self-reliant emergency response skills.  

New students commencing in Year 9 in 2025 are also invited to join us for these familiarisation days. This training is not compulsory for new students but if timing and availability suits either or both sessions (given it is still within the school term), new students are welcome to attend. There will be nominal charges for the first aid and sailing for new students as the costings for these training opportunities are incorporated into Westminster’s Year 8 core charges. If you would like to find out more, please contact Head of Outdoor Education Julie Engelhardt (details above). 

8.1 + (8.5 Bowden-Dispain)

Sailing:

Monday 2 December

First Aid: 

Tuesday 3 December

8.2 + (8.5 Green-Madankumar)

Sailing:

Tuesday 3 December

First Aid: 

Wednesday 4 December

8.3 + (8.5 Moriarty-Ross)

Sailing:

Wednesday 4 December

First Aid: 

Tuesday 3 December

8.4 + (Samaras-Williams)

Sailing:

Thursday 5 December

First Aid: 

Wednesday 4 December

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. 

Woolen Jumpers

A woolen jumper (or equivalent, such as fleece or merino) is vital. Woollen jumpers are ideal for Westventure as they keep you warm even when wet, unlike cotton materials. 

The below list includes both essential (required), and recommended items for Westventure. 

AQUATIC ACTIVITIES

• Required: 1 x long sleeved Rashee (short sleeve and cotton tops will not be allowed on the water) 
• Required: 1 x long sleeve thermal top (available from Outdoor Ed stores)
• Required: 1 x wide brimmed hat with neckstrap
• Required: 1 x woolen beanie
• Required: 1 x sunglasses with strap
• Required: 1 x woolen jumper or equivalent for Aquatics
• Required: 1 x pair of aquatic shoes (wetsuit boots or similar)
• Required: 2 x pairs quick dry board shorts (knee length, no shorter)
• Bike shorts or tights to present sunburn on top of legs
• Raincoat or waterproof jacket suitable for kayaking or sailing (School will supply is student does not own their own)

RUNNING ACTIVITIES

• Required: 1 x peaked running cap
• Required: 1 x short sleeved and collared running shirt for 17km
• 1 x pair of sport shoes for walking/running
• bike shorts or tights for running (prevents chaffing) 
• 1 x running singlet for 5km

CAMPING ACTIVITIES

• Suitable sized sleeping bag (approx. -3 rating). Note: Please do not bring a large sleeping bag, as it must be able to fit into a kayak or rucksack)
• 1 x thin sleeping mat/roll or thermarest for expeditions (needs to be small enough to fit in a rucksack or kayak!) 
• 1 x pillow and pillow-slip (pillows are not provided)
• 1 x bed sheet for single mattress (makes the dorm bed homelier) 
•  1 x set of cutlery, crockery, (knife, fork, spoon, bowl and 1x plastic mug) 
• 1 x lightweight torch & spare batteries

GENERAL ACTIVITIES

• Required: 2 x collared long sleeved shirts (apart from running, all other outdoor activities require long sleeved collared tops- students will not get their WV top until the end of camp – keep it clean) 
• Required: another Woolen Jumper or equivalent for general use 
• Required: 6+ pairs of socks (thick and thin) 
• Casual jumper or equivalent
• 2 x T-shirts with collars
• 2 x pairs of track pants (jeans are not suitable)
• Underwear
• Pyjamas
• Another towel for showering
• 1 x pair of thongs or crocs for wear at camp
• 50+ sunscreen, SPF lipbalm and insect repellent 
• Personal first-aid kit - medication (clearly labelled and multiple quantities) and blster prevention
• Minimal toiletries, including toothbrush, soap, sanitary items, and roll-on deoderant. Note: aerosol deoderants are not permitted due to asthma risk

MISCELLANEOUS ACTIVITIES

• Required: packed lunch for the first day
• Required: 2 x 1 litre water containers
• Required: 1 x tea towel, labelled
• Required: 2 x ballpoint pens 
• 1 x notebook, 2 x pencils 
• 5 x large garbage bags or dry bags (for waterproofing gear). Note: thicker bags are recommended - less likely to rip. Dry bags are cheap and reusable and better for the environment
• Small plastic grocery bags for dirty clothes 
• Snap lock bags for waterproofing smaller items and snacks on water
• Maximum $20 pocket money is suggested to purchase 'treats' from camp shop & Milang shop 

OPTIONAL

• Rucksack, digital camera, IKEA Bag (handy for kayaking)

NOT PERMITTED

• Extra food or lollies as they attract mice in the dorms
• Radios / computers / iPods etc.
• Mobile phones (School provides comunication devices when students are on expedition)

Please ensure that your son or daughter 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. 

Point Sturt Campsite (Westventure base) 
T: 08 8537 0134 
M: 0499 882 688 (Voicemail). 

Please pack items in a large sports bag (or similar) to be left in Dorms and accessed for daily activities as required. 

Celebrate Your Westventure Experience! 

Students who participate in the Westventure camp have the opportunity to purchase a commemorative shirt. While it’s not mandatory, these shirts offer a wonderful way to remember and take pride in your Outdoor Education journey.

Shirt Details: 

Design:

Long-sleeved, white, featuring the Westventure logo and activities. 

Usage:

Approved for School Physical Education lessons and after-school sports practice. Not permitted for co-curricular sporting competitions.

Sun-Safe: 

Practical and promotes the School’s sun safety policy.

Order Information:

Sizing Kit:

Available in the uniform shop. 

Price:

$45, payable by Credit Card/EFTPOS only (no cash accepted). 

Order Deadline:

Friday 22 November

Payment Options: 

If you don’t need to try on a shirt, you can order and pay via the Qkr! App under ‘miscellaneous’. 

This is the only chance to order a Westventure Shirt for Term 1, 2025. Don’t miss out on this special keepsake!