School Camps

frequently asked questions

Where is Somerset ?
Somerset is located on the Colo River, 20 minutes from Windsor and just over an hour North West of the CBD. Our Base Camp is located on our 360 acre riverfront property, and we have a further 14 campsites located on private land, stretching over 40km of the Colo Valley. All of our properties also adjoin the Wollemi National Park, and we hold a Commercial Operators Licence to extend our programmes into this spectacular wilderness.

What activities will we do ?
Each programme at Somerset is developed in conjunction with the school, and each contains a different combination of activities and programme areas. Specific information on your camp can be found in the Letter to Parents, and some general information on Somerset Programmes can be found in the All About Somerset section of this site.

Where will we sleep ?
All accommodation at Somerset is in two person dome tents. Depending on the programme, these tents will be pitched on the floodlit grounds at Base Camp; at one of our established campsites in the valley; or at a remote wilderness campsite away from Base.

What about supervision ?
All Somerset programmes involve students being organised into groups of around 18 participants. Each of these groups is lead by a qualified, experienced Group Leader from Somerset and accompanied by a teacher from the visiting school. In addition, a second Somerset Leader will join the group for activities such as Canoeing, Rock Climbing, High Ropes course etc.

What will we eat ?
At Somerset, we believe that good fresh food, in good quantities is an essential part of a great camp. In addition, students involvement and some responsibility in the preparation of meals can be a powerful and rewarding part of the programme. Somerset meals vary with the programme type but will always include some combination of fully prepared meals served in our dining hall; group meals cooked around the campfire at a campsite; and lightweight expeditions meals carried and prepared by groups on extended programmes at wilderness campsites.

What are the toilet and shower facilities ?
Our Base Camp is supported by fully serviced toilet blocks with hot showers. Most groups will spend time in or around Base Camp at some time during their camp with opportunities to use these. Our campsites are all set with composting toilets, all properly established and with clean running water for handwashing.

What happens if it rains ?
Part of any outdoor experience is being subject to the weather. At Somerset we have worked hard to establish a range of facilities to ensure that programmes can go ahead in all weather conditions. All campsites are equipped with large covered shelters, and many undercover areas have been established at Base Camp as well. Most activities at Somerset can carry on in all weather, but those that need to be avoided for safety reasons can easily be replaced by the many outdoor and indoor activities we have on stand-by.

Are the Group Leaders Qualified?
Our group leaders hold relevant tertiary outdoor qualifications and are certified to industry standard first aid. Somerset staff have all passed an in-house induction which focuses on the company's values and goals as well as logistical training, activity familiarisation, safety, group facilitation and child protection – just to name a few! This holistic approach to training equips our staff with the essential skills needed in our outdoor environment.

I have a dietary need, will I be catered for?
In general, our policy is to provide standard alternatives for those with common dietary needs, as well as other basic alternatives. Our administration staff will be in contact with parents/guardians in the week prior to camp to discuss this further and will provide information of all the alternatives we are able to provide. We invite parents to decide if these alternatives are suitable for their child and if not; ask that they send along alternative meals as per instructions given to at this time. Please note that Somerset is a nut aware camp and a member of the Coeliac Society.

I have an allergy/require medication, how will this impact on my camp?
Our administration staff will be in contact with parents/guardians in the week prior to camp to discuss this further and how this may or may not affect a students camping experience. Working with schools for over 30 years, we are accustomed to the vast array of needs of every individual and work hard to accommodate this into our programmes where possible. In general, most conditions requiring medication can be easily managed on camp.  Please feel free to contact us if you want to discuss this further.

What is the weather like in Summer/Winter at Somerset?
Summers are generally hotter then Sydney in the Colo and winters are cooler. During a summer programme there is the opportunity to have a swim in the river after a day of activities. In the winter you can snuggle up by a campfire at night time with some marshmallows. Check out the link to the weather at the top of our website’s homepage, we are generally 2°C to 4°C warmer in summer and 2°C to 4°C cooler in winter then what Richmond’s forecast is.

What sort of clothes do I need to bring to Somerset?
As the weather in the Colo Valley is very different to Sydney and you will be spending the majority of your time outdoors (even when you are sleeping!); please ensure you pack the right clothes to make your camp comfortable so you can focus on having fun! Fleece or woollen jumpers are ideal for winter as they stay warm even if they are wet (cotton does not do this) for added warmth thermals are a good idea too. You will also need 2 pairs of shoes – one for the river (which will get wet!) and another sturdy pair for walking (preferably with ankle support). Please check with your Camp Coordinator at School for the specific clothing list for your camp, or if you are on the Duke of Edinburgh, click here. Check out our gear shop for recommended products, which can be handed out to you on your first day of camp.