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Testimonials

November 2011, Centre for Sustainability Leadership, 28 Participants.

We chose the Kinglake Ranges Wilderness Camp as the venue for our third and final retreat for our Melbourne Fellowship Program, in October 2011. We are extremely glad that we did so. The venue itself was fantastic, the location, rooms, facilities, food - all first rate.


But the best thing about the camp is the staff and their overall philosophy. They promote environmental practices and encourage individuals to step up and lead which strongly aligns with our Program aims and values. It is refreshing to find a venue which walks the talk on environmental issues and it is very clear that for Colin and his team, this comes from the heart. It is obvious they care. It is also clear that they understand people. On a practical level, they were there for our every need, without being intrusive, from a warm initial greeting to a fond farewell. I'm sure without Colin's calm, reassuring, encouraging presence, I don't think many of us would have undertaken the Leap of Faith pole jump. I know I certainly would not have. We look forward to returning to Kinglake Ranges Wilderness Camp this year. We would not hesitate in recommending the venue to anyone, particularly those interested in the environment and sustainability, which let's face it these days is everybody!.

David Seignior, Melbourne Fellowship Program Facilitator, CSL

July 2011, Camberwell High School, 190 Participants.

The Year 9 camp at Kinglake Ranges Wilderness Camp was an amazing success. The Camp staff from the planning stage were responsive to our requests and facilitated the development of three different streams for our students to  undertake, these were hiking, community work or challenge. Each of the three streams had a different focus.

Students in the hiking stream packed backpacks, filling them with tents, sleeping mats and food. They also chose from a list the ingredients for each of the meals they would cook themselves.  They hiked out to a clearing and set up camp overnight, cooking their own dinners and breakfasts, and entreating themselves with now power! In the morning they returned back to base camp and along the way undertook challenges such as building a stretcher and carrying a group member across a stream.

The community work stream was an emotionally challenging one. These students were spoken to by a local resident who had been deeply effected by Black Saturday as well as the Camp Manager. The students listened and learned as they were shown images and told about the impact of this tragedy on the community. On the second day the students went out into the Kinglake community to complete their community work, which included lifting irrigation pipes at a blueberry farm, sorting donations at an op shop, shifting mulch at a resident’s home and at a local school. Our students upon return told us stories of the characters they had met, amazed at the happy spirits and kind nature of the people they had just been able to help.

In the challenge stream, the students were challenged to take on leadership roles, work in teams, conquer their fears and push themselves physically.  They had to work together to get their team over the line, often encouraging each other to go one step higher, or one part further. These students encountered activities like the leap of faith, the water course, raft making, and the giant seesaw.

All culminated in a final day of wildergaining, a cross between orienteering and rogaining.

The school staff were impressed by the way camp staff interacted with our staff and students. Elements of the school’s programs were incorporated to ensure that the camp program supported the development of our Year 9 students. In each of the streams the students were challenged to consider the respective attributes of team members and how they could work more effectively to achieve the goals of each of their activities. The students worked together, and we saw some remarkable group work

We have booked for next year and we look forward to working closely with Kinglake Ranges Wilderness Camp again to build on our experiences of this year.

Isabelle McKenzie, Assistant Principal, Camberwell High School

Operation Newstart Western, Ongoing Camps & Day Programs.

ONSI am a police officer who runs an outdoor adventure program for at risk students in Melbourne’s west, and I have been associated with KRWC for over 10 years now.   I have always loved coming to the camp, the rustic old buildings, the bush surround, and most importantly, the staff.  During this time I have formed many great friendships with a team who not only tolerates the clients I bring, but also understands and supports them.

Although the rustic charm was lost as a result of Black Saurday, a new clean, modern camp has emerged which is a credit to Col and his team.  The Leadership Centre provides modern facilities for all of those who want to use up to date IT and AV equipment, but you can still avoid all of that and sleep in the teepees or better still, under a tarp out in the bush.

If you are considering using KRWC as a location for your organisation, I highly recommend it.  The team is constantly striving to provide current, relevant camps to suit your school/ business/ community group needs.  Thanks for all of your support over the years and into the future.

Matt Mudie, Police Facilitator, Operation Newstart Western

Throughout 2011, St Monicas College (Epping), 5 * 30 Participants.

This experience gave each student the opportunity participate and extend themselves both physically and emotionally.  The staff of KRWC were exceptional in running all activities with much competence, but more importantly connecting with all students in such limited time.
I would recommend to any school or club wanting to team build, as well creating a culture of togetherness. Joseph Registro, Year 9 Level Leader

Kinglake Ranges Wilderness Camp provided safe and challenging activities that encouraged students to step outside of their comfort zones, learn about themselves and work in teams. Also, staff were adept in dealing with adolescents and the food was delicious. Teacher – St Monica’s College

One reason why I think the camp works is that the different activities call for different strengths, including leadership, courage, problem solving etc.  This allows a number of different students to “shine.” Finally, I believe that being in the bush, having physical and mental challenges is what many of the students from my homeroom needed.

I regard the camp as fantastic. There was a good range of activities to appeal to the different strengths of the students. One thing I noticed is that for the duration or the many activities different students adopted leadership roles. If there was an activity involving physics and teamwork one student might take “command.” When confronted with an activity might involve heights and dealing with fear another student might adopt a leadership role.

Before the camp I was concerned with how the students from my homeroom would get along with each as other as there has been some issues. However, even students who have had difficulties with each other ended up working well together. I believe the fresh air, exercise, absence of television and good food were integral as to why this occurred. A number of students ended up being friends with each other after the camp who they hadn’t really known before (despite having spent more than half a year in the same homeroom).

However, the students did need to be a little more tired out on the first night as they did not go to sleep. B. Tucker, St Monicas College

August 2011, Human Capital International, 20 Participants.

Thank you so much. At HCI we are in the business of developing talent in leadership teams. As such we often work in different places and spaces with our clients. For a planning and team offsite for ourselves we were looking for something different - and we found everything that we were looking for.

Kinglake Ranges Wilderness Camp certainly isn't just for the kids! There has been a great deal of thought in the design and layout to create effective spaces and different environments - it is a great place to work and play. When the full vision for the Camp environment comes to fruition it will just get better and better - a special place indeed. Thanks Colin and Michelle - a great job.

Michael Howard, Director, HCI (Human Capital International)

 

September 2008, VET REC Training program (Secondary & primary), 44 Participants.

I would just like to thank Kinglake Rangers Wilderness Camp for providing my year 10 Vet Sport and Recreation students with a once in a lifetime opportunity. Your innovative VET REC training program enabled the students to learn how to plan and sequence outdoor recreation activities, develop facilitations techniques, learn the importance of communication, develop their leadership skills and discover the challenges when working with younger students. The staff at Kinglake Rangers Wilderness Camp were amazing to work with. The supportive and encouraging atmosphere set up by them enabled the students to challenge themselves and try new things without fear of failing. The students left after the two days feeling a great sense of achievement, self belief and with a bucket load of new skills. I definitely look forward to offering the program to next year VET Sport and Recreation students.

Katie Cook, Vet Sport and Recreation Teacher, Warrandyte High School



March 2008, Adventure / Survivor Camp, 288 Year 9 students.

I want to thank the staff at Kinglake Ranges Wilderness Camp for the amazing and enjoyable experience they provided our students from Penola Catholic College. A special thanks, to the camp leaders and kitchen staff for their professional attention to detail and willingness to assist in providing an enriching experience.

A small group of our students participated in the Survivor Camp. They were pumped, enthusiastic and described their experience as awesome. They roughed it for three days doing lots of hiking and learning a lot about the bush environment they were in. It was fantastic to see the teamwork and camaraderie amongst the group.

The rest of our student’s participated in the Adventure Camp. They experienced many enjoyable activities and had lots of fun, especially at night, when they participated in the indigenous and drumming program. Our students stayed in dorms one night and slept out in tents on another night. For many of our students this was their first time in a tent and it was an amazing and worthwhile experience for them. The food was great and there was lots of it. Our students enjoyed their experience at KRWC immensely and they walked away learning many things about teamwork and communication. Thank you.

Paul Piperno, Year 9 Co-ordinator, Penola Catholic College



April 2008, Reach Foundation Camp, 45 Participants.

We use this campsite regularly and it's always said "We eat like royalty here!".
Campsite=Amazing, Cabins=Comfy, Service=Top Notch.
The look on the kids faces when they experience the food here = Priceless.
Cheers KRWC family, much love.

Kayne Tremills, Reach Foundation



March 2008, Youth Program, 40 Participants.

As a youth program coordinator from rural/coastal Mallacoota with special dietary needs, I take young people on numerous lifeskills type camps throughout Victoria. I have found the Kinglake Ranges Wilderness Camp staff to be extremely friendly and accommodating. The food prepared for people with special dietary needs is the best. A great variety, quality and taste. Simply it is restaurant standard.

Phil Counsel, Youth Program Coordinator, Mallacoota Area Health Services



March 2007, Mountain Adventure Camp, 80 Year 7 students.

Our staff reported that this was one of the best run camps they had ever been on. The activities were heaps of fun for students and teachers alike. I was particularly impressed with the emphasis on teamwork and communication skills. After every activity, the camp staff encouraged students to reflect on how they had gone as a group and what had been achieved. It was an enjoyable and enriching experience for all.

Miranda McCallum, Year 7 Co-ordinator, Brunswick Secondary College



November 2006, Survivor Camp, 4 tribes

I would just like to extend my thanks for the amazing camp experience you provided the Year 9 students of Kooweerup Secondary College.

What we wanted was a camp that allowed our students to extend themselves in different situations. We wanted to see leaders step up, the quiet students get out of their comfort zones and most of all we wanted them to have a great time.

By all accounts from students and parents we achieved our objectives from your Survivor camp. I believe it was the KRWC staff and the structure of the program that had a massive contribution towards the enjoyment and success our students had on camp. And the food, well we could rave for hours on how good the food was there!

So to Michelle and Col and all staff thank you very much for the effort and time you put into our camp program and we are hoping to continue camping at KRWC next year and into the future.

Marc Fleming, Kooweerup Secondary College



October 2006, Mountain Adventure Camp, 40 mature age international students.

I want to say again thank you for having us, you all were fantastic and were very flexible and patient with me/us before and during our stay. I really appreciate this as it has shown the college how valuable an experience like this can be for their students. It has also given the students a huge learning experience, a break from their busy lives they make as soon as they get here to support themselves as well as a fantastic aussie experience - so thank you again!!!

I really liked the staff's way of working with the students and the ropes course's were facilitated very very well, the Catering was fantastic as well as the staff (except that it will take me weeks to wear some of the food off!!!).

I look forward to working with you all again and I hope to make a time and visit to talk about next year very soon.

Ms Christine Harrison, Melbourne International College



October 2006, Mountain Adventure Camp, 40 mature age international students.

"It was perfect. It is very difficult to improve perfection. It was awesome." (true, they really did say this!) "I would like to say that the camp was really very fantastic. I enjoyed very much. You give us a opportunity to learn many things for future"

Students, Melbourne International College



August 2006, Survivor Camp, 2 tribes

There was so much feedback from staff and students on this camp that we had to allocate a separate page, please click here to see it, some excerpts are included here. "This camp was awesome", "I love this camp", "Absolutely sensational food", "I didn't really want to go to this camp but I LOVED IT!".

Staff & participants, Geelong Baptist College



February 2006, Survivor Camp, 150 Year 9 students.

What an amazing experience for the students! It was so much fun to see the students enjoy themselves with the many challenges that they faced. The food was amazing with Michelle being very accommodating with the different dietary needs of our staff and students. The KRWC Staff were very professional, approachable, helpful and easy to work with. They took a great interest in the Nazareth Staff and Students from the beginning of the program to the presentation of the Ultimate Survivor Team back at school. We can’t wait to go back next year!

Michelle Piccolo, Year 9 Coordinator, Nazareth College



April 2006, Navigation Camp, 37 Year 10 & 11 Outdoor Rec students.

Working with Kinglake Ranges Wilderness Camp – sometimes you get good leaders and an average program, sometimes you get a great program and average leaders. KRWC are lucky enough to have both.

Students left the camp with a vast array of knowledge on navigation. Throughout the camp they utilized a number of different navigational tools including compass, GPS, navigation using the natural features of the environment and other non traditional methods such as the cartesian plain.

The whole package was exactly what we wanted and as a result the kids had a fantastic time.

Dan Norton, VET Outdoor Recreation, Kew High School



Feb 2006, Adventure Activities Day, 98 Year 7 students.

Just a quick note to say thanks for a great day for our Year 7s recently. We appreciated your friendliness and skill; the superb facilities, which offered just the right level of challenge for our Year 7s on the day; and the care taken by the staff to make us feel welcome, and to encourage the students to take risks and extend themselves beyond their comfort zones, without judging them if they were reluctant to 'have a go'.

A special thank you to the catering staff for their friendly hospitality.

Lesley Morath, Bundoora Secondary College



May 2005, Multi-Day Hosting and Adventure Activities, 33 staff

"On behalf of all the team here at Spotlight Marketing I would like to thank you for a fantastic couple of days at your beautiful place in Kinglake West. Our team of 33 is a newly formed team and the activities, games and general atmosphere that you create was so perfect to help us with our team building.

I have had so many comments of thanks from the guys here who all said that it was one of the best things they have ever done – it sure beats a boardroom power point presentation too! Thanks also to your great team – great leadership, direction, food and most importantly a heap of fun for all.

Again, we really appreciate everything that you have done for us in giving us a unique and memorable experience!"

Jono Gelfand, Marketing Manager, Spotlight Fabrics



September 2005, 3 Day Camp, 50 Students

“Delicious meals were served to us morning, noon and night (not to mention the yummy snacks in between) you even managed to ‘fill’ some of our biggest boys. Many students wanted to stay on forever. Our students have returned to school full of enthusiasm to tackle any challenge they face, as well, they have learned to make new friends and work more cooperatively. We can not possibly give KRWC enough praise. Thank you.”

Emma Crumpton, Camp Coordinator Wonthaggi Secondary



Others

“Hi guys thanks for the awesome day, I really enjoyed myself and came out of it feeling I could do anything.”
Jarred from The Assumption College VCAL class 2004



"Students are still marvelling at what they achieved! Your good organization and gentle encouragement to get us out of our ‘comfort zone’, made it possible for all of us to come away with very positive feelings about our capabilities."
Kay Clarke, Thomastown Secondary College



“Our final evaluation reflected that your courses give people the opportunity to complete challenges they did not think they were capable of, subsequently gaining a great sense of achievement.”
Sarah Povey & John Stratford SKY Mental Health Services for Kids & Youth