Information for Parents

Safety and Risk

Canoeing, sailing and hiking expeditions involve some dangers and risks. It is important for parents and campers to be aware of this and to observe carefully the enrolment requirements about swimming ability (campers must be able to swim at least 100 metres) and health. Cooinda promotes an alcohol and drug free environment for both campers and leaders.

Camp training and safety procedures are carefully planned to provide safe ways to enjoy the marvellous lakes, bush and beaches around the Camp Cooinda site. All activities are supervised, with special attention given to weather conditions. Download our Risks and Safety at Camp Cooinda document for a more detailed description.

Camp Cooinda Inc. operates three motor boats and uses mobile phones and marine radios for safety backup and to provide activity groups with 24 hour communication whilst camping away from the base site.

Supervision and Selection of Leaders

There is careful supervision of all activities at Camp Cooinda. Both leaders and campers observe swimming and boating safety requirements. The ratio of leaders to campers is not less than 1 to 6. Most campers are very cooperative about supervision because there is plenty to do, they like the activities and because they appreciate that all leaders are volunteers who make such a great camp experience possible.

A high proportion of leaders return each year and give continuity to the program. Some leaders have been campers in the program and become leaders after they turn 18 and participate in a leader training program. Others are friends of leaders who have heard good stories of the camp experience. Prospective leaders go through a selection process to establish that they have skills for the camp program and character and values appropriate for supervising young people.

We take our responsbility to be a child-safe organisation seriously. Through application forms, completing a Working With Children Check (or equivalent for inter-state or overseas applications), referees, interviews and participation in a residential two day leader training program Camp Cooinda Inc. establishes a sound basis for selecting and appointing leaders.

Insurance

Camp Cooinda has public liability insurance cover as well as fire and burglary insurance cover and policy cover for each of our support powerboats. The cost of public liability insurance is now the largest cost item after provisions and has doubled in recent years. Our insurers also take careful interest in the procedures we put in place to manage risks and safety at camp.