From mountain peaks to sandy beaches, CY Camps offers diverse, purpose-built facilities that inspire students, challenge boundaries, and create unforgettable experiences tailored to each group’s specific needs.
When a group of Year 7 students arrived at CY Camps’ farm retreat in central Victoria earlier this year, they were greeted by a brand-new high ropes course that challenged their limits and sparked their courage.
Harnessed and supported by teammates, these students discovered that true learning happens when adventure meets collaboration.
The elevated activity is one of several on offer at Camp Kookaburra in Corop, midway between Bendigo and Shepparton. It is one of three CY Camps in Victoria, each with a unique character and purpose; it offers alpine adventures at its Featherop Chalet, and beach-getaway vibes at its Point Leo Camp.
Unfortunately, a fourth site spanning 300 acres in the Grampians was recently lost to bushfires.
CY Camps Director Mr Moshe Kahn understands that educational experiences transcend traditional learning environments.
“We’re not just offering a camp,” Mr Kahn says. “We’re creating environments where students can truly discover themselves and their potential.”
The three sites – Camp Kookaburra, Feathertop Chalet, and Point Leo Camp – offer schools flexibility and diversity.
Each site is deliberately different, Mr Kahn says. “It’s not by accident, but by design.”
Traditionally attracting primary schools, Camp Kookaburra has recently undergone a significant transformation to make it more appealing to secondary schools.
The centrepiece of this evolution is a groundbreaking new facility that sets it apart from typical school camps.
“We’ve just put in a new vertical high ropes course and the first elevated seesaw in Victoria,” he says.
“Imagine standing on a seesaw 10 meters high, fully harnessed. You can’t cross without your teammates supporting you below. It’s a gladiator-style activity that’s both thrilling and educational.”
The camp boasts an extensive range of activities designed to challenge and engage students. “We have several on-site activities,” Mr Kahn says. These include archery, basketball, beach volleyball, and bike riding – providing schools with exceptional flexibility.
“Every one of our activities is built around team building. It’s not just about the thrill – it’s about collaboration, trust, and personal growth.”
CY Camp’s Feathertop Chalet provides a different kind of elevation, in a stunning alpine location offering year-round adventure.
“Feathertop Chalet is our most unique property,” Mr Kahn says. “It’s our largest site, with over 300 beds and the most extensive facilities.”
Located in Harrietville at the base of Mount Hotham, it is the closest campsite to Mount Hotham Alpine Resort. This strategic location transforms the camp into a year-round destination.
“Schools can take their students skiing, abseiling, mountain biking, white water rafting – it’s an incredible range of activities offered year-round.”
This versatility is a game-changer for schools seeking comprehensive outdoor education experiences.
“We offer over 30 on-site activities at Feathertop,” Mr Kahn says. “From canoeing and mountain biking to high ropes and flying foxes, we’ve created an environment that goes beyond traditional camp experiences.”
What sets Feathertop apart is its approach to team building, he says.
“None of our high ropes activities are just about thrill,” Mr Kahn says. He describes an activity called the ‘magic carpet’ where students must rely on teammates to progress. “You need your teammates holding trap doors to help you get across. It’s about trust, building relationships, and mutual support.”
The facility is particularly popular for senior year levels. “Year 12 retreats find Feathertop perfect,” Mr Kahn says. “We have extensive breakout rooms and halls, which makes it unique for senior students looking for a retreat experience.”
Point Leo Camp on the Mornington Peninsula offers yet another dimension.
“Point Leo is very different from our other sites. It’s a self-managed site only a 10-minute walk to the beach,” Mr Kahn says.
Spanning 15 acres, the camp offers a unique coastal experience for schools.
“It’s got 60 beds, and features a large dining room, common/meeting room, an outdoor deck area, a beautiful pool, plus basketball, and soccer facilities.”
The site is particularly suited for smaller groups and retreats.
“If you want to have a retreat for Year 7 or Year 8, this is perfect. But the real attraction is the beautiful coastal setting and the opportunity for schools to create their own unique experience,” Mr Kahn says.
“If schools want high ropes or mountain biking, we organise a third-party provider to come in and run those activities.”
The philosophy behind CY Camps goes far beyond simple recreation. Schools find particular value in camps for specific year levels.
“For Year 7 camps, schools are looking to create cohesion, to help students from different primary schools build camaraderie and collaboration.”
Schools can choose from two-night, three-day experiences to more extended four-day programs. Activities range from indoor sports and team-building challenges to outdoor adventures that push students beyond their comfort zones.
Each site is managed by dedicated on-site hosts who ensure a personalised experience.
As a non-profit organisation, CY Camps reinvests every dollar into creating meaningful experiences. “We’re not just a business,” Mr Kahn says. “Everything we do is about investing in young people, in their growth and potential.”
To encourage schools to explore these unique experiences, Mr Kahn says CY Camps is offering a special promotion. “We’re happy to provide a discount for schools booking before the end of Term 3. It’s about making these transformative experiences more accessible.”
For school leaders seeking more than a standard camp experience, CY Camps aims to offer something extraordinary. “We’re creating environments where students can challenge themselves, build relationships, and discover their potential,” Mr Kahn says.
For more information on each location, visit www.cycamps.org.au.
