2025 Hume Region Joeys STEM & Innovation Camp

The Hume Region Joeys STEM & Innovation Camp is an overnight camp with registration at 12.30pm and runs from 1.30pm Saturday till 2pm Sunday with fun, interactive and exciting activity bases for the Joeys and Parents (who will be placed into “Patrols”).  Each base is run by a District with the theme of “STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) & Innovation”. 

The camp is often the Joey’s first taste of sleeping in a tent in a fantastic bushland setting.  We encourage Joeys to attend the camp without a parent/carer (conditions apply) to promote independence in a safe and caring environment.

Cost is $65 per Joey and $65 per parent/carer (if required to attend) which includes; a camp blanket badge (for Joeys only), all activities, meals and camping fees.  Please note that the first meal provided is afternoon tea on Saturday. 

Leaders are to contact the Scout Event Coordinator at:  helen.brinck@nsw.scouts.com.au directly for their cost and instructions on registering unless, they are attending as a parent/carer of a Joey then, they are to pay as above $65.

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION - Please read all notes below:

Joeys attending

• Joeys are able to attend the camp without a parent as long as they have participated in a “Sleepover” or camp with their Scout Group and they need to be endorsed by their Joey and Group Leader as able to sleep in a tent.
• If your child is unable to sleep in a group tent with other Joeys, please provide a reason via email to Event Coordinator (helen.brinck@nsw.scouts.com.au) at registration - these will be forwarded to NSW Scouts State office for approval.  This is in line with Scouting policy.  Scouting policy aims to encourage our youth to be independent at Scouting activities.  Thank you for your understanding.
• Camp will be setup like last year with “patrol tents” and parent’s tents in a horseshoe out from the patrol tents.  Joeys will be encouraged to sleep in the patrol tents with same gender, i.e. girls in one tent of 4-6 girls and boys in a separate tent of 4-6 boys.
• If Joeys have an adult (one only) parent or carer (18 years+) attend, they are to stay with them for the entire camp.  It is expected that the parent/carer participates in the Joey Scout activities with their Joey - trust us, it's a lot of fun!!

Adults attending

• **ALL PARENTS or CARERS ATTENDING MUST BE SCOUT REGISTERED “ADULT HELPERS” - A WORKING WITH CHILDREN CHECK IS A PREREQUISITE**.   Unsure who will go, it’s suggested both parents apply.
• To obtain a free Working With Children Check (WWCC), apply via following link - it does require you to go to Service NSW centre for ID verification:  https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/apply-for-a-working-with-children-check   
• The Scout Adult Helper application is via the new Scouthub link:  https://www.scoutsnsw.com.au/info-for-volunteers/adult-helpers and click on the blue "Find your closest Scout Group .... etc." button.  After entering your suburb, a map will come up - scroll down the page till you see your Scout Group then click on the blue REGISTER button, select New Member, select Full Member, select Adult Helper then, fill out the remaining information.
• You will be emailed a link confirming request for a Police Check - email must be actioned within seven days!!
• Finally, you must complete the three mandatory online training modules; Child Safe Scouting, Code of Conduct and WHS for Scouting - you will be emailed instructions once registered or visit:  https://login.scouts.com.au/login?service=https%3A%2F%2Ftraining.scouts.com.au%2Fmembers%2Fservice 
• **PLEASE ACTION ABOVE NOW as it takes weeks to complete.**

Camping options

• Camping in tents is strongly encouraged.  Preference is for a small tent however, if you only have a large family tent, or do not have a tent - please discuss with your Leader in case one is available for loan from your Scout Group. 
• For those with exceptional circumstances who are unable to stay in a tent, you will be provided with dormitory style bunk bed accommodation with other families.

Registration

• A Registration link will be sent to all groups and registration is via the Scout Event platform, if you have not used this before you will need to create an account.
• The E-Permission form (emailed to you after registering and paying) is to be submitted for each Joey and any adult attending.  Please ensure medical information and emergency contact details (someone NOT attending the camp) are complete and accurate.  Also you must tick the activities for your child to participate in; Billy Carts - activity to be confirmed, Obstacle Course (including slack lines) - activity to be confirmed, crate stacking (being harnessed up and climbing upwards) - to be confirmed and water-play including slippery slide. 
• If participants are unable to attend camp and advise Event Organiser, maximum refund amount up until 24/10/2025 will be $62 for Joey or Parent/Carer.  Any later withdrawals - any refund will be at discretion of the Event Planning Committee.  
• ***As with all Scout camps - this is an alcohol and drug free event and smoking may only occur in the designated area due to fire risks.***

What to bring

• As the camp is in a bushland environment, appropriate clothing and hats must be worn to protect from the sun and enclosed shoes with socks (above the ankle) should also be worn at all times to prevent injury and minimise risk of insect bites.  Please see the attached suggested camping gear list for Parents and Joeys.
• After dinner on the Saturday, there will be a traditional Scout campfire (subject to weather and bushfire restrictions), so make sure you bring your camp blanket or something warm to wrap up in - preferably wool or wool blend.  Blankets can be purchased from the Scout Shop or you could try a charity clothing store.

We will be following NSW Health Covid safe protocols.  Should you have flu-like symptoms, please stay home and get tested.  

Any queries, please feel free to discuss with your Leader or contact myself at:  helen.brinck@nsw.scouts.com.au   We look forward to seeing you all on camp for our next great adventure!!                                            

Helen (Galah) Brinck, Activity Coordinator