For Stress-Free Camp Experiences
Every Detail Covered, Every Need Met
Planning a school camp should be simple. We understand your time is limited and coordinating schedules, activities and safety requirements can feel demanding. That is why our coordinators work closely with you to design a smooth, curriculum-aligned program that suits your learning goals. Whether your focus is teamwork, leadership or hands-on educational outcomes, we deliver safe, engaging and affordable programs that make learning enjoyable. With comfortable accommodation, reliable catering and expert-led activities, we give teachers a stress-free experience and students a camp they will remember.
OUtdoor Education for the Classroom
We link camp activities to the Victorian Curriculum, giving students the chance to problem-solve through adventure-based learning, building real-world skills and create lasting memories along the way.
Stress-Free Camp Planning for Teachers
We take the workload off your plate with personalised program planning, risk assessments and transport coordination, while our purpose-built portal makes it easy to manage dietary needs, room assignments, medical details and communication.
Comfortable Stays with catered meals
Our accommodations for students, teachers and school staff are designed for comfort and connection, offering plenty of space to relax and recharge. Enjoy delicious, nutritious meals prepared fresh onsite, so your group can focus on what truly matters—time together.
Action-Packed Activities On Site with major attractions nearby
From flying foxes and giant swings to archery, ropes courses and team challenges, there is always something exciting happening across the site. Nearby, beaches and local township within strolling distance & wildlife conservatories in short driving distances.
Positive School Camp Experiences
An Unforgettable School Camp Experience
At CYC The Island, we provide an environment where students can grow socially, emotionally and intellectually through hands-on, engaging camp activities. Our programs are designed to be educational, fun and safe, offering students an opportunity to challenge themselves while learning valuable life skills.
We take the stress out of camp planning. From crafting personalised itineraries to managing transportation and planning local excursions, our team handles every aspect, ensuring your camp runs smoothly. Whether you’re organising a first-time camp or an annual retreat, we’re here to support you every step of the way, making the experience enjoyable and rewarding for both students and educators.
Easier School Camp Planning
Simplified School Camp Planning for Your Group
We know that organising a school camp can be challenging, especially when it comes to the administration: allocating rooms, managing dietary needs and addressing medical requirements. CYC The Island have simplified the process with our intuitive self-service portal. Now, teachers and school administrators can easily upload necessary details and access key documents such as risk assessments and compliance forms.
Our dedicated staff works directly with your group leader to ensure your specific learning objectives are met. Through expert-led outdoor education activities, we tailor each program to enhance and support your school’s curriculum.
We’re excited to collaborate with you in crafting an unforgettable experience for both you and your students.
Fantastic School Camp Accommodation & Facilities
Comfortable Lodgement with Wide Active Spaces
Located on 2.5 hectares of landscaped gardens in the heart of Cowes, CYC The Island is designed to host school groups in an all‑inclusive setting. Larger groups can book the whole site while smaller groups can choose from 2 separate areas, the Seafarer Site and our Mariner Site. Both have their own separate space for dining, accommodation and recreation, with only the Indoor Rec Hall and Outdoor Activities that need to be shared. Click on resources below for the site map.
Modern Ensuited Guest Rooms
Centrally heated, lodge-style rooms with sturdy bunks, private bathroom in a comfortable layout
Multiple Function & Breakout Rooms
Flexible indoor spaces available across the site for presentations, small-group sessions or workshop-style programmes
Indoor Auditorium & Gymnasium
A full-size indoor gym hall with a climbing wall, ideal for large-group activities, assemblies, indoor sports or rainy-day programs
Extensive Decking Areas
Deck and verandah areas around lodges and common buildings give campers relaxed, outdoor-ready spaces to gather, socialise or reflect
Sports Ovals
Well-maintained grass ovals that offer plenty of open space for sports, group games and team challenges
Campfire & BBQ Facilities
Outdoor fire-circle and BBQ setups allow groups to enjoy a meal cooked on an open fire and an outdoor gathering in natural surrounds
Catering Service
CYC’s in-house catering prepares full, hearty meals for large groups that cater to various dietary needs
Self-Catering Kitchen & Dining Areas
For smaller groups or self-managed stays, we have spaces for you to prep & enjoy your own meal
Variety of On-Site Activities
Extensive active spaces including a solar-heated 20 metre swimming pool, low-ropes course, giant swing, flying fox, archery, abseiling tower, the circatron and both indoor & outdoor sports options
CATERING & FOOD FOR YOUR SCHOOL CAMP
Eat Like an Islander
At CYC The Island, we pride ourselves on providing delicious, nutritious meals for all school camp guests, including those with special dietary needs. We work with you every step of the way to create a menu that’s both healthy and energising. After all, kids with food puts them in the mood.
It All Starts with You!
You tell us about your group’s dietary requirements, allergies and preferences. Our team takes care of the rest, ensuring each meal suits every student’s needs.
Planning Your Meal Experience
Our catering team collaborates with your group leaders to design a menu that meets specific dietary requests. We’re ready to accommodate all food restrictions, including vegetarian, gluten-free and more.
Keeping Meals Tasty and Safe
Upon arrival, we meet with your group leader to confirm meal plans and check for any last-minute dietary updates. We ensure all meals are prepared with strict adherence to food safety standards.
Enjoy Your Meal
CYC The Island offers nutritious, hearty meals served in our spacious dining hall. Enjoy group meals that are designed to energise, from breakfast to dinner and fuel the fun activities that keep everyone excited and active.Resources for School Camp Planning
Get All the Key Info Here
Explore the key resources that will guide you in planning a seamless school camp experience at CYC The Island. From accommodation layouts to safety policies, our comprehensive resources ensure that every detail of your camp is covered.
teachers Resources
parent Resources
Site Risk Management Plan
activities risk management plans
General Activity Hazards
HIGH ELEMENT ACTIVITIES
Low ELEMENT ACTIVITIES
Our students came back from CYC The Island absolutely buzzing. The camp staff handled everything from activities to mealtimes with such professionalism that our teachers actually got to enjoy the experience too!"
As a teacher of 20+ years, I’ve been to a lot of camps. CYC The Island stands out for its incredible balance of safety, adventure and heart. The students grew in confidence every single day.”
Our school has already rebooked for next year. The facilities are spotless, the activities are engaging and the staff genuinely care about students feeling included.”
I usually don’t like being away from home, but The Island made it feel like an adventure. Now I can’t wait to come back in high school.”
The food was amazing, the cabins were nice and the beach was my favourite part. I wish camp lasted longer.”
I was really nervous about camp, but the staff were super kind. By the end of the first day, I felt like I belonged.”
Watching our Year 7s conquer the giant swing was a highlight of the year. The staff empowered every student to have a go, no pressure, just encouragement.”
CYC The Island feels like a place where students rediscover joy. Being outdoors, away from screens and surrounded by supportive staff made such a positive impact.”
School Camp FAQs
How Does The Island Support School Groups?
Discover the CYC difference.
Nestled in Cowes, CYC The Island offers the perfect balance of adventure, reflection and connection. It’s a place where students can step outside the classroom, build confidence and strengthen teamwork in a supportive environment. From lake-based activities and initiative challenges to relaxed evenings around the campfire, every moment is designed to inspire learning, friendship and fun. With modern facilities and an experienced team taking care of the details, teachers can focus on what truly matters — helping students grow, connect and create lasting memories.
We know organising a camp can be overwhelming, which is why our custom-built MYCYC portal does the heavy lifting for you. Easily manage dietary needs, room allocations, schedules and communications in one place, so you can focus on your group, not the paperwork.
Safety is our top priority. Each camp is fully compliant with risk management standards and all necessary documentation is available in your portal. Plus, our site staff work closely with you to ensure a safe and well-organised experience for everyone.
Schools are requested to supply at least one water qualified staff person to supervise the pool activities. However if this is not possible, arrangements can be made in advance for CYC Limited staff, or outside providers (at an additional cost) to supervise the pool. A minimum of two staff and a ratio of 1- 10 is the minimum required.
Our MYCYC portal makes managing dietary restrictions and meal planning simple. With real-time access, you can update guest information, communicate directly with our site staff and ensure every participant’s needs are met—seamlessly and stress-free.
You’re never on your own! Our staff will ensure every detail is handled with expertise and care. We’ll be with you every step of the way.
Depending what size your group is, there is a chance you will share the site with another school group.
Program: Each group has their own host, seperate activity program and activity groups. They will at times share common areas during free time, such as play spaces and the dining room.
Dining: Your group will have a designated seating area and seperate servery. Our dining hosts facilitate main meals in the dining room to ensure there is clear instruction and flow. This ensures teachers have time to eat and an opportunity for a break.
Accomodation: Your group will have seperate accommodation areas that will allow for supervision of your students.
Luggage: Your group will have designated luggage zones for drop off and pick up via bus.
Rest assured this process is well managed by site staff.
Our campsites are designed for comfort, convenience and adventure, offering spacious group accommodations, fully catered meals and a range of onsite activities—so everything you need is in one place.
With activities like the Low Ropes Course, Flying Fox, Water Action Tower, Mountain Boarding and Archery, students can challenge themselves and build confidence. While team sports like basketball, volleyball and canoe races—including a lake play area – help build teamwork and leadership skills.
We encourage camp coordinators to visit and explore the facilities firsthand, ensuring the space meets your group’s needs and giving you peace of mind before your camp begins.
CYC is a Christian organisation and our core ministry focuses on faith-based Holiday Camps during school holidays. However, when hosting schools, corporate retreats, sports teams, or special interest groups, we are fully respectful of different beliefs and do not preach or provide religious instruction unless specifically requested by the group.
Our focus for all groups is to provide exceptional camp experiences in a welcoming and inclusive environment, ensuring that everyone enjoys their time without pressure or expectations around faith. If you have any concerns, we encourage an open conversation to tailor your camp experience to suit your group’s needs.
While instructors have the technical knowledge and expertise to instruct students, teachers/guest group leaders continue to have the responsibility for the general safety and welfare of the students/guests, even when they do not directly provide the actual instruction.
All mowing and land-care vehicles and machinery are required to stay and work at a safe distance from any guest group. Activity instructors, guests and teachers are encouraged to approach any offending machinery and request staff to move it away from the activity area.
This would fall under part of each facility’s emergency plan. All campers are made aware of the emergency evacuation procedures upon arrival at camp. Refer resource page.
All CYC Ltd facilities have an accreditation approved emergency plan for many contingencies. Refer resource page.
While instructors have the technical knowledge and expertise to instruct students and other guests, the teachers/group leaders continue to have the responsibility for the general safety, welfare and behaviour, at all times.
Each CYC facility has a 24-hour caretaker or assistant who lives on site.
Every CYC Limited facility and site is accredited by the Australian Camping Association (ACA) via the ATAP program and the National Accommodation, Recreation and Tourism Accreditation (NARTA). Both these accreditation bodies are recognised by the Victorian Education Department.
All sites hold current local Health Department certificates for Prescribed Accommodation and Registration of Food Premises.
Connect with Our Camp Coordinator
GET IN TOUCH WITH US
Contact us today and let us help you create a memorable, fun & educational camp experience.
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Explore CYC’s incredible campsites and create unforgettable experiences full of adventure, faith, and community. Book your spot today!
