Activities
The YMCA aims to provide opportunities to explore your full potential and develop your group's teamwork potential through the facilitation of unique outdoor adventure experiences. Our Adventure Program will add an exhilarating level of challenge to your stay with us, resulting in a powerful experience with lasting impact.
Our fully qualified and experienced YMCA instructors will lead you through the following program options:
Giant Swing
Pod
Vertical Challenge
Indoor Climbing Wall
Canoeing
Low Ropes
Bike Education
Spiders Web
Beach Education
Surfing
High Adventure
- A variety of adventure activities that are designed to leave each participant feeling challenged and satisfied.
- High Ropes
- This activity is being constructed during February and March 2006 and will provide individuals with personal and team development, within a supportive group environment. Participants work in small teams on two levels with 8 separate rope activities in pairs or as individuals to successfully negotiate this elevated obstacle course.
- High "Y"
- Part of the high ropes or can be used independently, this team initiative can be used by 2 participants at height, working together to traverse the Y. Suited to secondary and adult groups.
- Giant Swing
- Elevated high above the sports field, the participant is safely suspended in a climbing harness and is pulled to a height of their choice by a team of fellow campers, before they release themselves from the haul rope for an exhilarating swing towards the ocean. The initiative is a great team event as the participant then becomes part of the pull team.
- Pod
- This activity is a variation on the very popular Giant Swing. The participant is safely suspended in a special 'pod' harness designed to give them the 'ride of their life'. Suited to secondary level students and adult groups.
- Vertical Challenge
- This 18 metre high vertical obstacle course is designed to challenge the individual. Two participants climb side by side supporting each other through each challenging element, including, a rope ladder, cargo net, pole climb, and an artificial rock face whilst the belay team on the ground ensure the climbers are safe at all times. The focus of this activity is teamwork and trust.
- Indoor Climbing Wall
- A great all weather option as the activity is indoors. The Climbing Wall is almost 6 metres high. The harnessed climber has the choice of three varying levels - which includes five different climbs - of difficulty to challenge themselves. The activity can be attempted by up to three participants at a time. Secondary students have the option to learn belay skills.
- Bouldering Room
- Another new activity planned for 2006, the Bouldering Room will provide groups the opportunity to participate in low to the ground climbing where the climber can jump back to the ground and a rope and belay are not necessary. The activity involves more sideways traversing than vertical climbing and is a great introduction before climbing at height.
- Canoeing
- Canoeing, especially in the area used in Anglesea, is a great activity for people of all ages. It is conducted at Coogoorah Park, which has a system of canals constructed after the Ash Wednesday fires. The water is very slow flowing and for the most part is reasonably shallow. It is a 15 minute walk from the camp. The camp owns 15 open Canadian Canoes.
- Canoe Survivor Challenge
- Aimed at secondary groups, teams of four set off in time trial format, each team has to negotiate a course with challenges and problem solving along the way "Survivor Style". Points are scored along the way. Primary level challenge also available.
- Rogaining
- Rogaining is a great activity for secondary school groups. Rogaining is point score orienteering. The aim of the activity is to develop skills in map reading, an awareness and appreciation of the unique Anglesea environment, and teamwork skills, the activity gives participants an opportunity to explore the local bush environment and enjoy a new recreation experience.
- Bike Education
- Another new activity planned for 2006, the Bike Education program will teach participants bike handling skills through a series of activities and obstacle course and include basic bike maintenance as well as the opportunity to explore the local environment.
- Skateboarding
- Currently being developed, our program aims to introduce safety and respect for each other and equipment. With our qualified instructors, participants will learn safe skating practices, develop skills, hone and mentor boarding skills.
- Adventure Duathlon
- This is a great activity for people with a high fitness level. This activity gives the participants an opportunity to explore the Anglesea environment and develop a new recreation experience. The aim of the activity is to develop skills in map reading, problem solving, teamwork, basic canoeing and an awareness and appreciation of the unique Anglesea environment.
- Initiatives
- There are eight separate initiatives set amongst the beautiful bush surrounds of the Anglesea Recreation Camp. The initiative problems are a fun and challenging way to get your students involved in activities that enhance qualities such as teamwork, problem solving, communication, leadership and fun.
- Fishing
- Fishing is a great activity, get outdoors, learn about marine life, our environment, and keep it all clean. Participants will practice the environment concept of "catch and release" and learn about responsible recreational fishing practices. Anglesea River is a popular fishing spot from a number of timber platforms along the river. The most common catch is Bream. Fishing Licences can be purchased from the Camp.
- Low Ropes
- The Low Ropes Challenge activity is set in a picturesque bush environment. The course is designed to challenge groups and individuals to go beyond their own expectations, or perceived willingness to try. The course has sixteen linked elements with varying levels of difficulty. Spotting techniques are applied, as each pair supports one another in order to successfully complete the course.
Other Activity Options...
We also provide a number of activities that can be lead by your own group which include:
- Archery
- Use your skills to hit a stationary target using our high quality, entry level recurve bows. A briefing prior to the activity outlines safety and instruction on archery equipment.
- Beach Games
- A series of beach activities can be enjoyed at any one of three locations. Nearby at the river mouth beach, at Main Beach or after a pleasant stroll around to the sheltered Pt Roadknight Beach Activities can include: beach volley ball, beach cricket, sand sculpturing, beach combing, vortex, frisbee.
- Orienteering
- Learn basic map, compass skills to navigate your way through our three courses located around the camp. Choose from different levels of difficulty and find out about our environment along the way.
- Campfire Cooking
- Learn how to set a campfire, safety around the fire and good environmental practices. Cook damper, marshmallows and other yummy treats, then enjoy the taste of campfire food in the great outdoors.
- Parachute Games
- Find out how much fun you can have with a parachute. Parachute games are cooperative, creative, often hilarious way to have fun in groups. Level of activity can be low, moderate or high to suit the needs of all ages and abilities.
Activities for Large Groups
- Beach Carnival
- Participants compete in small teams in this round robin involving Surf Life Saving team-oriented events on the sand. Eg. beach volleyball, flag races, tug-of-war, obstacle course. An active, fun-filled end to any camp program.
- Inverlochy Challenge
- Take yourself back in time when sailing ships were an important form of transport. Sail on the Inverlochy, survive the shipwreck and face a number of challenging tasks, learn about and participate in activities just like the first Australians. Teams compete against each other to complete tasks within a certain time frame, Points are awarded for completion of tasks. Team members must work together to make decisions along the way.
- Bush/Beach Walks
- There are a number of walks in and around Anglesea suitable for all ability levels and age groups. Some of these include - Coal Mine, Pt Addis, Pt Roadknight, Beach Views & Kangaroos. Walks can vary from 20 minutes to 3 hours. Maps are available from the office.
- Coastal walk to Pt Addis
- Enjoy a 5km (1.5hr) journey from Anglesea to Pt Addis along the cliff top walk. Throughout the walk students are exposed to a variety of environmental issues including the health of marine life and heathland. Students are also given the opportunity to learn about coastal vegetation, cliff geology, marine life, bird life and aboriginal history along the way. The walk offers magnificent views as you pass through coastal heathland as well as providing a relaxing opportunity to socially interact with others on the last day of camp. Alternatively, this walk can be done at the start of the camp from Pt Addis to Anglesea. Buses can drop off at Pt Addis and proceed to camp and drop off luggage etc.
Night Time Activities
- Possum Prowl
- Campers can discover a host of nocturnal animals that reside in the bushland surrounding the camp.
- Camp Fire
- Enjoy a sing along, chat or toast marshmallows, or tell some really spooky stories that will make your hair stand on end.
- Star Gazing
- Lie back on the grassy sports oval and gaze up at the starry sky on a clear night. You'll be surprised what you can see. Look for Orion's Belt, the Southern Cross or count the stars in the Milky Way.
- Night Walk
- A reflector trail will guide you on a short walk through bush land adjacent to the campsite; leader's notes are provided, with suggested activities to do along the way.
- Concert
- Always a fun activity for the last night of camp. Can be held in the Recreation Room or Dining Room depending on numbers and can be run on an 'Anglesea Idol' theme.
- Disco
- Socialise and dance the night away in the recreation hall or for large groups in the table tennis room or gymnasium. Spend time making decorations during the day if time permits.
- Trivia Night
- Working in teams, groups must answer questions correctly to gain points. Special novelty activities can earn your team additional points.
More Activity options to choose from
- Groups may also choose to participate in other activities not currently provided by the Camp, through the network of a number of local activity providers in Anglesea. These activities can include, Surfing, Ocean Kayaking, Ocean Snorkeling, Guided Walks and specialised environmental talks, Horse Riding, and Mountain Bike Riding.

