We have three places on the Upper North Shore listed under holiday camps: Windeyer Scout Camp and Crosslands Youth & Convention Centre, both in Berrilee, and Somerset Outdoor Education in Waitara. That is a short list, and we don't yet know the details of each program. This guide tells you what we have and what to ask before you book anything.
The three places
- Windeyer Scout Camp (Berrilee)
- Crosslands Youth & Convention Centre (Berrilee)
- Somerset Outdoor Education (Waitara)
We don't have ages, prices, dates or what's included for any of them. A camp site may run its own programs or may mainly host groups such as scouts or schools, so the first question is whether there is a program your child can join on their own.
What to ask before you book
- Is there a program for children who aren't part of a group, and which ages is it for?
- Is it a day camp, or does it include overnight stays?
- What does the price cover: meals, activities, equipment?
- How many adults look after how many children, and how are staff checked for working with children?
- What is the plan for allergies, medication and bad weather?
- How do you reach your child, and how does drop-off and pick-up work?
Helping a first-time camper
- If your child has not been away from home, a day program is an easier first step than an overnight one, if the organiser offers both.
- Talk through the day beforehand: where they will sleep or rest, what they will eat and who will be in charge.
- Label clothes, hats, water bottles and anything else that could be lost.
- Pack what the organiser asks for. For anything they don't mention, ask.
- Practise anything new, such as using a sleeping bag or carrying a backpack.
Planning around the camp
- Check how you will get to Berrilee or Waitara and how long the trip takes.
- Ask how early you need to book. Camps can fill, and some ask for a deposit.
- Keep the organiser's contact details handy in case you need to pass on a medical or dietary note.
More on the way
We're still adding holiday camps and programs near the Upper North Shore. The events and clubs below are what we have today. For the latest details on ages, costs and dates, check each organiser's own page.
