"Fledging" leave home, or school, or need help to rethink.

All young eagles must eventually leave their home nest, like the Murray Valley Sea Eagle. 

Some senior high school students 15-17 have that strong need to leave the nest for many reasons. 

• School gangs teasing.
• Problems at home, family breakup, abuse.
• Conflict with teachers, the need to get away from them.
• Feeling of complete misery, no idea why, just severe depression.

TS Aerie "Time Out School Camp" helps individual students. Individual enrolment from any school is open to all teens 15-18. 

• One term, full time cruising river wilderness, Cocooned in residence on TS Aerie with our skilled teachers and a group 16 unknown others of similar age, mixed sexes, and similar needs, will help you clarity your thoughts and plan your future pathway.
• 16 student berths are available each school term as all share, swag & backpack campers.
• The one concession we accept is single sex showers and toilets. In all other ways you are people.
• Enrolment is through the student counsellor at your school.
• Your school counsellor will help you plan the work required from your school to complete during your TS Aerie "Time out" term. Time Out Teachers will have other "Time Out" tasks for you, including our "Time Out Log" to be completed every day prior to bed time lights out.

Minimalist Packing: Ensure all your essential belongings fit into your backpack: 

• Pack only what you NEED for 10 weeks ..... Take no food. (Provided on the boat)
• Backpack and swag(sleeping bag roll).
• Two sets of clothes and a rain/wind jacket.
• Laptop computer (we can provide one to purchase over time if needed).
• No other luggage. Your phone stays with the teacher; it can be provided for good reason upon request.

Learn the essential Skills needed for the "time out", full time resident on "TS Aerie"

Spend the first week on TS Aerie at Avoca home base to get everything organised.

• Safety First: Participate in comprehensive Risk Assessment training.
• Kayaking Skills: Dedicate at least two hours daily to kayaking with your partner to build essential skills.
• Preparing your personal Log for your time out cruise using our Avoca log format. This will become a regular daily habit.
• Building Team Contribution: Attend to your rostered tasks to the best of your ability, asking for help if you're unsure.
• Positive helping Environment: 
  • Be kind to everyone, especially the teachers. They have a very challenging care job.
  • Vent any anger you may feel on the river water, but always ensure your teachers are aware.
  • Take care of your partner, your teammates, and especially your teachers – you might need them.

While officially "At School," Aerie school ship time blends coursework with a unique residential experience. Teachers supervise daily work and all time schedules.

• 06:00am - Swim? at least wash
• 6:30 am Breakfast setup team roster?
• 8:00 am Breakfast
• 9:00 Start Day program

A typical evening onboard includes:

• 6:00 pm: Dinner, with a rostered team contributing to preparation.
• 7:00 pm: Performance Time! Every evening except Sunday is dedicated to creative expression. Bring your instrument (even a plastic bucket will do!), or simply use your voice to sing, tell a story, or read a poem.
• 9:30 pm: Choir Time – we all sing together to end the evening on a harmonious note.
• 9:45 pm: Personal Log time in your personal space for reflection.
• 10:00 pm: BED, silence, sleep. (Phones remain with teachers).

The end of the 10 week term culminates in a tidy ship and a marina campus party – marking the successful completion of your "Brain reboot"

Parents are welcome to accompany the voyage in their own boats and join in. BUT, Parents must not disrupt the crucial work of our teachers with the students. 

Our highly experienced teachers are dedicated to safely guiding young people through their "fledgling" years, ensuring they emerge as confident, independent adults, happy to return to family.