River cruise camp 10 weeks on VETIS school-ship "TS Cocoon"
Getting ready to leave the nest "Time Out" in TS Cocoon
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 waterproof swag/sleeping bag.
- Two sets of clothes and a rain/wind jacket.
- Your 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.
Learning Skills needed for the "time out", full time resident on "TS Cocoon"
Spend the first week 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 of your time using our Avoca log format template.
- 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, who have a very challenging job.
- Vent any anger 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.
Structured Days and Creative Evenings
While officially "At School," Aerie blends coursework with a unique residential experience. Teachers supervise daily work and all time schedules.
- 06:00am - Swim? at least wash
- 6:30 am Brekfast 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"
Family Boats welcome to Cruise in partnership with "TS Cocoon"
Parents are welcome to accompany the voyage in their own boats and join in.
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.