Wembly PS Dad's & Kids 2024 Camping Trip

Welcome to the annual Wembley DOGS camping trip at Baden Powell campsite, Dwellingup. The event is for fathers and father figures and their kids from Wembley Primary School.

We have pre-booked all sites (on this map), meaning very limited spots (2 families per site). Bookings will close once sold out. We also recommend car pooling if you can, particulary as the Parks pass (if you don't have a WA Parks pass) is based on a per car basis, and it will mean less traffic and parking/cars around the campground.

You can choose to come just the Saturday night, or if you are a keen camper then join for Friday and Saturday night and get the most out of the weekend.

Baden Powell Campground

A large campground in the forest with camp kitchens and a walk trail leading to the Murray River. Our camping area has two sheltered camp kitchens with gas barbeques, cold water taps (untreated rainwater), dishwashing sinks, food preparation surfaces, dining tables and benches.

The campground doesn't have drinking water, showers or flush toilets (pit toilets only).

Camping options include freestanding tents & swags, and a small number of caravans & camper trailers (only 3 of the 42 sites allow for camp trailers, all other sites have no vehicle access and are set back from car parking)

More about Baden Powell campsite so you are aware of the facilities that are available (and importantly what is not available) is here: https://parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/site/baden-powell-campground

and a little video to show you around: https://youtu.be/3ayrPQ2iL_Q?si=CQ7Zv6E43BUgAQzV

Event fees:

Dads / father-figures - $25 per per night 

Wembley PS students 6 -12 years - $7 per night
(Children 5 & under are free)

Vehicles - $17 entry fee (for full weekend access); Free for Parks pass holders

The Ranger will be around both days to check vehicles have passes and site's have correct numbers.

Bookings will close once sold out.

What to Bring:

·    You’ll obviously need the basics of tent/swag and some food and drink. There’s also pretty limited fresh water so suggest bringing a few water bottles at a minimum too. Also 2way radio’s (walkie talkies) and torches are handy and good to keep the kids amused.

·       A suggestion for dinner is to do a single pot (like stew or risotto) pre-prepared so when you roll up all you need to do it reheat it. Snags on the BBQ will obviously be a favourite too but remember there’s quite a few of us so you may be waiting to access the small number of BBQ’s in the camp kitchen. Another good food idea is wraps (ham, cheese etc…) which can all be easily thrown in the esky. Mine love coco pops or Nutragrain too, a bit of milk in morning, keeps them occupied while your packing up. Also recommend throwing in a heap of snacks, Hungry kids = Grumpy Kids = Grumpy Dad.

·    There are BBQ’s at the camp kitchen but no stove so keep that in mind. Obviously bring a camp stove if you have one or check anyone you know to borrow one. I’ll bring a camp stove and I know a few others who will too, so there will at least be a few there – but keep that in mind in terms of what food you’re bringing.

·    There is a concrete campfire ring on every site and so DPAW (Dept Parks and Wildlife) are pretty strict about destroying the nearby forest, I strongly suggest you bring your own firewood – a bag from bunnings is easy. Also worth considering Bluetooth speaker, or guitar if you’re able – goes well round the fire. Plus consider ingredients for damper (self-raising flour & water) to make use of the fire and a cheap/easy way to keep the kids amused.

·    First aid kit and knowledge of how to use one would be great. We don’t have any designated first aid officers on-site so for that are medically trained bring along what you have. 

·    Finally, remember there are only pit toilets available so you’ll need to consider giving the kids a hand and worth throwing a spare roll of TP in the car, just in case the rolls supplied are used up too quickly.

Activities:

·    Obviously camping is great because you don’t really need to plan activities. There’s bushwalking nearby and a river about 500 metres away so I’m sure those that get there early (or Friday night) will keep themselves occupied.

Arrival at the Baden Powell Campground:

·    It is likely that Rangers will be manning the entry point to the campground (there is a Rangers hut).  If it is manned, tell them you are with Wembley Dads Group and be prepared to give your name etc.  

·       We will provide the Rangers with our booking sheet with names, total numbers and vehicle registrations which you’ve already paid for so they’ll have this info.

Alcohol

·       This is not an alcohol-free event, but if you choose to have a few drinks, responsible consumption is a no brainer. The focus of this weekend is for you to engage with your children. 

·       Remember that if someone gets injured the nearest hospital is a decent drive, please remember this and ensure someone around you or that you know is capable of driving (if not yourself). Its Murray District Hospital in Pinjarra for those wondering. The nearest 24hrs Emergency Department is Peel Hospital, then Rockingham. 

·       Meeting other Dads is also important and we recognise this but please focus on the kids. There are numerous risks that need to be managed over the weekend and your supervision of your kids is paramount. This includes pit toilet, meals, during the night, etc…

Respect your neighbours

·       Common courtesy prevails gents.  If you are unsure, follow this simple rule: Don’t be a dickhead. Don’t be too noisy late at night or early in the morning. Keep the music down, don’t drink too much or use offensive language. 

·       Be inclusive. Make an effort to chat with some Dads you may not have met before.  Some of us attending have never camped before so if you see a Dad struggling with setting up their camp, offer to lend a hand and be prepared to lend your gear if someone needs something.

Finally – we are privileged to be able to stay in such a beautiful place and it’s with the support of DBCA and subject to doing the right thing. The Dept of Parks and Wildlife obviously know where we are from so, we do not want to have a complaint being lodged from them to the School for bad behaviour.

Any questions, please contact Wembley DOGS organisers at dogswpspandc@gmail.com.