Preparations Packing and Equipment

PREPARATIONS, PACKING AND EQUIPMENT

For Term 4 2025, we are trialling all students packing their belongings into 2-3 x Ikea FRAKTA 'trunk for trolley' bags (or similar) to reduce the space required to store large suitcases.

To ensure that each student’s participation on the Vision Valley Residential Program is safe and successful, a Packing List (screenshot below) has been prepared and should be followed closely as it details clothing and personal equipment required. As part of the program, a custom branded uniform will be supplied to each student, issued by our equipment partner, Equipped Outdoors. Students will have a uniform fitting in the term preceding their attendance. The labelled Uniform Package for each student; includes the items noted below; and will be delivered direct to Vision Valley for the start of your selected Residential Program:

• Fleece jumper with branding

• Thermals top and bottom

• 2 x Long Sleeve Shirts with branding

• Wide Brim Hat with branding

• Zip Off Hiking Pants – lightweight, quick dry

• 2 x 1 litre Water Bottles

When considering personal clothing for the program ensure it is practical for outdoor wear and easy to launder. Please note that crop tops, tanks and singlets, sleeveless shirts and short shorts are not appropriate for the nature of the program and students who choose to wear clothing of this nature will be asked to change. The Pymble sports shirt, shorts, trackpants and top are suitable for the Residential Program, and are encouraged, however the Athletics / Cross Country Tank and Crop Top are not appropriate for Vision Valley.

Hiking boots are an important part of personal clothing, not only for expedition use while on program, but can also be worn on a daily basis throughout the valley stay. If your child does not already have hiking boots which can be used on program, we strongly recommend purchasing and wearing in prior to starting the program.

When packing for the program, do not include any valuable items and please ensure every item is clearly labelled. This helps with laundry and when items invariably go astray. Items such as the sleeping bag and sleeping mat will be used on the offsite expeditions and the 24-hour solo so it is important that they are lightweight and not bulky, as students will need to carry these in their hiking backpack.

Specialist equipment required for the Residential Program offsite expeditions will be supplied to students by Pymble Ladies’ College on loan for the program and will be issued on arrival. This includes:

Hiking backpack                        

Backpack waterproof liner             

Rain jacket                                     

Rain pants

Gaiters 

Tent (2-3 single-sex share)  

Cooking stove (3-4 share)                                  

Other expedition safety and group equipment

Should you need to purchase any equipment for the program, you may find the items available from our supplier, Equipped Outdoors, helpful – all items are high quality and available at a good discount. Any gear ordered through Equipped will be delivered to Vision Valley directly with students' issued uniform.

The Residential Program is an extension of school and rules regarding jewellery, makeup, hair and nails apply at Vision Valley. Students may wear one small stud in their lower earlobe if there ears are pierced. Necklaces, bracelets and bangles are not appropriate in a bush setting and should be left at home. Students with long hair must have this tied back at all times. Makeup, fake tan and nail polish are not permitted at Vison Valley and will be confiscated if brought to campus. Students who present with anything not permitted at school will be asked to remove this.

Please remember too that mobile phones and smart watches are not permitted on program as well as devices such as iPads, laptops, iPods, MP3. E-book readers are permitted if that is your preferred option for personal reading.