Young Shedders
Overnight Camp FAQ
General Questions
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The Young Shedders Overnight Program is designed for children aged 9–12 who are ready for a more independent and immersive outdoor experience.
It is particularly suited for children who are curious, open to new experiences, and ready to take a step forward in confidence and responsibility.
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The overnight experience is designed to help children build a deeper connection to themselves, others, and the natural world.
Through shared experiences and time spent outdoors, children develop confidence, resilience, and a stronger sense of belonging within a community.
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At The Shed, every experience is purposefully designed. This is not just an overnight stay — it is a structured learning journey, guided by our ME, WE, US philosophy.
Each activity is intentional, helping children reflect, collaborate, and understand their role within a wider community and environment.
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The Shed’s overnight camps offer immersive outdoor adventures designed to be both meaningful and memorable.
Children will take part in a balance of exploration, collaboration, and reflection — from hiking and discovering the natural environment, to working together through team challenges and shared responsibilities. They will experience simple, hands-on moments such as sleeping in tents, cooking meals over campfires and BBQs, and gathering for group reflections or storytelling.
Daytime
A typical day is thoughtfully structured to create both rhythm and variety. Mornings begin with gentle wake-ups, followed by shared breakfast preparation and a group circle to set the tone for the day.Afternoons are filled with active, hands-on experiences — from exploration hikes and nature-based projects to activities such as climbing, water play, building, or farming.
Evening
Evenings slow down into more reflective, community-focused moments. Children come together for a family-style dinner, followed by campfire activities, storytelling, or quiet reflection, before winding down for rest. Throughout the experience, mentors provide consistent guidance and check-ins to ensure every child feels supported.Through this journey, children are gently guided to connect with the outdoors, build meaningful relationships, and grow in confidence and independence.
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Our overnight camps take place in different locations depending on the season, allowing us to provide the most comfortable and appropriate experience for children.
During the cooler months our camps are held in Mong Tung Wan, Lantau Island, where children can explore the island’s beaches, forests, and natural surroundings, and experience a more immersive outdoor stay in yurts (wild camping).
In the summer months, due to the warmer weather, overnights are held at Saiyuen Camping Grounds in Cheung Chau, where children will sleep in air conditioned safari tents, offering a more comfortable setting while still maintaining a strong connection to the outdoors.
Readiness & Wellbeing
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Consider your child’s maturity, ability to follow instructions, and comfort being away from home. We encourage having an open conversation with them beforehand to address any questions or concerns.
A sense of excitement and willingness to participate is often a good indicator they are ready for the experience.
If your child has separation anxiety or specific needs, please let us know — we’re happy to work with you to ensure they feel supported and comfortable throughout the overnight.
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Homesickness is a natural part of the experience. Our mentors provide patient, one-on-one support, helping children feel connected and reassured so they can move through the feeling and regain confidence.
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We first focus on supporting and guiding the child through the moment, as most children settle with time and encouragement.
If needed, we will keep parents informed and work together on the best approach, always prioritising the child’s wellbeing.
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We create a strong sense of familiarity through clear routines, small group bonding, and shared experiences. Our mentors are attentive and proactive, ensuring every child feels welcomed, included, and at ease from the very beginning.
Accommodation and Meals
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Saiyuen, Cheung Chau
Children will sleep in air conditioned safari tents. Each sleeping space will have its own mattress, blankets and pillow and each tent has its own allocated shower and toilet facilities
Mong Tung Wan, Lantau Island
Children will sleep in gender-segregated yurts, with girls and boys in separate tents, accommodating up to six children per yurt.Mentors stay in nearby tents, ensuring they are always close by and easily accessible should any child need support during the night.
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Children are asked to bring their own lunch on the first day, and are welcome to pack additional snacks for the duration of the camp.
Food is an important and joyful part of every Shed experience — especially during our overnight programs. Shedders play an active role in designing, preparing, cooking, and sharing meals together. Mealtimes are something children truly look forward to, with a focus on simple, healthy, and nourishing food.
Dinner will be provided on Thursday, with breakfast and lunch included on Friday.
Parents are welcome to pack extra snacks for both days if needed.
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Both locations — Saiyuen Camping Ground (Cheung Chau) and Mong Tung Wan (Lantau Island) — are equipped with permanent facilities, including indoor bathrooms, private hot showers, and outdoor rinse areas for after water activities. Kitchen facilities are also available for meal preparation.
Each site has access to fresh water and electricity, ensuring comfort throughout the stay. Fresh water refill stations are readily available for Shedders to fill up their water bottles.
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Please let us know about any dietary, medical, or other special needs when registering. Our staff will work with you to accommodate requirements and ensure your child's comfort and well-being at camp.
Logistics and Preparation
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We will provide a detailed packing list closer to the program date.
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Pick up and drop off for the Overnight Program to Saiyuen, Cheung Chau and Mong Tung Wan, Lantau Island will be at (Central Ferry Pier 5 to Cheung Chau).
• Drop-off: 8:15AM
• Pick-up: 4:30PM
📍Central Pier No. 5 (To Cheung Chau) -
Shedders are required to have their own Octopus card topped up ready to go for use on the Public Ferry.
All other transportation will be covered by The Shed.
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The Shed is always monitoring the weather and will feedback to all families regarding potential bad weather and its impact it may have on a program.
In the case of inclement weather please refer to our Enrollment, T&C’s and Bad Weather Policy for specific instructions on actions to take during bad weather.
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The Shed has a clear No Technology policy as an important aspect of all Shed programs is to build connections with others and practice the act of being present. To help achieve this The Shed asks that no mobile phones, smart watches or any other electronic devices are sent with a child for any programs.
For more details please see our technology policy here.
Safety, Health & Supervision
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We maintain a low mentor-to-child ratio (minimum 1:6) to ensure each child receives close attention, guidance, and supervision throughout the experience.
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Our camps maintain a low staff-to-camper ratio of 1:6, with experienced outdoor educators and counselors overseeing all activities.
Campers are never left unsupervised, and safety is our top priority.
For the overnight portion of the program, there will always be one male and one female mentor on duty and available to assist and supervise campers throughout the program period.
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All mentors are trained in first aid and CPR, enabling them to respond promptly to any injuries or health concerns with care and professionalism.
Our team undergoes training in child safeguarding, protection, and risk management, ensuring a safe and well-managed environment at all times.
Many of our mentors have a teaching background or extensive experience working with children, and where relevant, bring specialised training or experience related to the activities they lead — allowing them to guide children with both confidence and expertise.
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Children will wear personal flotation devices (PFDs) during water-based activities, which are closely supervised by our mentors.
For activities such as stream scrambles and beach swims, PFDs can be provided if needed, though they are not required.
Our team is trained in first aid and emergency response, and carries appropriate safety and rescue equipment. We maintain a minimum 1:6 mentor-to-child ratio to ensure close supervision at all times.
All mentors are trained to follow The Shed’s emergency procedures and evacuation protocols, ensuring a safe and well-managed environment throughout.
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We have a health center with trained medical professionals to assess and treat minor issues.
Our mentors are trained in first aid and CPR and can respond promptly to minor injuries or health concerns.
For more serious situations, we have clear protocols in place to access medical support and emergency services if needed. Parents will always be informed promptly of any significant concerns.
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We have clear emergency protocols in place. Our team is trained to respond quickly and appropriately, including accessing medical support if needed. Parents will always be contacted promptly in the event of any significant concern.
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We take a proactive and dynamic approach to risk management — continuously monitoring weather conditions, the environment, and each child’s wellbeing. Activities are adapted as needed to ensure safety at all times.
Based on risk assessments all participants will wear appropriate safety equipment based on the relevant activity.
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The health and safety of all our participants is of utmost importance. If your child requires any medication, whether prescribed or over-the-counter, during their time at The Shed, we are happy to assist with administration.
For any medication please ensure it packaged in a zip lock bag that is clearly labeled with instruction on how to administer. Any requirements to take medication must be clearly communicated to The Shed’s admin team and lead mentors. Please ensure these details are stated when completing your child’s registration form.
Communication
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Before the commencement of the program all family members will be invited to join a WhatsApp group chat that will be used to communicate critical details and daily updates regarding the Young Shedders program.
Once the program begins lead mentors will regularly share updates, photos and content here to keep everyone up to date with their Shedders progress.
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We appreciate that sometimes it can be harder for the families to be away from their child than it is for the child to be away from their families.
For any messages please reach out to the lead mentor via the group chat or privately. Should further communication be required this can be arranged on a case by case basis.

