Frequently asked questions |
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Can I get help with transport to camp and back?
We usually ask attendees from Dunedin and Christchurch (or in between) whether they have spare seats and could help transport people to camp and back. If you email us early, we can see if we can help organize transport for you. This depends on your instrument/luggage so we can’t always promise this!
I’m coming from the North Island; can I get any help with bedding to reduce my luggage costs?
Yes. You can rent bedding from the WBHS hostel and it’ll be there when you arrive at camp. The cost for this is around $10 but is limited in supply so please let us know well in advance. You may like to bring additional blankets if you think you will need more, although there are heaters in all rooms and dorms.
I’m under 18 / my child is under 18, can they still come?
Definitely! One of our focusses for camp is to encourage upskill and encourage attendance for younger players. Every year we have families and younger players playing together. Typically, younger players opt to stay in shared single-sex dormitories as it’s cheaper and more social for them. Each year we appoint two young adults to look after our younger players to make sure they feel included and know what’s going on. We often see younger players return again after their first camp as they enjoyed it so much! Any participant under the age of 14 will need a parent/caregiver onsite with them, and any participant between the ages of 14-16 will need a written declaration from their parent(s) appointing a substitute adult to act as the delegated caregiver at camp - we can help with this if you have questions.
Do I have to audition? I’m not sure I’m at the right level to play…
We don’t hold auditions, no. Our guide is that players should be around Grade 6 or above, but that’s a guide and not a requirement. You can also check the parts for the next concert's works to see the level of difficulty. You can also check our previous years’ programmes to see the level we typically play at. If you’re still unsure, ask us, or your teacher - we want to be as inclusive as possible. And remember, you can practice during the year leading up to camp!
Does the camp have WiFi?
WBHS always provides us with WiFi access during camp, however this is not always reliable. We recommend that you come prepared with data etc, particularly if you need guaranteed internet access, as we can’t promise it will always be available.
Can I pay in instalments? And is there financial assistance?
Yes and yes. If you want to pay in instalments instead of a lump sum, you can do that. Email us and we’ll set this up with you. We also offer full and partial scholarships for camp. Information will be published on our Scholarships page.
I have dietary requirements, will I be accommodated for?
Yes, our catering accommodates a variety of dietary requirements. You can make this known on the enrolment form.
Can I self-cater?
WBHS does not provide facilities for self catering - you are welcome to self-cater but will need to organize that outside of camp.
How can I stay in touch with camp announcements and information?
Our FaceBook page and webpage are updated regularly and act as the two main places for info and updates. We also run a FaceBook event for the upcoming camp. If you don’t have FaceBook, you can always contact us by email. We also send out reminder emails to players leading up to camp.
What free time will there be, and are there planned activities?
Every day has a combination of playing and free time scheduled, alongside regular meals and tea breaks. We want to ensure players get an opportunity to relax, recharge, and to have time to explore Ōamaru during their visit if they want. The committee organizes social events where people can get to know each other (like the annual camp quiz night and annual bike ride), and most evenings are filled with fun opportunities for ensemble sight reading sessions and informal concerts. Every year we hold a ‘big band’ session where players can get together to play some famous charts, and there’s of course, the famous ‘fun concert’ on the final evening, but you’ll have to attend if you want to know more…
We usually ask attendees from Dunedin and Christchurch (or in between) whether they have spare seats and could help transport people to camp and back. If you email us early, we can see if we can help organize transport for you. This depends on your instrument/luggage so we can’t always promise this!
I’m coming from the North Island; can I get any help with bedding to reduce my luggage costs?
Yes. You can rent bedding from the WBHS hostel and it’ll be there when you arrive at camp. The cost for this is around $10 but is limited in supply so please let us know well in advance. You may like to bring additional blankets if you think you will need more, although there are heaters in all rooms and dorms.
I’m under 18 / my child is under 18, can they still come?
Definitely! One of our focusses for camp is to encourage upskill and encourage attendance for younger players. Every year we have families and younger players playing together. Typically, younger players opt to stay in shared single-sex dormitories as it’s cheaper and more social for them. Each year we appoint two young adults to look after our younger players to make sure they feel included and know what’s going on. We often see younger players return again after their first camp as they enjoyed it so much! Any participant under the age of 14 will need a parent/caregiver onsite with them, and any participant between the ages of 14-16 will need a written declaration from their parent(s) appointing a substitute adult to act as the delegated caregiver at camp - we can help with this if you have questions.
Do I have to audition? I’m not sure I’m at the right level to play…
We don’t hold auditions, no. Our guide is that players should be around Grade 6 or above, but that’s a guide and not a requirement. You can also check the parts for the next concert's works to see the level of difficulty. You can also check our previous years’ programmes to see the level we typically play at. If you’re still unsure, ask us, or your teacher - we want to be as inclusive as possible. And remember, you can practice during the year leading up to camp!
Does the camp have WiFi?
WBHS always provides us with WiFi access during camp, however this is not always reliable. We recommend that you come prepared with data etc, particularly if you need guaranteed internet access, as we can’t promise it will always be available.
Can I pay in instalments? And is there financial assistance?
Yes and yes. If you want to pay in instalments instead of a lump sum, you can do that. Email us and we’ll set this up with you. We also offer full and partial scholarships for camp. Information will be published on our Scholarships page.
I have dietary requirements, will I be accommodated for?
Yes, our catering accommodates a variety of dietary requirements. You can make this known on the enrolment form.
Can I self-cater?
WBHS does not provide facilities for self catering - you are welcome to self-cater but will need to organize that outside of camp.
How can I stay in touch with camp announcements and information?
Our FaceBook page and webpage are updated regularly and act as the two main places for info and updates. We also run a FaceBook event for the upcoming camp. If you don’t have FaceBook, you can always contact us by email. We also send out reminder emails to players leading up to camp.
What free time will there be, and are there planned activities?
Every day has a combination of playing and free time scheduled, alongside regular meals and tea breaks. We want to ensure players get an opportunity to relax, recharge, and to have time to explore Ōamaru during their visit if they want. The committee organizes social events where people can get to know each other (like the annual camp quiz night and annual bike ride), and most evenings are filled with fun opportunities for ensemble sight reading sessions and informal concerts. Every year we hold a ‘big band’ session where players can get together to play some famous charts, and there’s of course, the famous ‘fun concert’ on the final evening, but you’ll have to attend if you want to know more…
