Training Camps

Athletes partake in the July, October, and January training camps which take place at Epworth Camp, Cambridge.

The learning curve is steep and the camps are always very successful from a technical rowing perspective, for team building and crew member's personal growth.

Camps are organised by the Committee and coaches, but we are heavily reliant on parent helpers to assist in a variety of activities. These include car-pooling, trailer transportation, catering, boat maintenance etc. A group of parent helpers are required on site during the course of the camps.

Nutrition for all is a key requirement as training camps can be quite exhausting. All camp attendees are requested to provide their own lunch for the first day and also to bring a container of nutritional home baking that can be used for post training recovery. Catering is provided for all crew members, coaches and parent helpers (staying at camp) for all other days. Special dietary requirements can be accommodated if sufficient notice is provided.

ACCOMODATION

CREW MEMBERS

Crew member accommodation is in single sex dormitory/rooms with some, or all, of their age group crew.  The rooms are treated as bedrooms, where privacy is respected. Boys and girls do not spend time in each other’s dormitory/room.  

Unless otherwise specified, crew members will need to bring their own sheets (preferably fitted bottom sheet) and a duvet/sleeping bag, blanket and pillow.  From a hygiene perspective it is not acceptable to lie on the mattresses without any cover on the mattress!

Rooms can get very hot in the summer and cool in winter, therefore heater/fans may be provided.  

Crew members are responsible for keeping their rooms clean during their stay and clearing and sweeping/vacuuming out their rooms on the day we vacate camp.

The Head Coach and Club President (or Committee Member in Charge) set lights out times. 

PARENTS/SUPPORTERS

Epworth Camp has both powered/non-powered camp sites available for parents/supporters.  These can be booked through our Camps Manager and there will be a cost per night (set by the camp provider) that will be invoiced to you by our Accounts team. We may also have limited dormitory style accommodation available to book - this however, is not guaranteed. Alternatively some parents book into Cambridge Top10 and Air BnB type accommodation nearby.

LAUNDRY

Laundry is usually done each evening by magical “laundry fairies”, also known as parent volunteers. Only training gear is washed, so your athlete will need to ensure they have enough underwear and casual clothing to last for the full camp. (Please note that socks and underwear often get wet, so may need to be changed a couple of times per day.) It is vital that ALL items put in for washing are named as with many athletes it can be quite challenging to ensure laundry is collected by the right people. In fact, name EVERYTHING - despite our best efforts it seems many athletes struggle to maintain a tidy room, so clothes can and do get mixed up.

MEALS 

Meals for crew members are included in fees and prepared onsite by parent volunteers in a commercial kitchen. The menu features fresh vegetables, salads, hearty meals, fruit, and home baking, mostly made from scratch except for high-quality burgers for the first night! Meals fuel athletes for training. Parents/supporters can buy meals at about $25/day, invoiced after camp. At registration, you can choose to have meals provided or self-cater. Meals are eaten together at camp or regatta, always healthy and plentiful. Crew allergies and dietary needs are collected on the registration form. Supporters or siblings with special diets should inform the Camps Manager via the Google Form and bring any needed food. Update any changes with the Club Secretary at secretary@tgsrowing.org.nz.

HOME BAKING

Each crew member is asked to bring home baking for training camps—two batches for longer camps. Baking is used for lunch, snacks, or dessert. Biscuits and slices are preferred as they keep well, but all contributions are appreciated. Please label if nut-free or gluten-free. For transport, ice-cream containers are ideal; label containers if you want them returned to you at the end of the event.

PERSONAL FOOD & DRINK ITEMS

We provide plenty of healthy food, baking, and fruit for snacks between meals however crew members may bring a small amount of snacks, chocolate, flavored milk, recovery drinks, etc. if they so choose. Please pack these with their personal items, clearly labeled, as they must be kept in a shared area (Epworth Camp does not allow food in dorm rooms).

DEVICES

Crew members are allowed to use their devices during the day at break and rest times. Phones will not be permitted in rooms after lights out. We’ve found this provides for better sleep for our crew members.

FIRST AID & ILLNESS

Rowers often get blisters. Each crew member should bring their own blister prevention and treatment kit (see packing list). First aid trained parents and coaches can help with plasters and tape.

Club first aid kits are located at:

  • Bayswater Blue Shed (Committee Room)

  • Camp Kitchen

  • Boat Park

  • Coach/Safety boats (water-proof box with basic supplies, flares, thermal blankets)

  • Erg Shed (basic kit)

Athletes who are sick cannot attend camp to prevent spreading illness. If an athlete gets sick at camp, parents must pick them up quickly. We will care for them in a quarantine room until then.

CAMP SCHEDULES

The camp schedule will be posted in several places around camp. Crew members and parents should know the schedule. Crew members must be where they need to be at the right time. Returning rowers may already know this, but new rowers might need help. Parents can encourage their rower to be on time with the right gear.

All athletes must wear a hat on the water and bring their own drink bottle. Drink bottles should not be shared.

Athletes stay at camp all day and night, with busy days full of on-water training, eating, land training, fun activities, and rest time.

PARENT PARTICIPATION

Camps are run by Coaches and the TGSRC Committee, but rely on parent help. An email with a SignUp link will be sent before each camp to register for duties.

  • Transport: Drivers and carpools needed for boats, food, and equipment.

  • Kitchen: Daily roster for food prep, serving, dishes, and cleaning (at least one duty per parent per day). Roster posted in the kitchen.

  • Laundry: Coin-operated machines ($1/$2). One or two parents wash training clothes. Rowers may be asked to bring gold coins (info will be in camp details).

  • Catering: Help may be needed loading/unloading food and equipment at Bayswater before and after camp.

Note: If you can’t do your assigned duty, arrange a swap – don’t leave the roster short.

EPWORTH CAMP FACILITIES 

Epworth is set on 10 acres beside the Waikato River, with 2 acres of water frontage. Crew stay in dorms, while parents/supporters are welcome to camp.

  • Mobile/WiFi: Coverage has improved and most providers now get reception. WiFi can be purchased. Contact numbers will be shared before camp for urgent needs.

  • Swimming Pool: Use must be arranged and supervised by coaches. Families must supervise their own children (over 16). Ask the Head Coach or TIC before use.

  • Access: If staying upstairs in the main lodge, use the back kitchen stairs to reach the pool, lower field, or river (downstairs is usually occupied by another rowing club).

  • Gym: Often set up with erg machines. Open for all unless rowers are training.

  • Showers/Toilets: Two blocks each for boys/men and girls/women. No swapping.

  • Dining Hall: Parents may use anytime. If upstairs, avoid dragging chairs after 9pm (to respect groups below).

  • Laundry: Located downstairs with coin-operated washers/dryers ($1/$2).

  • Chiller: Available for personal food (must be named and bagged).

  • River: No swimming allowed. Always disinfect and dress cuts after rowing.