Setting out for Ballarat Grammar’s sleep out challenge, Parker admitted he was a little apprehensive about the likely long, cold Friday night ahead.

“I feel like I’ve rugged up enough, but I don’t feel like I could do this every night,” Parker said. “It will be good experience. I think the best way to learn is to put yourself in a situation out of your comfort zone and experience what it’s like, even if simulated. We can feel the cold effects.”

Grammar had 38 students from years nine to 12 sign up for the challenge. In a twist this year, each will donate their bedding used on the night to help the homeless in the Ballarat community.

Each student also has $20 for a trip to the supermarket, so they can purchase essentials to also donate.

Students had a soup kitchen-style dinner before an outdoor screening of documentary Filthy, Rich and Homeless,  following four young Australian socialites spending a night on Melbourne streets.

Sleep was kept rough, with students woken up an moved on with their belongings to other secure, but not heated, locations about campus – not knowing what time or where they would sleep.

Grammar Round Square coordinator Matt Hanlon hoped the experience would leave a lasting, big impact.

“The big thing is about empathy. Empathy is suffering a little,” Mr Hanlon said. “They could wear an expensive North Face jacket and play on their phones, eating lollies and chocolate all night, or they could choose layers and really make the most of the experience. We want them to sign up and be engaged.”

Grampians Homeless Network coordinator Jax Roan hopes to impact a little extra insight into what it really means to be homeless. Ms Roan was guest speaker to launch the sleep out.

“Nobody chooses to be homeless, despite it being a common phrase used,” Ms Roan said. “Our single largest client group is children under-16 accompanying their parents but no-one ever hears about them.”