Collingwood will descend on country Victoria next week as the club takes part in a two-day Community Camp in Ararat and Stawell.

35 players will make the trip, with a number of activities planned to engage with members of the local community.

The travelling party will include captain Scott Pendlebury and Brownlow Medallist Dane Swan, as well as recently acquired duo Jeremy Howe and James Aish.

Simon Lethlean, the AFL's General Manager Game and Market Development, says Community Camps are an important way for players to give back to local communities.

"More than ever before, we are seeing players drafted from all corners of Australia so it’s important that the next generation get the chance to meet their heroes and maybe even take part in an AFL super clinic run by them,” Lethlean said in December.

"But overall, the most important people in our game are no doubt the fans and the camps are a chance for the clubs and players to recognise the support they receive first-hand."

Few players will feel as familiar in their surroundings north-west-north as defender Nathan Brown.

Ballarat-local Brown recently married his fiancée Liana in his hometown and will have another family occasion on Tuesday night when he attends a Women in Football dinner hosted by his mother in Ararat.

Other activities on the camp will include school visits, a trip to Stawell Hospital and a Tuesday morning super clinic.

2016 Community Camp schedule

Tuesday 9 February

  • 1.00pm – Super Clinic, Stawell (various schools)
  • 1.00pm – Stawell Hospital visit
  • 1.00pm – Eventide Retirement Home visit, Stawell
  • 3.30pm – Meet and Greet session, Central Park Stawell
  • 6.00pm – Training clinics, Ararat (various local clubs)
  • 7.00pm – Women in Football dinner, Community Centre Alexandra Oval, Ararat (invitation only)

Wednesday 10 February

  • 10.30am – Super clinic, Alexandra Oval, Ararat
  • 11.30am – Meet and Greet session, Alexandra Oval, Ararat