Online Connect

Online Connect provides young people with a safe and supportive online space to stay connected, build friendships and continue their mental health learning between camps and activity days.

For many young people, regular face-to-face programs aren’t always possible due to where they live or the unique circumstances of their family. Connect helps bridge that gap, ensuring young people can access ongoing support, wherever they are in Australia.

Led by our clinical team, Connect sessions are age-appropriate, engaging and designed to help young people build confidence, strengthen wellbeing skills, ask questions and connect with others who understand what they are going through.

How sessions are run

The sessions are hosted by Kookaburra Kids staff and volunteers and provide a fun, safe and supportive space where young people can connect, express themselves and be heard. Designed to feel very different from an online classroom, Connect sessions are interactive, engaging and follow a similar format to our camps and activity days, combining fun activities, meaningful conversations and mental health education in a relaxed and supportive environment.

Sessions include:

Games

Group Activities

Check-Ins

Peer Connection

Types of Connect Programs

We offer a few different Connect sessions to suit a young person's age and need.

Connect Core (currently part of our Bupa Regenerate program)

Connect Core is our structured wellbeing program. Each week follows a theme and builds important life skills like:

Understanding emotions
Building confidence
Managing stress
Developing friendships.
Nurturing the environment to nurture our mental health.

Connect at Night (part of our Defence Kids program)

Connect at Night is more relaxed and social. Sessions include:

Games
Group activities
Check-ins
Peer connection

It’s designed to keep young people connected between camps and activity days and is best for young people who:

Enjoy casual social sessions
Want to stay connected with peers
Like interactive and fun activities

Connect at Night Age-Based Sessions

Connect Play (Ages 8–10)

Fun, active sessions focused on friendship, confidence and understanding feelings.

Connect+ (Ages 11–13)

Builds social confidence, communication skills and emotional awareness.

Connect Teens (Ages 14–18)

A safe space for teens to connect, talk and learn practical wellbeing skills.

The Riot – Drop-In

Flexible session where young people can log in, play games and hang out in a safe environment.

Connect Games

Team-based games that build communication, teamwork and confidence.

Days and Times

Times are in Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST)

Tuesdays: 6pm Connect Play (8-10); 7pm Connect Games (8-11) occurring weekly
Wednesdays: 5pm The Riot (8-11); 6pm Bupa Regenerate (Core Connect); 7pm The Riot (12+) occurring once a month
Thursdays: 6pm Connect+ (11-13); 7pm Connect Games (8-11)
Fridays: 6pm Connect Teens (14-18); 7pm Connect Games (12-18)

Eligibility

Young people must be aged 8-18 to participate
Connect at Night sessions are available to Defence Kids only. (Must have a parent or primary care giver serving in the Defence Forces or a former serving member (Veteran)
All young people impacted by family mental illness are eligible to participate in Connect Core sessions including Defence Kids.

Online Safety

All online connect programs are hosted by a minimum of 2x staff/volunteers to maintain a safe environment free from harm. No recording of connect sessions is allowed.