Our Programs
Building mental health understanding through connection and activity
Young people growing up in families impacted by mental illness often carry things that are hard to explain, and even harder to share.
Kookaburra Kids programs give them space to understand what’s going on, meet others who get it, and feel like they’re not the only one.
Everything we do is built around connection, activity and simple, practical ways to understand mental health.
Camps
Camps run from Friday to Sunday and give young people time away from everyday pressures.
They might spend the day doing activities like outdoor challenges, games or creative sessions, and the evening connecting with others who have similar experiences.
Along the way, they learn:
- what mental health is and how it shows up
- ways to manage big feelings
- how to ask for help when they need it
Activity Days
Activity Days are relaxed, social and fun.
Young people catch up with others in their group and do activities like bowling, skating or beach days, while building confidence and staying connected between camps.
These days help:
- strengthen friendships
- keep conversations going
- reinforce skills in a low-pressure way
Online Connect
Connect sessions happen online in small groups.
They’re a simple way for young people to stay in touch, build friendships and keep developing skills between in-person programs.
Sessions focus on:
- staying connected to peers
- building confidence to speak up
- strengthening help-seeking behaviours
Programs with Specialty Focus Areas
Alongside our core programs, some program streams are designed around particular experiences, interests or themes. While all programs support young people to build confidence, connection and wellbeing, each stream offers a slightly different focus or approach.
These programs continue to provide the same supportive Kookaburra Kids experience, helping young people better understand mental health, connect with others who understand, feel less alone and build skills to support their wellbeing.
What It’s Like – So Much Fun!
What young people get out of it
At Kookaburra Kids we integrate mental health education with fun recreational activities for young people 8–18 years living in a family impacted by mental illness. Across all programs, young people:
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- learn what mental health means (in a way that makes sense to them)
- meet others who understand their experience
- build confidence and feel less alone
- develop skills to ask for help when they need it
Who it’s for
Kookaburra Kids supports young people aged 8–18 who are growing up in families impacted by mental health challenges. All programs are free for attendees.
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- young people aged 8–18
- families impacted by mental health challenges
- all programs are free
“KK has given me better understanding of mental illness, a group of friends who are always there to talk to and will understand”
"Please can I come again, it was so much FUN"
"Camp acted as an escape, leaders were role models and gave me plenty of resources specifically relating to my father’s illness and how to deal with it."
"This is the first time I have been able to talk to someone who understands about my mum’s bipolar disorder, I have a new friend and I am not alone anymore, thanks Kookaburra Kids"
"This is the best weekend I have ever had in my whole life, I can’t wait until the next camp”
“Volunteering with Kookaburra Kids gives me the opportunity to be a big kid. I love having the opportunity to see the young people grow and smile during the different activities and camps”.
Dee
“I volunteer with Kookaburra Kids as a way to give back to the community I get to see first hand the impact our programs have on young people and their families. I also love to have fun with them”.
Emma
Upcoming Programs
Bupa Online Connect
- Australian Wide -Online - 6pm AEST, NSW
Nunyara Camp SA
- to
- Adelaide South, SA
Virginia Park Station Camp QLD
- to
- Dotswood, QLD
Refer a Young Person
All young people must be referred to Kookaburra Kids to be eligible to participate in programs.
Once registered as a Kookaburra Kid (via the referral form on our website), participants can select and register for events through our online booking system
Frequently Asked Questions
Is safety and security a high priority for Kookaburra Kids?
YES! Our very highest priority!
- All camps, activity days and connect programs are staffed by trained Kookaburra Kids staff and volunteers.
- Kookaburra Kids staff and volunteers are required to complete and maintain a working with Children check.
- Kookaburra Kids staff and volunteers are required to complete and maintain a national police check.
- Kookaburra Kids staff conduct safety checks and risk assessments at all activity locations.
I don’t want my work to know I have registered my young person for Kookaburra Kids programs. Who will know I have registered my young person?
- All personal details are collected and securely stored by Kookaburra Kids .
- Details of families are strictly confidential and not shared with any third parties.
- Surveys completed after programs help us measure outcomes and provide evidence to assist with funding so we can keep delivering more amazing programs.
- All reports back to third parties are de-identified. No names or personal details are given out. No young person or family can be identified.
Do staff have first aid training?
- Kookaburra Kids staff undergo ongoing first aid training.
- Full first aid kits are carried at all times.
- Full medical history of young people are taken on registration and kept up to date and care plans recorded.
- Clinical staff are responsible for overseeing and administering medication to young people during camp.
- For young people who take regular prescribed medication, we request that it be supplied in a Webster-pak for ease and accuracy during camp.
- Click here for more information on Webster-paks and how much it will cost.
- Kookaburra Kids can assist families by guiding them on how to arrange a Webster-pak with their pharmacy and can also reimburse associated costs.
- An Kookaburra Kids clinical staff member are always on call on activity days.
- An Kookaburra Kids clinical staff member attends every camp.
How will my young person get to programs?
- Kookaburra Kids only use busses provided by large professional bus companies driven by qualified drivers who hold up to date code of conduct and risk assessment certification.
- Kookaburra Kids do not use single car transport or services like uber/taxi’s for transporting young people.
- Kookaburra Kids staff and volunteers do not transport young people in any transports including minibuses or private vehicles.
- Kookaburra Kids supervise young people while being transported.
- Kookaburra Kids conduct safety checks and risk assessments on pickup and drop off locations.
Where will my young person be picked up from?
- Kookaburra Kids do not pick up individual young people.
- Pick up radius is determined by how far families are willing to travel to meet the bus Kookaburra Kids is providing.
- Kookaburra Kids run a bus from a designated pickup point to the full day activity day or camp location.
- Should an activity day or camp is be run in an area where most of the attendees live, we may not run a bus. In this instance, parents will need to pick up and drop off.
- Kookaburra Kids does not provide transport for short activity days, parents will need to pick up and drop off.
Are programs broken down into age groups?
- Camps are held for either primary school or high school ages young people.
- Activity days are broken into primary school or high school ages young people. Age groups may be combined if registration numbers are low in a certain location.
- Connect sessions are broken down into many different age groups so content is age appropriate.
How much does the program cost?
- Programs are all free to families.
Who is eligible to register for Kookaburra Kids programs?
- Any young person living in a family impacted by mental health concerns can register provided funding is available.
Does a family member need to have a medically diagnosed mental illness for their young people to register to attend Kookaburra Kids programs?
NO
- Programs are available to all young people who live in a family where a family member has a mental illness.
- Young people living in families that have a member of the family experiencing Anxiety, depression, PTSD and any other mental health concerns; diagnosed or not can apply to register for programs.
Who can refer a child?
- Anyone can refer a child.
How old does my young person need to be?
- Kookaburra Kids provide programs for young people aged 8-18 years of age.
How do you Refer a Child?
- You can refer a child online here Refer a Child or by calling head office on 1300 566 525 during business hours (AEST).