Camps

About Kookaburra Kids Camps

*Please note, upcoming Camp dates are located at the bottom of this page.

Kookaburra Kids Camps are free, and provide young people living in families impacted by mental illness with:

  • An opportunity for connection
  • Chat Group to learn about mental illness and to share
  • Participate in a range of fun activities such as canoeing, archery, giant swings, go-karts and much more!
When/Where do Camps occur?

Camps occur throughout the calendar year, nationally. AKKF currently runs 4 separate programs which include wider community (CORE), Australian Defence Force (ADF- tri service), WA first Responders program and Queensland Police program. For more information on specific programs offerings/location, please refer to relevant service tab.

What do Young People get up to on Camp?

Friday

  • Welcome to Camp!
  • Sign in and meet the Programs team, camp clinician and volunteers
  • Free time and games
  • Cabin group allocations and set up
  • Ice-breaker activities, arts and crafts
  • Supper
  • Back to cabin and LIGHTS OUT!

Saturday

  • Wake UP and breakfast!
  • Chat Group (1.5 hrs)
  • Morning Tea
  • Activity group allocations
  • Camp – Group Activity #1
  • Lunch
  • Camp – Group Activity #2
  • Free time and games
  • Dinner
  • AKKF Saturday night activity (EG – Dance Party, Movies, Silent Disco, Campfire)
  • Supper
  • Back to cabin and LIGHTS OUT!

Sunday

  • Wake up and pack up cabin
  • Breakfast
  • Chat Group (1.5 hrs)
  • Morning Tea
  • Camp – Group Activity #3
  • Lunch
  • Farewell time
  • Family Pick Up/Bus Pick Up
  • End of Camp!

Camps generally occur on a Friday afternoon through to a Sunday afternoon but can occur during weekdays during school holidays. Each camp will occur over two nights, regardless on which calendar day the program falls. Our Camps incorporate multiple recreational activities with a 45 minute “Chat Group” occurring each day of camp. Camps are free of charge and include all activity, accommodation, travel (within program zone) and catering costs.

Young people will be placed in appropriate groups, with boys and girls accommodated in separate quarters. A Ratio of 1:3 is maintained throughout all AKKF camps. Additionally, a clinician is available onsite or via telehealth to support our Young People and/or staff if required, throughout the duration of camp.

Prior to attending a AKKF camp, our program coordinators will obtain all dietary and other considerations from you, to ensure we can provide a safe and inclusive environment for your young people.

To download an information flyer, please click here.

Chat Group is important for Kookaburra Kids because:
  • Children cope better if they have age-appropriate information about their family member’s mental illness.
  • Children often feel ‘different’ from their peers – Chat Group is a unique opportunity for children to realise they are not so ‘different’, and it can provide an important sense of belonging for children.
  • Children need to know it is okay to talk to someone other than their family about their feelings and know they are not ‘betraying’ their family member by doing so. Children need people other than their parents, who support and care about them.
  • To reassure children and dispel any myths they may believe
  • To identify coping skills that can increase the child’s resilience. Resilient children can cope more effectively with challenges, and overcome adversity.
Overall, Kookaburra Camps are designed to achieve:
  • Education about mental illness
  • Increased ability to cope effectively
  • Increased resiliency
  • Increased self-expression and communication
  • Development of creativity
  • Reduction in feelings of isolation
  • Increase in self-esteem
  • Increased support network
  • Having lots of fun!

Upcoming Camps

February 2024

ACT

DEFENCE KIDS – 23-25 February – Camp Cotterworth

VIC

DEFENCE KIDS – 23-25 February – Golden Valley Camp

March 2024

ACT

CORE KIDS – 22 -24 March Regenerate Camp, Birrigai Outdoor School

WA

DEFENCE KIDS -1-3 March – Kerem Camp

QLD

DEFENCE KIDS – 8-10 March – YMCA Camp, North Pine

TAS

DEFENCE KIDS – 8-10 March – Lea Scout Camp, Hobart

NSW

DEFENCE KIDS – 15 – 17 March- Port Hacking Camp

SA

DEFENCE KIDS – 22 – 24 March – Nunyara Camp, Adelaide

April 2024

QLD

CORE KIDS -5-7 April – Kindilan Camp, Brisbane

NSW

CORE KIDS– 19-21 April – Lands Edge Camp, Sydney

VIC

DEFENCE KIDS -12-14 April – Briars Outdoor Education Camp, Mornington, VIC

NT

DEFENCE KIDS -19-21 April – Batchelor Outdoor Education Camp, NT

BOOKING

Registered families can book here.

To make a referral, please click here.

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