Camp Kookaburra

Your Donation Will Make A Difference.

Camp Kookaburra supports children who live in a family affected by mental illness, by providing FREE camps and other activities that are fun, healthy, positive and safe.

This early intervention program has been developed and implemented to achieve the following outcomes:

• Provide children and young people with respite from the stress they experience at home and school.
• Provide the opportunity for children and young people to have a break from looking after an unwell parent and to be 'kid'.
• Provide the opportunity for children and young people to meet others with similar family circumstances.
• Provide a supportive environment that allows children and young people to discuss issues and concerns that they face when living with a parent with a mental illness and the impact it has on themselves and their family.
• Provide support and referral pathways for children and young people.
• Provide education and coping skills to minimise risk in the future.
• Provide the necessary tools to help build resilience.

The annual program consists of the following:

• WEEKEND CAMPS
• SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAM
• FAMILY PICNIC DAY
• TEENAGE SUPPORT PROGRAM
• NEWSLETTERS
• CONNECTION TO OTHER SUPPORT SERVICES

The children will participate in recreational and sometimes challenging activities, with a purpose of developing and enhancing their coping skills, communication skills and social skills however, most of all they will just have fun and have an opportunity to be a 'kid' without the responsibilities of looking after an unwell parent.

An important component of the camp is the Mental Health Education Program. Psychologists have developed age appropriate booklets containing information about mental illness and activities for the children to complete at camp and then take home as a referral source. The camp provides a safe environment that encourages children to talk about issues they may have at home.

Camp Kookaburra is supported by more than 50 passionate, professional and dedicated volunteer Camp Leaders who bring with them a wealth of knowledge from many backgrounds such as Psychologist, Police, Teachers, Nurses and Youth Workers.

The entire program is FREE.

Your donation will give a child the opportunity to be part of this wonderful program.

• Give a one-off donation online
• Give a regular donation online
• Donate by mail
To donate by mail, please download a printable donation form and send through the post to:
PO Box 681
Gymea NSW 2227
• Leave a bequest
To leave a bequest in your will, please read the wills and bequests page for Camp Kookaburra.