Southern Cross Kids' Camps is a Christian organisation dedicated to helping children who have been subjected to abuse, neglect or domestic violence. Our programs are designed to bring fun and laughter back into the lives of children whose everyday existence is less than ideal. One leader, called a buddy, is assigned to each child ensuring that “a week of happy memories” is the outcome of camp.
SCKC was established in 2000 and is a registered Australian charity with DGR and tax exemption status. Our organisation is volunteer based, with a small team of five part time employees.
In 2018, with the assistance of more than 550 dedicated volunteers, 400 children participated in camps. After a week enjoying activities that encourage fun and laughter, they left with fresh perspectives for dealing with their past, additional life skills for the present and much-needed hope for the future.
We conducted 13 camps in 2018, seven in Victoria, three in New South Wales, one in Queensland, and one in South Australia.
SCKC receives referrals from organisations working with disadvantaged children, such as Anglicare, Mirabel, DHHS, and other social welfare groups which refer children to attend our camps.
Why our camps are so important
Many children attending our camps live in foster care and often move from home to home. A significant number have endured difficult experiences and struggle with multiple issues. Almost all have counsellors or social workers. These children have been robbed of the opportunity to just be children, something that most of us take for granted.
Unfortunately, abused children often experience a diminished quality of life and are frequently unable to attain their potential. They are at greater risk of encountering problems in later life including suicide attempts, anxiety and depression, dissociate disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, drug and alcohol abuse, homelessness and juvenile delinquency.
How we help children who need us most
Inviting children to return to a Southern Cross Kids’ Camp year upon year enables us to build on the foundation of the previous years, continuing to develop their confidence, self-esteem, and trust in others. We provide the children with a positive event to look forward to, with many counting down the months from one camp to the next. Each child has one adult, called a Buddy, that is their leader for the week. This ensures they receive outstanding and undivided attention, which demonstrates value and worth to each child.
At Southern Cross Kids’ Camps, we aim to make a significant difference in these children’s journeys towards wholeness and believe that disadvantaged children deserve to be given every opportunity to grow up to become resilient and productive members of our society, despite the adversity they have encountered.
For many of us, one week at a camp might not seem like much, but to a child who’s been abused or neglected, it’s a really big deal.
For every $500 we raise, we can change one more child's life… So please give what you can or partner with us to make a difference.
