Southern Cross Kids' Camps is a unique organisation designed to provide assistance to child victims of abuse, domestic violence and neglect. Our programs are specifically planned to bring fun and laughter back into the lives of these children, to provide a time for them to forget about their "experiences" and just enjoy being a child again.
We are a registered Australian charity with DGR and tax exemption status and was established in 2000. Currently eight camps operate annually; four in Victoria, two in New South Wales and one in Queensland. In 2008, New Zealand launched their first camp in the South Island. Our organisation is run almost entirely by volunteers, with the exception of two part-time administration and accounts staff.
In 2009 alone, with the assistance of more than 400 dedicated volunteers, 240 children participated in camps. Enjoying a week of activities that encourage fun and laughter, they left with a fresh perspective for dealing with their past, with life skills for the present and hope for the future.
SCKC operates in conjunction with organisations working with disadvantaged children, such as Anglicare and Anchor foster care agencies, Department of Human Services and other social welfare groups who refer children to attend our camps.
Many children attending our camps live in foster care and often move from home to home. Growing up in a stable, home environment is not always an option for them. A significant number have encountered horrendous experiences and struggle with multiple issues. Almost all have counselors or social workers. During the course of their short lives, these children often lose the opportunity to just be children, to have fun and to laugh.
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, dissociative disorders, post traumatic stress disorder, drug and alcohol abuse, homelessness and juvenile delinquency.
Inviting children to return to a Southern Cross Kids' Camp every year, enables us to build on the foundation of the previous years, as well as continuing to develop their confidence, self esteem and trust. We provide the children with a positive event to look forward to during year with many counting down the months until camp.
At Southern Cross Kids' Camps we aim to make a significant difference in these children's journies towards wholeness and believe that disadvantaged children deserve to be given every opportunity of growing up to become resilient and productive members of our society, despite the adversity they have encountered.
Thank you for taking the time to learn about what we do, and it is our hope that you can partner with us and make a difference.
