

News September 2010 camp This year's camp will be a little different to previous camps. The Lord Mayor's Charitable Foundation has provided $60,000 for camp attendees, but has requested that the funds be directed towards teens. The Camp has joined with the local Shire, Frankston Council, Dandenong, and Cardinia councils to bring 100 teens to camp in September. We anticipate a great camp with the recreation crew designing half day trips canoeing and riding. Overnight stays camping on the foreshore and surfing will also be offered. JANUARY CAMPs 2011 2ND- 9TH JANUARY 11TH-17TH JNAUARY 19TH-25TH JANUARY May newsletter 2010 A summer full of new experiences! The 2010 January season was a great success and over 800 children attended from areas over Victoria and Southern NSW. The season was highlighted by some fantastic new activities. The local Sorrento Couta Yacht Club of- fered boat trips for many of our children over a two day period throughout each of the January camps. The Club’s members volunteered their time and vessel to take children out for a two hour period. What a fabulous opportunity and one which was well received. Our thanks to the Club and their members! The woodshed finally opened in January and we began offering classes making picture frames, tool boxes and pencil cases. It was a great sight to see children wandering up the hill carrying their items. A sense of pride and satisfaction going with the knowledge that they built it! Many of you will not be aware, but some of our organising committees go to huge lengths to procure food items for camp, thus reducing our expenses dramatically. One such group is Swan Hill. Ordinarily they negotiate mass amounts of fruit from their local suppliers, but this season they went one step further and approached Melbourne and Peninsula suppliers and the bounty was huge. During the third camp two groups organised children from bush-fire affected areas to attend. The RSL and Healesville groups both provided funding into these areas. Whilst some children still struggled to be away from home at the warmer time of the year, and just prior to the Black Saturday anniversary, the majority rel- ished the opportunity to enjoy the water and get a break from some terrible memories. The feedback from our January camps was incredible. We received many positive emails, (completely unsolicited) from volunteers and parents. Below are some of the gems. Volunteer - “This being my first time as a CC, I can honestly say that I can’t wait until January 2011. I had great time with the children, reckies and other CC’s. If there was ever a query, there was always someone close by who could answer it for you. I had so much fun and it was great that you could act a little crazy and the kids didn’t think you were “dorky”, but had a good laugh.” Parent – “Our 3 eldest of of 6 kids spent this week at Portsea, and I truly think it has been life-changing and they only have been home for a few hours!!! The smiles on their faces as they are bursting like bub- bles to tell us all their stories is amazing!” Parent – “I am writing to say a big thankyou for your wonderful camp. Sarah and Meg had the best time. They came home after a week away and were full of stories and smiles. I only wish we had of heard of this camp earlier. The girls heard they might be able to return as young leaders when they turn 15 years old is this correct?” April 2010 children’s camp Our April camp was seamless. Our numbers were low for volunteers, but we had a fabulous group of children and volunteers on board. Our Colac group has been liaising with Bulla Ice Cream and Colac Fruit and Veg- gies for over 40 years now, and they did not disappoint. Again assisting with the bottom line, these businesses dug deep to donate and ensure the children were well looked after. The Woodworkers of the Southern Peninsula delivered a great program in the new shed and the children took very well to this option. Fishcare again offered trips on the bay passing on their tips and expertise for hooking the big one.Working bee another success previous newsletters 2009 CHILDREN IN THE STATE’S INNER EASTERN REGION ARE “GIVEN A GO" The Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation again enabled 160 children to attend September camp free of charge with funding from the Give it a Go initiative. This time we contacted schools in the Frankston, Dandenong, and Springvale areas. Eight schools eagerly took up the opportunity sending 20 children each. It is great to be able to provide some feedback to those who funded the camp, to the volunteers who gave up their time, and to reinforce why we are all involved with The Portsea Camp. Here are some of the responses: School 1- Some parents I spoke with expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to have a break from a child who may otherwise be quite demanding and welcomed the change in family dynamics for the week. The children who attended camp spoke of enjoying a variety of different experiences: camping out as a reward for behaving co-operatively, swimming even though it was really cold, the giant swing, the fun camp leaders, sharing a dormitory with so many other kids (positives & negatives), and the camp cooking activity. A really big thank you for allowing our children the opportunity to attend your camp! School 2 - Portsea camp was a great opportunity for kids to experience a setting which they do not always get the opportunity to participate. For some it was an opportunity to have a break from a challenging sibling and to have respite from this situation. ‘Families who responded were most appreciative of the opportunity and students spoke glowingly of the camp upon their return. School 3 - Very few of the children who attended ever go anywhere for a family holiday and most of their families are under some type of stress which of course is beyond the children’s control. I know all parents who had children attend the camp really appreciated the place and experience that you offered. School 4 - We have had very positive feedback from all the students here who attended camp. For many this was a very powerful experience particularly the relationships that were developed with the camp leaders. We have also received positive feedback from the families. They were all delighted that their child/children had had such an enjoyable experience. We had comments that the house was so quiet, that they missed their children after the first few days. They were all keen to welcome them home on their return. For some this was the first holiday they had ever experienced. WARMING UP FOR THE 2010 SUMMER SEASOn The dates for our January camps are confirmed for January 2nd-9th, 10th-16th and 18th-24th. If you haven’t already advised us that you are wanting to volunteer please do so as soon as you can. So far we have numbers of 282, 292 and 273 for the three camps. This is without individuals being added, so we will be busy and need all the help we can get, particularly for the 3rd camp!! If you are considering volunteering please take into account a change. Previously we have paid a volunteer’s allowance. This payment was made up of $10/ day allowance and a nominal fee for those driving. From this January 2010 we are going to provide an out of pocket expense for fuel of $40, but the daily allowance will be cancelled. Instead of the allowance we will provide a t-shirt and hat, and a quarterly newsletter. This will save the Camp $12,000 annually which can be used to assist more children to attend. If eliminating the allowance means you will no longer be able to attend please speak with Camp staff. APRIL CAMP Our April camp was one of the smoothest camps we have ever experienced. The day after camp finished emails came through from parents and children alike saying what a great experience it had been, and asking “when the next camp will be held?” Country children from Colac, Traralgon, St Arnaud, Ararat, Tongala and Rushworth attended, as well as many individuals from all over Melbourne. January camps must not be overlooked. Fantastic groups from all over Victoria and Southern NSW came by bus with large numbers of children. They were seamless and the last night concerts were some of the best we have ever seen thanks to some very talented volunteers and children. January 2010 dates are listed below. We are running slightly shorter camps as trying to run back to back camps was exhausting and unhealthy for all staff and those volunteers who come to one or more. We also considered that in these economic times a decrease in price would be welcome. We continue to work closely with the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation. Once again they have provided $60,000 for us to bring 150 children from metropolitan Melbourne to camp over the next year. 2009 Working Bee During last month we held the annual working bee. This year saw representatives from the Rotary Clubs of Sorrento, Frankston Sunrise, Nunawading, Hazlewood, Morwell, Benalla, Frankston North, Trafalgar, Sandringham, Pakenham, North Balwyn, Noble Park and Sale, the Apex Clubs of Leongatha and Nunawading, plus many individuals and families attend. All up over 120 people attended and the results were amazing. Our great thanks to all involved and to our regular entertainers (the Usual Suspects) and staff who volunteered. Tasks included construction of a timber front fence, steps to the beach, lime washing and other painting, timber steps for access to volleyball courts, bunk upgrades, gardening and window repairs. GETTING SUN SMART Thanks to the LMCF, Melbourne Newsboys and the Lady Mayoress Committee. The shade sails have finally gone up and they look fabulous.	Projects Wonderful support Two separate Rotary districts have made wonderful of- fers to the camp. The Rotary Club of Sale and the 9820 District ran a raffle at their recent conference and raised $1300 for the Camp. The funds were used to purchase new life jackets. District 9800 have opened a portfolio on the Camp within their youth area and are looking to direct some of their expertise our way in 2010-2011. The Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation has become a wonderful supporter of the Camp and their funding has enabled hundreds of children to attend. They have again provided funding for attendees, but this time they have specified an older age bracket. We are currently discussing options for weekend camps for autistic teens, refugee and Koori groups. He will be missed For anyone who came to our third camp in January you would be sure to have met Tony van Gorp. He was the local organiser for the Healesville and one of the cheekiest and most loved volunteers on camp! Tony came to camp in 1979 as a police cadet, and returned as a children’s counsellor the following year. He had a break from the camp and then returned with an annual group of 25 children and volunteers from the Healesville and Yarra Valley region. On March 22nd 2010 Tony took his own life. Tony will be greatly missed by the Portsea Camp family. He had a wonderful community spirit, and never tired of work- ing for the Camp and the children he brought. Our love and thoughts go to his family and friends.
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News

September 2010 camp

This year's camp will be a little different to previous camps. The Lord Mayor's Charitable Foundation has provided $60,000 for camp attendees, but has requested that the funds be directed towards teens.

The Camp has joined with the local Shire, Frankston Council, Dandenong, and Cardinia councils to bring 100 teens to camp in September. We anticipate a great camp with the recreation crew designing half day trips canoeing and riding. Overnight stays camping on the foreshore and surfing will also be offered.

JANUARY CAMPs 2011

2ND- 9TH JANUARY

11TH-17TH JNAUARY

19TH-25TH JANUARY

May newsletter 2010

A summer full of new experiences!

The 2010 January season was a great success and over 800 children attended from areas over Victoria and Southern NSW.
The season was highlighted by some fantastic new activities. The local Sorrento Couta Yacht Club of- fered boat trips for many of our children over a two day period throughout each of the January camps. The Club’s members volunteered their time and vessel to take children out for a two hour period. What a fabulous opportunity and one which was well received. Our thanks to the Club and their members!
The woodshed finally opened in January and we began offering classes making picture frames, tool boxes and pencil cases. It was a great sight to see children wandering up the hill carrying their items. A sense of pride and satisfaction going with the knowledge that they built it!
Many of you will not be aware, but some of our organising committees go to huge lengths to procure food items for camp, thus reducing our expenses dramatically. One such group is Swan Hill. Ordinarily they negotiate mass amounts of fruit from their local suppliers, but this season they went one step further and approached Melbourne and Peninsula suppliers and the bounty was huge.
During the third camp two groups organised children from bush-fire affected areas to attend. The RSL and Healesville groups both provided funding into these areas. Whilst some children still struggled to be away from home at the warmer time of the year, and just prior to the Black Saturday anniversary, the majority rel- ished the opportunity to enjoy the water and get a break from some terrible memories.
The feedback from our January camps was incredible. We received many positive emails, (completely unsolicited) from volunteers and parents. Below are some of the gems.
Volunteer - “This being my first time as a CC, I can honestly say that I can’t wait until January 2011. I had great time with the children, reckies and other CC’s. If there was ever a query, there was always someone close by who could answer it for you.
I had so much fun and it was great that you could act a little crazy and the kids didn’t think you were “dorky”, but had a good laugh.”
Parent – “Our 3 eldest of of 6 kids spent this week at Portsea, and I truly think it has been life-changing and they only have been home for a few hours!!! The smiles on their faces as they are bursting like bub- bles to tell us all their stories is amazing!”
Parent – “I am writing to say a big thankyou for your wonderful camp. Sarah and Meg had the best time. They came home after a week away and were full of stories and smiles. I only wish we had of heard of this camp earlier. The girls heard they might be able to return as young leaders when they turn 15 years old is this correct?”

April 2010 children’s camp

Our April camp was seamless. Our numbers were low for volunteers, but we had a fabulous group of children and volunteers on board. Our Colac group has been liaising with Bulla Ice Cream and Colac Fruit and Veg- gies for over 40 years now, and they did not disappoint. Again assisting with the bottom line, these businesses dug deep to donate and ensure the children were well looked after.
The Woodworkers of the Southern Peninsula delivered a great program in the new shed and the children took very well to this option. Fishcare again offered trips on the bay passing on their tips and expertise for hooking the big one.Working bee
another success

previous newsletters 2009

CHILDREN IN THE STATE’S INNER EASTERN REGION ARE “GIVEN A GO"

The Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation again enabled 160 children to attend September camp free of charge with funding from the Give it a Go initiative. This time we contacted schools in the Frankston, Dandenong, and Springvale areas. Eight schools eagerly took up the opportunity sending 20 children each.

It is great to be able to provide some feedback to those who funded the camp, to the volunteers who gave up their time, and to reinforce why we are all involved with The Portsea Camp. Here are some of the responses: School 1- Some parents I spoke with expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to have a break from a child who may otherwise be quite demanding and welcomed the change in family dynamics for the week. The children who attended camp spoke of enjoying a variety of different experiences: camping out as a reward for behaving co-operatively, swimming even though it was really cold, the giant swing, the fun camp leaders, sharing a dormitory with so many other kids (positives & negatives), and the camp cooking activity.

A really big thank you for allowing our children the opportunity to attend your camp! School 2 - Portsea camp was a great opportunity for kids to experience a setting which they do not always get the opportunity to participate. For some it was an opportunity to have a break from a challenging sibling and to have respite from this situation. ‘Families who responded were most appreciative of the opportunity and students spoke glowingly of the camp upon their return.
School 3 - Very few of the children who attended ever go anywhere for a family holiday and most of their families are under some type of stress which of course is beyond the children’s control. I know all parents who had children attend the camp really appreciated the place and experience that you offered.

School 4 - We have had very positive feedback from all the students here who attended camp. For many this was a very powerful experience particularly the relationships that were developed with the camp leaders. We have also received positive feedback from the families. They were all delighted that their child/children had had such an enjoyable experience. We had comments that the house was so quiet, that they missed their children after the first few days. They were all keen to welcome them home on their return. For some this was the first holiday they had ever experienced.

WARMING UP FOR THE 2010
SUMMER SEASOn

The dates for our January camps are confirmed for January 2nd-9th, 10th-16th and 18th-24th. If you haven’t already advised us that you are wanting to volunteer please do so as soon as you can. So far we have numbers of 282, 292 and 273 for the three camps. This is without individuals being added, so we will be busy and need all the help we can get, particularly for the 3rd camp!!

If you are considering volunteering please take into account a change. Previously we have paid a volunteer’s allowance. This payment was made up of $10/ day allowance and a nominal fee for those driving. From this January 2010 we are going to provide an out of pocket expense for fuel of $40, but the daily allowance will be cancelled.

Instead of the allowance we will provide a t-shirt and hat, and a quarterly newsletter. This will save the Camp $12,000 annually which can be used to assist more children to attend. If eliminating the allowance means you will no longer be able to attend please speak with Camp staff.

APRIL CAMP

Our April camp was one of the smoothest camps we have ever experienced. The day after camp finished emails came through from parents and children alike saying what a great experience it had been, and asking “when the next camp will be held?” Country children from Colac, Traralgon, St Arnaud, Ararat, Tongala and Rushworth attended, as well as many individuals from all over Melbourne.
January camps must not be overlooked. Fantastic groups from all over Victoria and Southern NSW came by bus with large numbers of children. They were seamless and the last night concerts were some of the best we have ever seen thanks to some very talented volunteers and children.
January 2010 dates are listed below. We are running slightly shorter camps as trying to run back to back camps was
exhausting and unhealthy for all staff and those volunteers who come to one or more. We also considered that in these
economic times a decrease in price would be welcome.
We continue to work closely with the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation. Once again they have provided $60,000 for us to bring 150 children from metropolitan Melbourne to camp over the next year.

2009 Working Bee

During last month we held the annual working bee. This year saw representatives from the Rotary Clubs of Sorrento, Frankston Sunrise, Nunawading, Hazlewood, Morwell, Benalla, Frankston North, Trafalgar, Sandringham, Pakenham, North Balwyn, Noble Park and Sale, the Apex Clubs of Leongatha and Nunawading, plus many individuals and families attend. All up over 120 people attended and the results were amazing. Our great thanks to all involved and to our regular entertainers (the Usual Suspects) and staff who volunteered.
Tasks included construction of a timber front fence, steps to the beach, lime washing and other painting, timber steps for access to volleyball courts, bunk upgrades, gardening and window repairs.

GETTING SUN SMART

Thanks to the LMCF, Melbourne Newsboys and the Lady Mayoress Committee. The shade sails have finally gone up and they look fabulous.

News

Projects