80 years of building confidence and connection
Camp is often where young people realise they are braver than they thought, more capable than they imagined, and more connected than they expected. For eight decades, these shores have been a backdrop for discovery.
Today, however, rising costs are making it harder for some families and schools to access these vital experiences. As we celebrate this milestone year, we invite our community to help ensure more children can experience the joy, connection, and confidence that camp provides.
For generations, camp has been a place where young people can:
- try something new
- build confidence
- connect with others
- experience independence
- spend time outdoors
- discover their strengths
Camp provides space to step outside the everyday and into something different.
It might be the first time away from home. The first time trying something challenging. The first time they have felt they belong. The first time realising they can do something they once thought they could not.
These moments stay with young people long after camp ends.
National research shows that 1 in 2 of Australian children are now missing out on camp experiences, despite the proven benefits for wellbeing and social development. We are seeing this reality firsthand as camp attendance numbers decline due to increasing financial pressure on families.
Regional schools are being hit the hardest. We are seeing schools attend with significantly fewer students than in previous years, while others are unable to attend at all.
We believe every child deserves the chance to experience camp. Because of this, we continue to keep our gates open to smaller regional schools through subsidised placements funded by our charity. While these smaller groups are not always financially viable, we remain committed to ensuring geography or circumstance does not prevent children from attending.
Your support helps create access to camp experiences for children who may otherwise miss out.
Through our Making a Difference programs, donations help provide subsidised places for children experiencing financial hardship, trauma, isolation or disadvantage, ensuring they have access to supportive outdoor experiences that build confidence, connection and resilience.
Support also allows us to continue welcoming regional schools with smaller groups, ensuring geography or circumstance does not prevent children from attending camp.
Your contribution helps young people:
- build confidence
- develop independence
- connect with others
- experience time in nature
- discover what they are capable of
Every contribution helps create opportunity for a child to participate, belong and grow.
Keep the legacy alive. Help extend our 80-year history of bringing young people to the coast to experience the simple, timeless freedom of being a child.
$80
Offer a child a day of discovery at one of our Making a Difference programs – a chance to find new strengths, build resilience, and belong.
$150
Provide a three-day scholarship that allows a child to swap the weight of everyday life for the grounding power of the coast and the pure, uncomplicated joy of childhood.
$500
Fully funds a complete scholarship for a child to attend a five-day camp experience, providing the space they need to grow, connect and feel supported.
$1000
80 years of memories by the sea
Salty air, shared challenges, and lifelong friendships. Revisit some of our favourite memories from the archives and see the legacy you are helping to continue.
For eight decades, The Portsea Camp has welcomed generations of young people.
What began as an opportunity for children to access fresh air, connection and community continues today through experiences that support confidence, wellbeing and belonging.
With the support of our community, we can ensure this legacy continues for future generations.
Have you been a part of the Portsea Camp story?
We would love to hear your memories as we celebrate 80 years. Your story helps show the lasting impact camp has on generations of young people.
Why Your Support Matters
100% of your donation goes directly to supporting kids
Ensuring they receive the full benefits of our unique outdoor education and wellness programs.
You’re part of a community of changemakers
Dedicated to improving the lives of children and creating a brighter future for the next generation.
You provide stability
We need to plan and invest in programs that create lasting change, allowing us to improve and expand the opportunities we offer continuously.
Real Stories of Transformation
Sam’s Story
Sam, a 10-year-old camper, overwhelmed by lifelong sand sensory issues, hesitated while others set off kayaking. They wanted to join but felt stuck in fear. Sensing their struggle, a Junior Leader and staff member stayed behind, using the PACE approach (playfulness, acceptance, curiosity, and empathy) to gently guide and encourage them.
With their support, the camper made it to the beach, a moment of triumph that changed everything. Their parent later reached out, ecstatic to share that, for the first time, the camper spent days at the beach over summer, received a kayak for Christmas, and even signed up for their school’s surf camp. What started as a moment of care at camp sparked a life-changing transformation.
Your support helps make stories like this possible.
Continue Our Story
Together, we can make sure no child is left behind. With the support of our community, we can ensure this legacy continues for future generations.