By intertwining fundraising events, impactful programs, and inclusive camps, The Portsea Camp creates a supportive environment that empowers children, providing essential life skills and fostering personal development for a brighter future.
Improving the Lives of Children
We provide subsidised or completely free camps to children that miss out. We focus on the intersection of physical and mental health and we use the resources and knowledge at our disposal to support the development of healthy minds and healthy bodies.
We use outdoor adventure activities, wellness and mindful connection with nature and a whole range of specialist youth focused programs that support confidence, resilience and connection and a positive hopeful mindset.
Our tailored programs directly address the key protective factors for children necessary for reducing the impacts of sadness disconnection, depression, anxiety and suicide aged 8-17.
Our “Making a Difference” Programs
Each program offers a unique blend of fun, learning, and personal development in a supportive and natural setting embedding P.A.C.E in practice.
Making a Difference Camp
Held during the school holidays or weekends, our "M.A.D. Camps" provide transformative and enriching camp experiences for children facing social or economic disadvantage, while tickets are also available for anyone who wants to join.
Vibes Wellness Program
Vibes is an empowering program where girls build confidence, develop leadership skills, and grow through workshops and activities led by inspiring female role models and facilitators.
Creative Programs
Step away from the ordinary and dive into a transformative experience at one of our Creative Camps! Engage in hands-on creative activities, explore their artistic talents, and connect with nature and the beach.
Journey
Journey programs are expedition-style outdoor adventures where children step outside their comfort zones, learn new skills, and take on fun challenges in nature. Guided by experienced facilitators, these programs build confidence, resilience, teamwork, and independence while fostering a love of the outdoors.
Why does this matter?
We shine a spotlight on children who face barriers to the same opportunities and experiences as their peers, ensuring they have the chance to experience the joy, learning, and connection that all kids deserve, regardless of their circumstances.
1 in 5
Young people aged 11-14 report high or very high levels of psychological distress in the past 3 years.
245,000
Young people aged 12-17 are reported as experiencing a psychological disorder up.
1 in 4
Felt lonely all or most of the time.
4 in 10
Students felt persistently sad or hopeless in the last 6 months.
Early Beginnings
Our making a difference programs earliest beginnings stem from a partnership with the Lord Mayor City of Melbourne, the Alfred Hospital and the Mallee region of country Victoria.
These programs focus specifically on the wellbeing needs and physical health of geographically isolated children from all over Victoria between 1946 – 1995 this partnership supported more then 25,000 children facing adversity some of whom had never had a holiday, never been to the city and never seen the sea.
This partnership laid the foundations, created the connections, and paved the way for everything we have been able to do since.
Developing the whole child from the inside out
We take an “inside out” approach to a child’s wellbeing by attending to their inner world first. How a child sees and feels about themselves is the compass by which they will navigate their world.
Our programs help kids develop the following:
- Connection to Others
- Physical Activity
- Supportive Relationships
- Emotional Support
- Resilience
- Mindfulness Practices
- Positive Mindset
- Hope
Let's keep transforming lives together
Join us in creating brighter futures for children, giving them the experiences, confidence, and connection they deserve. Your support can change their world.