"50 odd years later, [The Portsea Camp] is one of the most vivid memories I've got of my childhood. What I learnt was adaptability and importantly independence. That framed a lot of what I did in my life. I can still close my eyes and remember all the stuff we did here. It gave me the foundation for the way I thought about how I wanted my life to be.”
– John (Camp Alum)
A Place for Connection and Growth
For nearly 80 years, thousands of children have walked through our gates, carrying with them a sense of wonder and returning home with lifelong memories and friendships.
From its early days as the Lord Mayor’s Camp to the vibrant hub of adventure and learning it is today, The Portsea Camp has remained steadfast in its purpose: to empower young people with experiences that build confidence, resilience, and joy.
1946
2025
A History of Compassion and Impact
What started as a simple idea—offering a seaside holiday to children from the drought-stricken Mallee region—has blossomed into something extraordinary. Since 1946, The Portsea Camp has welcomed over 765,000 children, provided more than 1.5 million bed nights, and served over 3 million meals. It has been a place where children from all walks of life, including those facing adversity, have found adventure, support, and belonging.
Originally, attending camp could mean a 28-hour train and bus journey for many children, an odyssey that led them to a world of new experiences, from feeling the sand between their toes for the first time to forming friendships that would last a lifetime.
In the summer of 1987, a young girl arrived at camp hesitant and uncertain. She had never seen the ocean before, never felt the rush of a wave against her feet. By the end of the week, she was leading her team in beach games, laughing with new friends, and writing in her camp journal that she “finally felt like she belonged somewhere.” Stories like hers remind us why this camp exists—to create moments of transformation that have real impact.
Our Journey Through Time
A Vision Comes to Life
The camp was established at Portsea in 1946, offering summer respite for country children.
The Australian Army granted a 10-year, one shilling per year peppercorn lease, allowing the camp to grow while prioritising military use in the winter months.
Camp recruitment focused on children attending one-teacher schools, children of Legacy, returned service personnel, and those from remote parts of the state.
Early partnerships with the Alfred Hospital provided vital health checks for all attendees.
With no system of universal health care, the camp ensured children returned home having had thorough medical checks, including X-rays, eyesight and dental examinations, and later, hearing tests. Many undiagnosed conditions were detected, changing lives through early intervention.
Growth, Challenges, and Resilience
As community health care facilities improved, the camp’s management was concerned to reduce the emphasis on medical checks and further develop the recreational / social support function of the camp.
Further changes saw the site being used throughout the year by school and cub groups with significant strain on those camp facilities that had not been re-built or refurbished in the preceding few years.
Leslie Moorhead O.B.E described the camp as “a refreshing expression of pure unselfishness” and “vibrantly alive with youth on holiday.”
The City of Melbourne was keen to divest itself of administrative and financial involvement with the camp as pressure to focus on the Central Business District grew.
Changing Times and Modernisation
The City relinquished all responsibility to a management group comprising longtime camp supporters. Articles of Association were drawn up forming a Company Limited by Guarantee, without share capital to henceforth be known as ‘The Portsea Camp’.
The Portsea Camp expanded its programming, offering new activities and workshops to campers.
A major renovation project was undertaken, upgrading the camp’s facilities and improving accessibility.
The Portsea Camp launched a new sustainability initiative, aiming to reduce its environmental impact.
The Portsea Camp shifted its focus to the interaction between physical and mental health, expanding its programs to include resilience and wellbeing camps and weekend programs.
The Portsea Camp endured and survived the COVID 19 Pandemic with support from the Portsea Community and Regional supporters and volunteers.
The Portsea Camp expanded its partnerships and donor programs to further support its vision, developed a youth capability framework to guide its programs and initiatives, introduced a trauma informed outdoor practice model to underpin its programs and expanded its social enterprise activities and programs for new customers to improve profitability and return depleted funds into charitable programs.
Evolving with the Times
Over time, health priorities shifted from medical assessments to a more holistic approach to well-being, incorporating physically challenging activities, outdoor exploration, mental resilience, and social connection. The focus is now on empowering children not through health checks but also by building confidence, resilience, and lifelong skills in the great outdoors.
While we cherish our history, times have changed. Boxing matches and Mr. and Mrs. Portsea pageants, once beloved traditions that brought people together in a spirit of fun and friendly competition, have made way for new activities that reflect our evolving values. Today, we foster self-confidence, teamwork, and personal growth through adventure-based learning, ensuring every child can discover their strengths in an inclusive and supportive environment.
Keeping the Spirit Alive
Today, The Portsea Camp continues to be a place of joy, discovery, and community. With your support, we can ensure that future generations have the same chance to experience the magic of camp.
Help us provide life-changing experiences for children who need them most.
Support our mission through volunteering, advocacy, and vibrant community engagement.
Book a camp today to unlock unforgettable experiences and inspire a lifetime of adventure.