At The Portsea Camp, we believe in the magic of community and the joy of childhood experiences, especially when they create life-changing opportunities for young people. That’s why we’re absolutely delighted to announce something truly special: The Tony Bongiorno Scholarship Award.
This incredible program isn’t just about sending kids to camp; it’s about honouring the enduring legacy of a remarkable man whose kindness, generosity, and infectious joy touched so many lives.
Who Was Tony Bongiorno? A Life of Joy, Family & Selflessness
Tony Bongiorno was more than a successful businessman. He was a mentor, a respected community leader, and, most importantly, a deeply cherished husband, father, grandfather, and brother. Those who knew him remember a man who embodied fun, humility, and selflessness — someone who never took himself too seriously and delighted in making others smile, often with a cheeky practical joke.
Tony came from humble beginnings, raised in a working-class immigrant family from Sicily. He genuinely appreciated and valued all that life had to offer, making the most of every opportunity and always expressing deep gratitude. Whether it was playing a light-hearted prank, finding joy in the little things, or taking the time to help someone in need, Tony was someone who brought people together and made life richer for everyone around him. His unwavering support for others make this scholarship a fitting tribute to his memory. Tony also had a profound passion for health, well-being, and constant self-improvement – values he lived by and encouraged in everyone around him.
A Family’s Heartfelt and Generous Commitment
Tony’s legacy lives on through the extraordinary generosity of his family. The Bongiorno family has made a heartfelt commitment to funding this scholarship for the next ten years, ensuring that young people will continue to benefit from Tony’s values of kindness, community spirit, and selflessness.
Their generosity makes this award truly meaningful, impactful, and long-term, giving children from all backgrounds the opportunity to grow, connect, and experience the joy of camp life. Their dedication perfectly reflects Tony’s own belief that supporting others is one of the most rewarding things a person can do.
What is The Tony Bongiorno Scholarship Award?
This prestigious award is open to young people aged 8-18 who demonstrate the values that Tony held dear. These include:
- Community Spirit: A willingness to support and uplift others.
- Dedication and Passion: A strong commitment to their chosen passion – be it sport, art, nature, music, love for the outdoors, community service, or something we haven’t even thought of!
- Resilience and Promise: The ability to show promise and potential despite facing adversity, disadvantage, or barriers.
- Lives the Values of: Fun, respect, connection, kindness, empathy, and growth.
Importantly, recipients of The Tony Bongiorno Scholarship Award will be identified directly from our existing ‘Making a Difference’ (M.A.D) Camp nomination process. We work with teachers, carers, mentors, coaches, and community members who nominate young people for our programs. Our dedicated selection panel at The Portsea Camp will review these nominations, seeking out those whose stories and demonstrated values truly embody Tony’s spirit of joy, generosity, and community. We also accept direct nominations from participating schools who recognise students meeting these criteria.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
Each recipient will receive full funding to attend a 5 day program tailored to their interests – be it an adventure camp, a wellness retreat, a journey program, or a creative arts experience. The aim is to provide exceptional experiences that foster fun, adventurous life experiences, and community spirit, reflecting both Tony Bongiorno’s and The Portsea Camp’s core values.
Celebrating Tony’s Legacy and Our Recipients
To honour Tony’s memory and celebrate the young lives touched by his family’s generosity, a special scholarship recipient board will be created. This Honour Board, displayed prominently at The Portsea Camp, will feature Tony’s story and a summary of how each recipient embodies his spirit. Furthermore, each scholarship recipient will receive a commemorative medallion and certificate, serving as a lasting reminder of their achievement and the values they represent.
A Legacy That Lasts
The Tony Bongiorno Scholarship Award is not just about financial support. It’s about offering life-changing opportunities, fostering resilience, and ensuring that young people – regardless of their circumstances have the chance to connect, grow, and thrive.
Thanks to the unwavering generosity of the Bongiorno family, this scholarship will continue for the next decade, making a real and lasting difference in the lives of young people. Their commitment to honouring Tony’s legacy is a powerful testament to the belief that kindness, family, and fun can truly change lives.
For more information on how to nominate a young person for our Making a Difference camps, through which The Tony Bongiorno Scholarship recipients will be identified, or to support The Portsea Camp, please contact us directly.
Let’s continue to honour Tony’s memory by giving young people the gift of Joy, Family and Opportunity.
