Fun, adventure and friendship awaits!
Our camps and events provide an opportunity for young people aged between 13-17 years with a heart condition to connect with others experiencing a similar journey, share stories and develop new friendships.
The activities encourage young people to increase their level of independence, build their health care skills, and develop self-confidence. It really can be life-changing!
You can see all the fun from Teen Camps via our Youthzone Instagram here.
2024 Teen Camps:
Teen Camp Sydney
15-18 April 2024
*Open to campers and volunteers from NSW and ACT
Register for Teen Camp Sydney 2024Volunteer at Teen Camp Sydney 2024
Volunteering at Teen Camp:
To ensure campers can participate safely and within their health capacity, the camp is staffed by a range of volunteers with specialist skills and experience. All costs are covered. This includes flights, transport, accommodation, meals, and activities.
We are currently seeking general volunteers and medical/allied health volunteers:
Register to Volunteer Here
Note: As Teen Camp aims to provide campers with an authentic experience away from home, we are unable to accept applications from parents, legal guardians or relations of campers. Volunteers must be fully vaccinated, have a Police Check and valid Working With Children Check (or equivalent).
What happens at Teen Camp and Teen Events?
Camps and events can include a range of fun and challenging physical activities (within limits), creative activities, guest speakers and fun team building tasks. These activities are completed in a supportive and safe environment.
Camp is fondly remembered by heart kids as a highlight of their teen years. Friendships are formed that can last a lifetime.
Watch our videos from previous camps to find out!
What do previous campers, parents and volunteers say?
'Education sessions were key for the importance of continuity of care' - Volunteer 2022
I loved the education sessions! And seeing campers come out of their shell, make connections, and understand themselves a bit more.
'Go on Camp - the activities are so much fun' - Campers 2022
Paddle boarding and kayaking was awesome
I loved meeting new people!
Archery and the swimming pool were fun with new friends.
'Meeting new friends was awesome' - Camper 2022
You shouldn't hesitate to go to Teen Camp. You get to make new friends and enjoy fun activities. I really enjoyed getting to know the volunteers and learning from them.
'So important to connect with other heart kids' - Heart mum 2022
Thank you so much for giving my daughter the opportunity to attend teen camp this year. She's come back home very happy with her time in Sydney with some new friends. We are really grateful that she's had the opportunity to connect with other heart kids.
'I can still hear the laughter coming out of his room' - Heart mum 2022
I just want to thank you and all the volunteers that help make the camp possible. He had an amazing time and has made some friends he has been talking with them since he got home and it is really good hearing the laughter coming out of his room. Thank you so much.
'It was the best thing I've done in my life...' - Campers 2021
Go on camp because it’s really good and you will make friends.
Come on camp and meet other kids with heart conditions, make new friends and listen to others tell their story.
It was great. Make the camp longer!
It was the best thing I've done in my life.
'I have never seen them smile so much...' - Volunteers 2021
My favourite part of camp was seeing the kids encouraging each other and laughing and smiling and trying new things.
So many laughs and I have never seen them smile so much. I am so proud of them all.
It was a fantastic experience, I would love to volunteer again.
'My child got to try so many new things...' - Parents 2021
Everyone in community was very excited for my child, she would like to attend again! Meeting other young people and making new friends was the best part.
It was a fantastic experience for my child because they had the chance to try things they have never tried before. Also, the ability to do these things around people who were aware of their condition. My child felt safe. They had an amazing time.
'I've gained perspective on so much...' - Camper 2020
I would like to say thank you for such a wonderful experience. Bonding with the other teens living similar lives to me who understand my everyday life has been an eye-opening experience. I have created new friendships with other heart teens like me. I’ve gained a perspective on so much, helping me know that things are ok and that other teens are going through similar things to me, I don’t feel as alone anymore. The activities were great, the food was delicious, and I have created lifelong memories and friendships. Thank you again.
'I have made lifelong friends from the experience...' - Camper 2020
I have made lifelong friends from the experience which is amazing because we can all relate to each other in similar ways. Some of my most cherished moments from life was at the 2020 camp. I also found the camp activities and venue one of the best I've been to before!
'The HeartKids camps have been an amazing experience for my daughter...' - Heart mum
The HeartKids Camps have been an amazing experience for my daughter. A great opportunity to meet others who have had similar experiences as she has moved through the teenage years. The experience has given her great confidence in accepting her scar and facilitated some special friendships that through 'the power' of social media she has maintained.
'You should absolutely go to Teen Camp...' - Volunteer 2017
You should absolutely go to teen camp. You are going to make friends for life who are live all around the country. Whatever you do in life, you will find you have a network of people you have already met through coming to camp and they are going to be able to help you.
Got a question about Teen Camps and Events?
We may already have answered it. Read our Frequently Asked Questions.
Interested in supporting our Teen Camps?
HeartKids would like to thank the Australian Government Department of Health for their ongoing support and contribution to teen camps. This support has enabled HeartKids to offer camp attendance at no costs to families or volunteers – ensuring equity for all heart kids across Australia.
If you, your community group, or organisation would like to become involved in fundraising to further support teen camps, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Contact us
Amy Heafield
Teen Camps Coordinator
e amy.heafield@heartkids.org.au
t 0431 544 510
