Teen camps are back on the calendar!
The team at HeartKids is thrilled to announce that Teen Camps will be running again later this year and in 2022, after a long hiatus due to Covid restrictions!
Registrations are now open for:
One of the highlights of the year, the HeartKids Teen Camp provides an opportunity for young people aged between 13-17 years with a heart condition to connect with others experiencing a similar journey, develop new friendships, and create ongoing peer support networks that provide support long after Teen Camp finishes.
Teen Camp is an opportunity for young people to increase their level of independence, build their self-management skills, and assists in developing self-confidence. It really can be life-changing!
What happens at Teen Camp?
Teen Camp includes a range of fun and challenging physical activities (within limits), creative activities, guest speakers and fun team building tasks, all of which are completed in a supportive and safe environment.
All Teen Camp attendees are under the supervision of specialised volunteers and medical team members. The medical team that attends includes cardiologists, doctors, nurses, allied health professionals and community health workers all with specialist experience in cardiac care or adolescent health experience.
HeartKids Teen Camp is made possible through the generosity of our supporters and the camp nurses, doctors, volunteers and other staff who donate their time and expertise.
Camp is fondly remembered by many HeartKids as a highlight of their teen years and friendships are formed that last a lifetime.
Testimonials
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”. - First-time camper, VIC 2020 camp
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! - 2020 camper
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. - Heart Mum
‘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’ – Volunteer, 2017 camp
Interested in supporting our teen camps?
HeartKids would like to thank the Commonwealth 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 HeartKids 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 by email: jen.mitchell@heartkids.org.au
