Answers to frequently asked questions about Teen Camp 2021.
What is Teen Camp 2021 all about?
Teen Camp 2021 is an exciting weekend for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander teens aged 13-17 living with Childhood Heart Disease (CHD) - congenital heart disease and heart disease acquired during childhood, including Rheumatic Heart Disease.
The 3-Day camp will be held on the Sunshine Coast, 10-12 December 2021.
How much does it cost?
Teen Camp 2021 is completely FREE for all campers (and volunteers). HeartKids, with funding from the Commonwealth Department of Health will cover all costs associated with travel (including flights!), accommodation, meals and activities.
Will I have to fly by myself?
Although we are still in the planning stages, it is our hope that all campers will meet a HeartKids volunteer at the airport (and possibly some other campers too) and make the trip together. All these details will be carefully planned with campers and their parents/carers well before camp starts.
What will we do on camp?
The team at HeartKids have organised an amazing variety of activities for the weekend. Campers will be able to get creative in art and music workshops, hit the beach and try out surfing or stand-up paddle boarding and even get the adrenaline pumping on the flying fox and ropes course.
The weekend will also include conversations and activities connected to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and identity and a number of guest speakers will be onsite to inspire all campers to live life to the fullest.
What do I need to bring?
Campers will need to bring clothes that they can be active in and don’t mind getting a little dirty. A full list will be provided to all campers and will include things like shorts, t-shirts, hat, swimmers, runners, thongs, toiletries, pyjamas, sunscreen, towels, pillow, sleeping bag and a sheet.
If you don’t have access to some of these items, simply reach out to Jen Mitchell, the Teen Camp Coordinator and arrangements can be made to ensure all campers have everything they need to have a great time.
Where will we sleep?
Campers will sleep in air-conditioned, shared dormitory style accommodation, allocated by age and gender. There is of course private bathroom facilities.
But I don’t know anyone….
The wonderful thing about HeartKids Teen Camps is the friends you make – and whilst campers may feel a little nervous at first, from the moment you arrive at camp you will be greeted by happy, welcoming faces and will meet lots of other teens with similar stories and experiences as your own.
HeartKids are also planning some online get -to-know-you virtual meet and greets before camp, to ease some of those nerves that everyone will be feeling.
I have to take medication on camp. Will there be someone there to help me?
Teen Camp 2021 is staffed by an amazing group of volunteers, many of who are practising nurses. Prior to camp Jen Mitchell, the Teen Camp Coordinator will get in touch with your parents/carers and obtain all relevant information related to your medication requirements.
Tell me more about the volunteers who will be supervising the campers.
Teen Camp 2021 will be staffed by a wonderful group of volunteers who have professional experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and/or with CHD/RHD including cardiologists, nurses, social workers, Aboriginal Health Workers. It is a requirement that all volunteers have had two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine and hold current Police Check and Working With Children Check (or equivalent).
Can I speak to my family?
Campers are able to bring their mobile phones to contact family during free time. However, there will be some restriction on device usage – but campers will be so busy having a great time that this shouldn’t be too much of an issue.
Me and/or my parents/carers have more questions…
Jen Mitchell (Teen Camps Coordinator) is more than happy to discuss any aspect of the camp with those considering coming along. Jen has many years experience working with teens in schools and arranging activities and events that are fun, safe, welcoming, inclusive and enjoyable.
Jen Mitchell
e jen.mitchell@heartkids.org.au
t 0439 985 938