Teen Camps and Events: Frequently Asked Questions

Teen camps and events are completely FREE for all campers (and volunteers). 

HeartKids, with funding from the Australian Government Department of Health, will cover all costs associated with travel (including flights!), accommodation, meals and activities.

Where possible, we try to make sure that all campers are met by a HeartKids volunteer at their closest airport to make the trip together. All these details will be carefully planned with campers and their parents/carers well before camp starts.

The team at HeartKids organise an amazing variety of activities for camps and events. At previous camps, campers have had the chance to get creative in art and music workshops, hit the beach or lake to try some fun water sports, as well as having a go at rock climbing and ropes courses.

Campers and event attendees are provided with the opportunity to engage in conversations and activities focused on living with CHD and transitioning to adult care. Inspiring guest speakers also make special appearances.

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, reach out to the HeartKids Teen Camp Coordinator and arrangements can be made to ensure all campers have everything they need to have a great time.

Campers will sleep in air-conditioned, shared dormitory-style accommodation, allocated by age and gender. There are of course private bathroom facilities.

The wonderful thing about HeartKids Teen Camps and Events is the friends you make. You may feel a little nervous at first, but from the moment you arrive at camp you will be greeted by happy, welcoming faces. You will get to meet lots of other teens with similar stories and experiences as your own.

HeartKids usually plan some online get -to-know-you virtual meet and greets before Teen Camp, to ease some of those nerves that everyone will be feeling.

Teen Camp is staffed by an amazing group of volunteers, many of who are practising nurses. Prior to camp or the event, the HeartKids Teen Camp Coordinator will get in touch with your parents/carers and obtain all relevant information related to your medication requirements.

Teen Camps are staffed by a wonderful group of volunteers who have professional experience working with young people living with congenital and childhood acquired heart conditions. This includes nurses and social workers. It is a requirement that all volunteers are fully vaccinated and hold a current Police Check and Working With Children Check (or equivalent).

Campers are able to bring their mobile phones to contact family during free time. However, there will be some restrictions on device usage – but campers will be so busy having a great time that this shouldn’t be too much of an issue.

Our Teen Camps Coordinator is more than happy to discuss any aspect of the camp with those considering coming along. Our Coordinator has many years of experience working with teens and arranging activities and events that are fun, safe, welcoming, inclusive and enjoyable. Find our Camp Coordinator's contact details below.