GLOW Kids Camp is a school holiday program for disadvantaged and vulnerable children who are in need of respite.
Sometimes family situations can be tough. Our mission is to immerse our campers in a holiday experience of fun-filled activities, positive development and confidence building, all while making new friends.
What is GLOW?
GLOW stands for:
- Growth
- Learning
- Opportunity
- Wellbeing
Based at our beautiful Victor Harbor campsite, the GLOW Kids Camp provides an opportunity for children aged between six and ten years old to explore, connect and engage in a range of ways they may have yet to experience, due to challenging life circumstances.
We invite professional support staff working with children such as school inclusion officers, family and welfare agencies, and social workers, to refer children for the camps each school term.
Sign up to our mailing list and follow us on Facebook to receive information on camp and referral dates.
Kids Camp Program
Facilitated entirely by volunteers, and funded by donations from our generous supporters, Cooinda Retreats has delivered programs for youth in need for over 80 years.
The programs are designed to help children from a wide range of situations develop self-regulation skills, form positive relationships with their peers, make healthy choices, build self-esteem and develop positive community attitudes.
The camps are facilitated by a dedicated team of volunteer Camp Directors and leaders, with more than 25 years and hundreds of camp experiences between them.
The GLOW Kids Camp is run during the school holidays each term, with a theme suitable to the current season.
Experiences in earth, nature and aquatic-based activities will encourage children to explore, connect, engage and, of course, get a little dirty!
Camp activities include:
- Nature and Aquatic Play
- Mindfulness breathing
- Creating “Calm Jars”
- Focus Plans (self-regulation charts)
- Exploring Victor Harbor
- Arts and Crafts
- BMX riding
- Dance Party
- Sports
Referral Information
The GLOW Kids Camp aims to provide a respite opportunity to both the children and their families from a range of high-risk situations. Our selection criteria are deliberately broad, aiming to provide an opportunity to as many children as possible.
We encourage community service organisations and schools to identify families for whom they believe respite would be beneficial, and children who they feel would benefit from a new experience in a safe and supportive environment.
Who is eligible?
Children aged between 6 and 10 years who are in need of respite due to their family, social or financial situation. All are welcome, with children on our camps coming from a variety of circumstances.
Some of the children on our camps may have experienced:
- Social or financial disadvantage
- Abuse and neglect
- Family disruption and breakdown
- Mental health or behavioural challenges
- A rural, migrant or refugee background
All of our volunteers are well-trained to support children with a wide range of special needs; however, we request that agencies carefully consider their referrals to our service. Children with extremely violent or disruptive behaviours may inhibit our ability to provide a successful respite experience to other participants.
How much does the camp cost?
Our program is subsidised by our membership, public appeals and sponsorship arrangements.
This is covered by the school, organisation or agency that is referring the child to our program. Please confirm payment arrangements with your referring agency prior to camp. This payment is an administration payment and is paid even if the child does not attend camp. Cooinda Retreats will refund this administration fee if a camp placement is not offered.
Volunteer for GLOW
Do you have a passion for supporting children from diverse experiences to explore, connect and engage?
Or maybe you are working or studying in the fields of Education, Social Work or Psychology?
Volunteering your time and skills to join our Cooinda Retreats Camp Program as a Camp Director or leader can further develop your leadership and organisational skills and provide a range of opportunities for you to test these skills in the field.
Leaders who remain involved in the program further their education by participating in First Aid, Mandatory Notification and other professional development opportunities.
No specific background or training is required to volunteer on the program; however, all leaders are subject to a Working with Children Clearance.
Sponsor the GLOW Camp
Cooinda Retreats provides Kids Camps designed to help disadvantaged and vulnerable children from a wide range of high-risk situations. We reach many children from Adelaide and regional South Australia, and our broad focus means we can accept children who may otherwise not be eligible for this type of program.
Many children have experienced trauma or hardship as a result of their circumstances. These hardships can have social, emotional, behavioural, and financial impacts on the people involved. The GLOW Kids Camp aims to provide a respite opportunity to both the children and their families.
Data shows that 15 per cent of South Australian families (67,000) are involved with child protection systems*. Cooinda Retreats is committed to providing opportunities for local children in our community to have a positive life experience at one of our Kids Camps. With the support of community groups and public donations, we have been able to provide a safe and fun camp experience for over 80 years to South Australia’s most disadvantaged children.
Together with the highly successful camping program, Cooinda Retreats offers a variety of targeted activities to help local youth across South Australia. Cooinda Retreats is committed to implementing new projects along with other initiatives that make a real difference.
To continue to be a positive influence in the lives of these children, we need your help.
To ensure our camps are accessible and free of cost to the attendees, we rely on donations. By donating to Cooinda Retreats, your donation will immediately help us create another opportunity for a child in need to secure a place in one of our programs.
*Source: The Advertiser, March 15, 2019
Frequently Asked Questions
Refer a child now
Fill out the referral form via the link below. Please ensure you have all the child's details on hand when filling out this form. If you have any questions, call us on 1300 445 910 or email glow@cooindaretreats.org.au