Important Announcement to all our Autism Camp Families
Dear Families and Supporters of our Cooinda Retreats “My Turf Autism Camps” Community, It is with a heavy heart that I share some difficult news. After deep reflection, we have made the decision to permanently suspend the My Turf Autism Camps program. Over the past five years, My Turf Autism Camps has been so much more than a program. It has been a place of belonging — where young people on the autism spectrum, their families, and our wider community have come together to laugh, learn, rest, and grow. We’ve seen confidence bloom, friendships form, and family bonds strengthen. Together, we created something extraordinary — a community that understood, supported, and celebrated one another. Sadly, the changing NDIS environment has made it impossible for us to continue. The National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Getting the NDIS Back on Track No. 1) Act 2024 brought significant reform to how the Scheme operates, redefining supports, tightening compliance, and increasing administrative complexity. For small, community-based not-for-profits like Cooinda Retreats, the combined effect of these changes has made it unsustainable to continue delivering My Turf Autism Camps in their current form. This decision was made with enormous sadness. We are deeply disappointed that in an effort to curb misuse and manage costs, reforms have unintentionally created barriers for small providers who do the right thing — and, most importantly, for families and participants who rely on these meaningful experiences. Yet, while My Turf Autism Camps must now close, the spirit of what we built together will carry on. The laughter around the campfire, the shared meals, the breakthroughs in confidence and communication — these moments are lasting. They represent the best of what community can be. We encourage everyone who has been part of My Turf to stay connected, to keep supporting one another, and to look for opportunities to come together again through Cooinda Retreats and our broader My Turf programs. The friendships, memories, and sense of belonging we’ve created will always remain a proud legacy of this journey. From the bottom of our hearts — thank you. Thank you for trusting us, for sharing your families with us, and for being part of something truly special. With warmth, gratitude, and hope,
Adam Hooper
CEO & Executive Director
Cooinda Retreats – Victor Harbor, South Australia
Our Vision for Families
At My Turf Autism Camps, we are passionate about supporting the autism community in South Australia. Through the philanthropic efforts of our organisation and community fundraising, we are proud to provide:
Fully Catered Meals: Delicious, nutritious meals for the whole family, including snacks and refreshments, offered as our gift to make the camp stress-free.
Inclusive Sibling and Parent Activities: Engaging and inclusive activities for parents and siblings are provided at no cost, creating an opportunity for every family member to benefit from the camp experience.
This is our way of leading family support in South Australia’s neurodiverse community, ensuring every participant can focus on achieving their goals in a nurturing, empowering environment.
Why Choose My Turf Autism Camps?
NDIS-Aligned Activities: Every aspect of our camp is designed to achieve key NDIS outcomes, including improved social and communication skills, emotional regulation, and community participation.
Inclusive and Tailored: Activities are customised for each participant to support their individual needs, ensuring a safe and engaging experience.
Experienced Team: With over five years of delivering successful programs, we understand the unique needs of young autistic individuals and their families.
Focus on Connection: Camps foster lasting relationships within and beyond the neurodiverse community, creating a strong support network for participants and families alike.
Key Outcomes for Participants
Our activities are focused on achieving measurable outcomes for autistic young people under NDIS goals, including:
Improved Social Skills:
- Participating in group activities to practise communication, collaboration, and turn-taking.
- Building friendships and fostering positive peer relationships.
- Developing confidence to navigate social settings.
Enhanced Emotional Regulation:
- Learning strategies for managing emotions in a safe and supportive environment.
- Practising mindfulness and coping techniques to reduce anxiety and build resilience.
Community Engagement:
- Encouraging active participation in community settings through real-world activities.
- Boosting confidence to interact with others in inclusive environments.
Skill Development for Independence:
- Practising life skills such as cooking, daily routines, and self-care tasks.
- Building problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
Creative and Recreational Growth:
- Inspiring creativity through sensory-friendly arts, crafts, and play-based activities.
- Encouraging exploration of new interests and hobbies.
Camp Program Highlights
Our program is designed to provide goal-focused experiences for every family member:
- For Participants: A structured mix of skill-building activities, recreational experiences, and social engagement opportunities.
- For Siblings: Inclusive, peer-based activities to build relationships and shared understanding.
- For Parents: Self-care and support opportunities to foster resilience, connection, and community.
- For Families: Dedicated time for bonding and creating shared memories in a fun, relaxed environment.
Location and Accommodation
Nestled in the tranquil bushland of Victor Harbor, Cooinda Retreats offers an authentic camp experience that is close to the attractions of the Fleurieu Peninsula.
Camp Package Includes:
- Two nights of private, secure accommodation for each family.
- Three days of tailored activities and recreational experiences.
- Fully catered meals, provided as a charitable donation through our community’s support.
- Inclusive programs for participants, siblings, and parents, creating a holistic family experience.
NDIS Funding Options
Our camps align with key NDIS support categories to ensure accessibility for families:
| NDIS Funding Category | Support Item Code | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Core Support | 04_210_0125_6_1 | Community Social and Recreational Activities |
| Capacity Building Support | 09_011_0125_6_3 | Community Participation Activities |
Achieving Key NDIS Goals:
- Increased Social and Community Participation: Helping participants build meaningful connections and improve their confidence in group settings.
- Development of Social and Emotional Skills: Empowering participants with tools to interact effectively and manage emotions.
- Independence in Daily Living: Supporting practical skill-building to foster autonomy.
Our team works closely with families to tailor the program to their unique NDIS goals, ensuring a meaningful and impactful camp experience.