Southern Cross Kids' Camps

Southern Cross Kids’ Camps is a Christian not-for-profit organisation, enabling children to overcome the generational cycle of abuse, neglect and domestic violence. SCKC accomplishes this by delivering 5-day early-intervention camp respite programs across Australia. Enabling children aged 7-11 to develop life skills for greater social connectedness: at home, at school and in the community. SCKC is unique in Australia, providing a 1:1 child-to-adult Buddy mentoring model for kids who have suffered abuse, neglect and domestic violence. Since 2000, SCKC has grown to run 11 annual camps across Victoria, NSW and Queensland. More than 400 trained volunteers provide a week of fun, laughter and specialised Buddy mentoring for 250 vulnerable girls and boys each year. And the impact is growing! For 14 years, SCKC has pursued inclusiveness among marginalised children from all walks of life: kids from Indigenous and culturally diverse backgrounds, from metropolitan and regional communities, kids in foster and insecure out-of-home care. OUR MISSION Provide a safe week of happy memories for children who have suffered abuse, neglect and domestic violence. During the five-day camp mentor and respite program, SCKC will: • WELCOME children, making them feel wanted regardless of their circumstances, behaviour or their cultural, social or religious backgrounds. • ALLOW each child to feel safe, accepted and loved. • VALUE each child as God's Creation, created with a purpose. • BUILD a sense of worth and confidence in every girl and boy. • HELP children develop life skills in communication and decision making. • GIVE each child a sense of hope and a new outlook on life. • PROVIDE positive adult role models. Ultimately, SCKC camp mentor and respite programs are about helping children reach their full potential in their communities: for the hope of boundless futures!