INTRODUCTION

Doxa provides a range of camping programmes for children and young people in both city and bushland settings. We are all about campers having fun and learning while creating special childhood memories. We want every child to be able to access the growth opportunities offered by camping experiences. We provide quality and affordable camps for schools in disadvantaged communities year-round and for children from less affluent families over the summer break. Our Malmsbury camp is also available for community use over weekends and parts of the school holidays.

OUR GENERAL MANAGER CAMP PROGRAMMES

Tom Kelly has broad experience in the outdoor and environmental education sector with a passion for spending time learning and experiencing the outdoors. Before moving into his current role in February 2024, he was Manager of Doxa City Camp and has coordinated holiday camp and journey programmes within our organisation. Tom has also developed and managed statewide environmental programmes for schools while working at Ceres Community Environmental Park. Tom holds a Bachelor of Education and a Graduate Diploma of Outdoor and Environmental Education from Federation University.

THE BENEFITS OF CAMPS

Independent research in both Australia and overseas clearly shows the benefits of camps for children and young people. Amongst these are building better social skills, greater confidence to take healthy risks, increased independence and an improved capacity to work in a team.

Watch the video below to find out more.

KEEPING CHILDREN SAFE

We are committed to keeping children safe. We have a Safeguarding Children’s Policy, which includes requiring every team member to have a Working with Children Check and a National Police Check. We also have the very best evidence-based policies and practices in place to manage risks from COVID 19 at our camps.

SCHOOL BOOKINGS

We give priority access to schools working with the most disadvantaged communities. We use the Victorian Department of Education and Training measures and data to determine this: The Student Family Occupation and Education, (SFOE), rankings and the rural and remote disadvantage criteria.

WINNING THE COVETED MINISTER’S AWARD

In 2015, the Doxa Youth Foundation won the coveted Minister’s Award as part of the Victoria Government’s Community, Sport and Recreation Awards. It recognised our significant contribution in expanding opportunities for all kids to experience going on camp.