The Portsea Camp

The Portsea Camp The Portsea Camp Until 1995 The Portsea Camp was known as the Lord Mayor’s Camp for Country Children and was supported by the City of Melbourne.

The Portsea Camp has a proud history supporting Victoria's children and families, in particular those who, for a range of reasons, may be doing it tough. Following the City's move to focus on Melbourne residents the camp found itself without a major financial backer. Fortunately Rotary came to the rescue, offering the much needed financial and in-kind support to enable the camp to tackle its signi

ficant refurbishment needs. Rotary financial support has reduced significantly, although individual clubs are still very active and the camp's board of directors enjoys Rotary representation. Many other donors have since been of invaluable assistance making it difficult to single out for thanks any one party above others. Nevertheless, special mention needs to be made of the assistance provided by the Lord Mayor's Charitable Foundation, which over a period of 5 years provided over $300,000, the Bendigo Community Bank (Rye and Dromana branch) whose support over a 10-year period is enabling the camp to clear debt incurred prior to management changes in 1995, 'us' - utility services whose assistance enabled removal of the camp's sewerage treatment plant and connection to sewer and the various trusts who support the camp through Perpetual and Equity Trustees.

Our matching period has now ended, but the need certainly hasn’t. Right now, 1 in 2 Australian children are still missin...
16/06/2026

Our matching period has now ended, but the need certainly hasn’t. Right now, 1 in 2 Australian children are still missing out on the vital benefits of camp: connection, confidence, resilience and simply the chance to be kids again.

Through our Making a Difference programs, we’re working to change that by providing subsidised camp experiences for children who would otherwise miss out.

Every gift, big or small, helps open the door for a child to step into nature, build friendships, and experience the joy of camp.

It’s not too late to make an impact, your support can still help us provide life-changing opportunities and ensure more children don’t miss out on the moments that help shape their future.

80 Years of Camp, and Why It Still Matters.When our gates first opened in 1946, children came to the coast for fresh air...
12/06/2026

80 Years of Camp, and Why It Still Matters.

When our gates first opened in 1946, children came to the coast for fresh air, post-war recovery, medical checks and physical challenge. Today, the world looks completely different, but our focus on supporting young people through wellbeing and outdoor adventure remains exactly the same.

The reality of raising children today has fundamentally shifted. Parents are navigating a landscape that simply didn't exist a generation ago:

- The Digital Environment: With recreational screen use at an all-time high, devices have become a default part of daily learning and connection.

- The Physical Shift: Finding time and safe spaces for traditional, unstructured outdoor play has become increasingly difficult for busy families.

Childhood has moved from the independent, outdoor-based lifestyle of the 1940s to a fast-paced, highly structured modern reality. And now, with the rapid rise of artificial intelligence shaping what children see online, navigating the digital world has become even more complex.

But here is the reassuring truth: what children need at their core hasn’t changed at all. They still need confidence. Genuine connection. Real experiences with real people in real places.

Time spent in nature, away from the noise and alongside peers, isn't just a holiday. It is a powerful way to build resilience and self-belief. It gives children the tactile wins and real-world grounding that help them handle the online world with confidence.

As we celebrate 80 years, we see our role not just as a camp, but as a partner for parents, helping to provide the ultimate antidote to a virtual world.

Read our full article for a deeper look at navigating the rise of AI and helping your child choose a beautiful, flawed reality over a pixel-perfect world: Link in Comments

The mentors, facilitators and role models behind Vibes Wellness Week are a huge part of what makes this experience so po...
09/06/2026

The mentors, facilitators and role models behind Vibes Wellness Week are a huge part of what makes this experience so powerful.

This year, girls attending Vibes will learn from and connect with an incredible lineup of facilitators including:

𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗖𝗛
Creating supportive, safe spaces where young people can connect, share honestly and feel a real sense of belonging.

𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿
Award-winning former CEO, best-selling author and founder of Callander & Co and Mentor Me Women. Colleen is passionate about helping young people build confidence, overcome self-doubt and step into their potential with courage and authenticity.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗹𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗝𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆
Supporting young people through wellbeing practices, emotional growth, mindfulness and meaningful connection.

Together, these experiences are designed to help girls:
- build resilience and belief in themselves
- strengthen friendships and connection
- grow self-awareness
- feel optimistic and proud of who they are

Combined with adventure activities, creativity, mentoring and five unforgettable days by the coast, Vibes is designed to help girls discover just how capable they really are.

🌊 High ropes & kayaking
🎨 Creative expression & journaling
🧘‍♀️ Mindfulness & wellbeing
🤝 Friendship, leadership & mentoring
💛 Confidence, resilience & connection

6–10 July 2026
Ages 8–17
The Portsea Camp

Bookings are now open via upcoming camps link in our bio.

This is what community looks like.Behind every successful event is a remarkable group of people willing to give their ti...
09/06/2026

This is what community looks like.

Behind every successful event is a remarkable group of people willing to give their time, expertise, products, services and support to make it happen.

The Chef's Charity Luncheon was a beautiful example of what can be achieved when a community comes together. From the organisers, chefs, producers and sponsors, to the businesses who donated auction and raffle prizes, the volunteers who worked behind the scenes, and every guest who attended and gave so generously - thank you.

Your contributions helped create an unforgettable afternoon, but more importantly, they will help create opportunities for children who may otherwise miss out on the confidence, connection, resilience and joy that camp can provide.

We are incredibly grateful to the Sorrento Chamber of Commerce for bringing this event to life and to every individual and business who played a part in its success.

Together, you're helping create brighter futures for young people through The Portsea Camp's Making a Difference programs.

Thank you for showing what community is all about. ❤️

📸 Amber Gardener Photography

09/06/2026

There’s something pretty special that happens when a community comes together.

On the last day of May, we had the privilege of being the charitable partner of the Chef's Charity Luncheon, and we’re still reflecting on the generosity, kindness and support shown throughout the afternoon.

This event is so much more than an exceptional long lunch. It’s a remarkable example of what can happen when local businesses, chefs, sponsors, volunteers and community members unite behind a shared purpose.

Every dish served, every auction bid placed, every raffle ticket purchased, and every donation made contributed to something bigger - creating opportunities for more children to access life-changing experiences through The Portsea Camp’s Making a Difference programs.

We were genuinely blown away by the generosity in the room. Not only from those who gave their time, talent, products and expertise to bring the event to life, but from every guest who so enthusiastically supported the cause.

A heartfelt thank you to the Sorrento Chamber of Commerce for bringing this incredible event together, and to the many chefs, sponsors, donors and supporters who made it possible. Your generosity will help ensure more young people can experience the confidence, connection, resilience and joy that camp provides.

We are incredibly grateful to be part of such a caring, generous and connected community.

📸 Photography by Amber Gardener

09/06/2026

There’s something pretty special that happens when a community comes together.

On the last day of May, we had the privilege of being the charitable partner of the Chef’s Charity Luncheon, and we’re still reflecting on the generosity, kindness and support shown throughout the afternoon.

This event is so much more than an exceptional long lunch. It’s a remarkable example of what can happen when local businesses, chefs, sponsors, volunteers and community members unite behind a shared purpose.

Every dish served, every auction bid placed, every raffle ticket purchased, and every donation made contributed to something bigger - creating opportunities for more children to access life-changing experiences through The Portsea Camp’s Making a Difference programs.

We were genuinely blown away by the generosity in the room. Not only from those who gave their time, talent, products and expertise to bring the event to life, but from every guest who so enthusiastically supported the cause.

A heartfelt thank you to the Sorrento Chamber of Commerce for bringing this incredible event together, and to the many chefs, sponsors, donors and supporters who made it possible. Your generosity will help ensure more young people can experience the confidence, connection, resilience and joy that camp provides.

We are incredibly grateful to be part of such a caring, generous and connected community.

📸 Photography by Amber Gardener

The creatives behind this year’s Creative Arts & Writing Camp are seriously inspiring!This winter, young people attendin...
06/06/2026

The creatives behind this year’s Creative Arts & Writing Camp are seriously inspiring!

This winter, young people attending camp will have the opportunity to learn from an incredible lineup of artists, writers and facilitators including:

✍️ 𝗪𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘆 𝗢𝗿𝗿
Award-winning author of Nim’s Island and many beloved children’s books, helping young writers unlock imagination, storytelling and creativity.

📚 𝗥𝗲𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗰𝗮 𝗙𝗿𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗿
Fiction writer passionate about helping young people explore storytelling, creative writing and self-expression.

🖼️ 𝗙𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮 𝗠𝗰𝗚𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗵 – 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗥𝗶𝗯𝗯𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗔𝗿𝘁 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗽𝘆
Using creativity, reflection and artistic expression to support confidence, wellbeing and emotional growth.

💃 𝗣𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗹𝗮 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲
Bringing movement, performance, energy and creativity into the camp experience.

🎨 𝗕𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗰𝗹𝗲 𝗔𝗿𝘁 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼 𝗔𝗿𝘁𝗶𝘀𝘁𝘀
Leading hands-on creative workshops across a range of artistic mediums and projects.

Combined with beach walks, campfires, friendships and five days immersed in creativity by the coast, this is so much more than just an arts program.

It’s a chance for young people to:
✨ build confidence
✨ express themselves creatively
✨ make genuine friendships
✨ try new things
✨ step away from screens
✨ reconnect with imagination and the outdoors

29 June – 3 July 2026
Ages 8–16
The Portsea Camp

Places are filling fast.
Book via our upcoming camps link in bio.

Woo it's here!! Today is our Giving Day and the final day of our 80th Anniversary Appeal! 🎉For 80 years, The Portsea Cam...
05/06/2026

Woo it's here!! Today is our Giving Day and the final day of our 80th Anniversary Appeal! 🎉

For 80 years, The Portsea Camp has been creating opportunities for children and young people to connect, grow and thrive through the power of the outdoors. Today, you can help ensure that impact continues for generations to come.

Right now, 1 in 2 Australian children are missing out on camp experiences despite the proven benefits for wellbeing, confidence, resilience and social connection.

Donations support our Making a Difference programs and help fund camp scholarships, giving more children the opportunity to experience the connection, belonging and growth that camp provides.

Thanks to the generous support of the Handbury Foundation, all donations made today will be matched dollar for dollar, up to $10,000. That means your gift can have twice the impact for children who need it most.

Tune into your local ACE Radio network to hear more, or make your matched donation today at theportseacamp.com.au/80years.

Together, we can help create brighter futures for every child. 💙

Confidence. Creativity. Adventure. Connection. Vibes Wellness Week is back this winter at The Portsea Camp - a transform...
04/06/2026

Confidence. Creativity. Adventure. Connection.
Vibes Wellness Week is back this winter at The Portsea Camp - a transformational retreat experience for girls aged 8–17 designed to empower, inspire and build resilience through adventure, creativity and community.

Across the week, participants will:
🌊 Kayak along the coastline
✨ Conquer high ropes and giant swings
🎨 Explore creativity, journaling and self-expression
🧘‍♀️ Practice mindfulness, movement and wellbeing
🤝 Build genuine friendships and connection
💛 Grow confidence, resilience and leadership skills

Featuring workshops and sessions with:
✨ REACH
✨ Colleen Callander
✨ The Flourish Journey

One of the most special parts of Vibes is the opportunity for older girls to mentor and support younger participants throughout the week- creating a powerful sense of belonging, encouragement and positive role modelling.

“She’s been talking about it non-stop, saying it was the best week of her life.”
For girls who are looking to grow in confidence, step outside their comfort zone, make lasting friendships and discover what they’re capable of, this week can be life changing. We have seen it firsthand, and often 💛

6–10 July 2026
The Portsea Camp
Ages 8–17

Bookings are now open.
https://www.theportseacamp.com.au/event/vibes-wellness-week/

We’re so close! Only 2 days to go!. This is your final chance to have your donation matched dollar-for-dollar by our phi...
03/06/2026

We’re so close! Only 2 days to go!. This is your final chance to have your donation matched dollar-for-dollar by our philanthropic supporter, The Handbury Foundation. Help us reach our $50,000 goal. Sponsored by ACE Radio.
Double your impact: www.theportseacamp.com.au/80years

Address

3704 Point Nepean Road
Portsea, VIC
3944

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

03 5984 2333

Website

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