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code 9 kids camps

Promoting Self-confidence and Friendship

Are you a first responder family living with PTSD?

These summer holidays we are funding kids in Years 7-11, to join a canoeing adventure, led by bush adventure therapy specialists.

Our aim is to help kids realise “they’re never alone” as well.

Code 9 have been supporting first responders with mental injuries for almost 10 years as well as supporting partners/carers and families as well.

We have shown support on an as needed basis for kids in the background for a while but wanted to do something on a broader scale.

Our camps will provide children in first responder families to not only have a break from that envrionment, but also connect with other children in a similar situation helping them to see that they are not alone.

It will also provide a little respite for the family during the school holidays.

Who is this camp for?

Children in year 7 - 11, aged 13 -  17 years old of professional first responders.

When will this camp run?

During Christmas holidays

Monday 6th – Friday 10th of January 2025

Where will the camp be held?

The camp is a 5-day expedition program along, and on the shores of, the Glenelg River.

How do you apply?

Complete the form to submit your childs application. The cost of the camp is fully covered by The Code 9 Foundation and there are limited spots available. 
Your application does not guarantee you a place on the camp.

Apply Now

The camp will be supervised and facilitated by qualified Adventure Therapists and Outdoor Facilitators, Geelong Adventure Specialists, (GAS). 

GAS has a proven track record delivering therapeutic programs with vulnerable populations including, veterans, police, NDIS recipients, youth, families and individuals. All services have comprehensive clinical oversite and embed tailored outcome monitoring within the design.

We are very excited about this new partnership and hope to continue it with many more kids camps to come.

The camp integrates the proven benefits of active time spent in nature with the latest research evidence and practice in relation to mental health promotion and trauma recovery.

Glenelg River Journey Camp 2025

Description of program

  • 5-day, 4-night river journey
  • Travelling by canoe & camping in a new location each night
  • 3 GAS Leaders (including one bush adventure therapy facilitator)

Activities throughout journey

  • Wooden spoon whittle
  • Fishing
  • Birding
  • Campfire cooking
  • Tarpology
  • River Swims

Camp purpose

  • Providing a fun, engaging and supportive space for social connection through outdoor adventure.
  • Respite for participants and their families.
  • Individual support (if required) from a mental health practitioner.
  • For participants to feel belonging and a sense of freedom in the company of peers with similar life experiences.
  • Time in nature; a chance to decompress & downregulate the nervous system (a break from technology).

The Code 9 Kids Camps are not the only project we have planned to support the children of our first responder families. 

Stay tuned!