A Place to Feel Safe

In Ballarat, Southern Cross Kids’ Camp supports children who have experienced trauma or neglect, providing a safe and consistent environment where they can build trust, confidence and connection.

Each child is paired one to one with a dedicated adult mentor, creating a supportive relationship that allows them to engage at their own pace.

When Lucy first attended camp, she stayed on the edges of activities, holding tightly to her backpack as a source of comfort. She found group settings overwhelming and struggled to participate.

“I was nervous about leaving mum the first time… camp was a safe place because I was scared. It helped me forget about the bad stuff I was going through.”

Through a Ballarat Foundation grant, the program continues to provide this consistent and supportive environment, allowing children to return year after year and build trust over time.

The change in Lucy has been remarkable. Over four years, she moved from observing on the side lines to actively participating, building friendships and taking on leadership roles within the group.

“Camp was a happy place, because it felt safe and I felt welcome.”

By her final year, Lucy was not only confident and engaged, she was the one reaching out to new campers, helping them feel safe and included from the moment they arrived.

This change matters because it shifts a child’s sense of what is possible. It replaces fear and isolation with confidence, connection and a sense of belonging that can carry into adulthood.

With continued support, programs like this can help more children build the skills, relationships and resilience they need to thrive.