Wombat’s Wish Weekend Camps
Central to everything we do at Wombat’s Wish is our flagship Weekend Camp Program.
Since launching our first Wombat’s Wish weekend camp in 2005, we’ve gone on to extend our program throughout Victoria and now host camps in Anglesea, Queenscliff, Corop and Grantville. In 2023, we’re running eight weekend camps for bereaved children and young people across the state.
Sometimes called a grief camp or a bereavement camp, our camps are are nevertheless a mixture of meaningful, informative and – importantly! – fun moments.
Our camps have special programs both for children and young people, as well as for parents and carers.
Children and young people work through memories, coping techniques, share thoughts and express feelings, as well as enjoying a lot of fun outdoor and indoor activities, from creative projects and circus skills to archery and flying fox.
Our weekend camps are a safe place for a grieving child/young person to grow, using programs developed by our psychologists and delivered by a highly qualified team of psychologists, social and youth workers, and trained volunteers.
The program helps children and young people better understand their grief, and teaches them strategies to regulate difficult emotions. We focus on practical coping strategies to grieve in healthy ways, increasing confidence and self-esteem while reducing any associated mental health impacts.
Together, in our inclusive and supportive environment, they can access important information and resources, express themselves and make important new friendships with their peers who are also going through this difficult time.
During the weekend camp, parents and carers explore their own specially tailored group program, designed to provide them with essential support, tools, resources, care and strategies throughout their journey. Many parents and carers talk about the incredibly meaningful connections and new friendships that they build during the weekend camp program.
Interested in learning more about our camps? See our videos below
– Nea, 2022
“I just want to say thank you for such an amazing weekend. I cannot put into words how incredible it was for us, just blown away and incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to attend. It was extraordinary and so powerful.”
Commonly-asked questions about Wombat’s Wish Weekend Camps
Does it cost money to attend camp? No. All Wombat’s Wish camps and programs are run at no cost whatsoever to families.
Can I and my child/young person attend camp? Yes. Our weekend camp program is for both children/young people, and their parent/carer to attend. Parents and carers attend their own day program at a nearby location, but reconnect with their children in the afternoons for meals, relaxation, games and other special moments together.
How do I enquire about going on a camp? Our enquiry process is called ‘making a referral’, and it’s really simple and quick to do. In the Menu bar, you’ll find our Referrals page, or you can click here.
Can I make a referral for myself or somebody I know? Yes. Anybody can make a referral to Wombat’s Wish to find out more about attending one of our weekend camps. So if you are a parent, carer, friend or provider of professional support to a child or young person who has experienced the death of a parent, just fill in our easy referral form. Once a referral or enquiry is made, our friendly team will be in touch shortly to have a chat, find out more, and arrange a pre-camp assessment.
What is a pre-camp assessment? An assessment isn’t a test – it’s a friendly visit or Zoom catch-up with our Wombat’s Wish Manager and Coordinator, both of whom have years of experience and qualifications in assessing and supporting young people and their families. At an assessment, we’ll talk more about the important person who died, how the family is managing, their needs, and make sure that everybody feels ready and supported to attend a weekend Wombat’s Wish camp.
Are there weekend camps in my area? As Wombat’s Wish continues to grow to fulfil demand, we currently facilitate weekend camps across the state. In 2023, our camp locations are Anglesea (Surf Coast), Queenscliff (Bellarine Peninsula), Grantville (Bass Coast/ Eastern Victoria) and Corop (Goulburn Valley/ Northern & Central Victoria).
Get in touch with us to find out more about our weekend camp program – we’re always happy to help.
“My children and I were lucky enough for Wombat’s Wish to invite us to
attend a weekend camp in Corop. They provide support to the children and the surviving parent after the death of a parent/partner and therapy-based activities to support the process of grieving in a healthy way.
We have formed some amazing new widow mumma friendships and some I have no doubt will be additions to our family. There were many, many tears shed by both the girls and myself but there was just as many “ahh me too” moments to validate we aren’t alone in our feelings and thoughts throughout this journey.”
– Jessica, 2022