Family Camps
Family Camps enable the whole family to enjoy quality time together and reconnect. They are a chance to build a supportive community with other families facing cancer.
We believe all kids facing cancer should have the chance to be kids again
Camp Quality brings positivity, fun and laughter back into the lives of all kids facing cancer. And we are there for children (0-15 years) dealing with a parent’s or caregiver’s cancer diagnosis with our Kids Impacted by a Carer’s Cancer (KICC) Program.
Our free KICC programs and services help children and families build optimism and resilience toward their cancer experience through community, education and fun.
A break from cancer is vital for kids impacted by a caregiver’s diagnosis.
The benefits for kids and families
- Camps provide a break from the challenges that come with cancer for kids and parents/primary caregivers
- Camps provide distraction from regular stays in hospital and provide a chance for families to momentarily forget about cancer
- Kids value the chance to do fun, exciting and different activities
- Kids are able to get back to just being kids and have a break from cancer
- Children are able to spend time with other kids who have similar experiences and backgrounds to them in an environment where they receive plenty of support and encouragement
‘Camp Quality Impact Study: Family And Kids’ Camps’, June 2021 [PDF]
Camp Quality support is 24/7 – anywhere, anytime
At Camp Quality we understand that cancer can be a very isolating experience. Therefore, our online services connect kids and families to fun and support wherever they are.
Our Parenting Through Cancer website enables parents and carers to connect in a supportive online community, and the free telephone counselling service is for parents and caregivers in need of professional advice and support. You can access it on 1800 945 215.
Further online support is offered to Camp Quality KICC families through our educational Kids’ Guide to Cancer and New Normal Navigator apps, one-on-one Digital Puppet Playdates, interactive Virtual Camps and the Happiness Hub section of our website, which is home to exclusive kids’ activities and wellbeing content.
No child should have to deal with cancer alone
KICC kids at school are supported by our Cancer Education Program, presented by the much-loved Camp Quality Puppets. These interactive shows dispel myths, reduce bullying, and create a supportive community for any child impacted by cancer. Our Cancer Education Digital Program is also now available to Australian schools via streaming platforms.
Fun and support for the whole family
Family Experiences
At Camp Quality laughter is the best medicine. Our family experiences provide tickets to games and events free of charge so the family can laugh and make happy memories away from the stresses of cancer.
Family Fun Days
Camp Quality’s Family Fun Days are free, one-day events that create happy memories not centred on illness for families facing cancer.
It’s simple to join
Do you have a child 0-15 years old facing the cancer diagnosis of a mum, dad, or carer? You can register your family online today for free, or by calling the Camp Quality team on 1300 662 267.
REGISTER TODAY
Hear from a family impacted by a carer's cancer
Leanne (00:19:02 – 00:43:23): My name’s Leanne Keating. I have metastatic breast cancer. I’m here today with my daughter to be a part of something where all the children have something in common, which is a parent with cancer. It’s really hard for them . They don’t know whether they’re, you know, mum or dad is going to be here, for how long. They understand what cancer is by this age.
Leanne (00:44:08 – 01:10:13): It’s just really, really important for them to be able to let go of their frustrations and talk to somebody their own age and a child about what’s happening. You can talk to an adult, but it doesn’t really sink into them. Kids playing and talking about it. The frustrations go. They understand more. And I think they’re more easier with what’s happening.
Lisa (01:10:13 – 01:13:08): I’m Lisa and this is my beautiful mother and best friend, Michelle.
Michelle (01:14:01 – 01:30:05): Lisa was diagnosed last year with breast cancer. Everyone in the family basically goes through cancer. Maybe one person gets the treatment but cancer definitely affects everybody in the family.
Lisa (01:30:05 – 01:40:09): Lexi hasn’t taken that smile off her face. She’s participated in everything. And I can see she’s made some really good friends with the other boys and girls here. So it’s just been wonderful.
Leanne (01:40:09 – 01:41:13): Absolutely wonderful.
Alisha (01:44:13 – 02:10:12): My name is Alisha Sarlee. When I was 29, I was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. So stage four, and it’s you know, it impacts the children. Obviously them being young, them being so close together, you try to stay positive. But there is a reality to it as well. Like, I’m not ignorant. We do have to face reality. So it’s just yeah, planning their life without me.
Leanne (02:30:03 – 02:49:10): Just having that support of these other kids here that are going through the same thing that they are. Like there’s other kids who understand what they’re going through, who they’re able to relate with and talk to and see that, you know, it’s fun. It’s we can still be happy and we don’t have to be sad. So it’s very, very fortunate and we’re very grateful
Michelle (02:49:10 – 03:09:08): But today to me is like that little rainbow on a cloudy day that says, you know, just if for only one day, let today be a rainbow, if tomorrow it’s going to be cloudy again, then so be it. Enjoy the rainbow.