OUR HISTORY
From a charity that struggled to fund its first camp and only ran one type of event, Camp Quality has come a long way! Take a trip down memory lane with this timeline of Camp Quality – and see how much we have grown.
1983 – Conception of Camp Quality
Our wonderful founder, Vera Entwistle, arrives in Australia from the United States. When she attempts to find a volunteer position in support of kids facing cancer, she is dismayed to find there’s no such charity here. So she decides to start her own!
End of 1983 – Our inaugural camp
Vera holds the very first Kids’ Camp. Despite ending up over $300 in the red, for her and the children it is a major success. Everyone tells her it can’t be done, but she does it, and the doctors start reporting amazing wellbeing changes in the kids – who are now keenly looking forward to their next camp.
1985 – ‘Camp Quality’ name is registered in Australia
Vera receives inspiration for the Camp Quality name from a doctor, who says: “No-one can add to the quantity of anyone’s life, but all of us can enhance the quality.” Sadly, only one of the children who attends the first camp survives cancer, as survival rates in 1983 are much lower than they are today.
This is also the year Victor Alberts gives Vera permission to register his Australia Flag Hot Air Balloon design as Camp Quality’s initial logo.
1988 – First Family Camp
After Good Morning Australia sends a television crew to a Camp Quality camp, Vera receives more than 500 letters in the mail from doctors, nurses, children and parents who want to support or attend her camps.
Things really start to take off when Ansett Australia airline assists in providing free air travel – leading to 11 more camp locations around Australia and the introduction of Family Camps.
1989 – The Camp Quality Puppets are born
Vera is motivated to create the Camp Quality Puppet program after talking to kids returning to school following cancer treatment. Based on the children’s real-life experiences, scripts are developed and, thanks to funding from Paul Newman and Ronald McDonald Children’s Charities, the cancer education program is offered for free in all schools.
2002 – The much-loved Giggle logo is introduced!
2000 – New CEO Simon Rountree takes the reins
Vera and her husband, Brian, retire after 17 memorable years at the helm of Camp Quality. A new era begins when Simon Rountree is appointed as our new CEO.
2014 – A big overhaul of our services and programs
Camp Quality joins forces with fellow cancer charities Redkite and Canteen to ensure there is less duplication of services and programs and more collaboration. Our vital Child Life Therapy program is now expanded into four hospitals in NSW and Victoria. We also change the age range of kids supported to 0-13 (previously 4-18).
2019 – Kids Impacted by a Carer’s Cancer (KICC) Camps are launched
Camp Quality recognises the overwhelming need to support children who are facing a parent’s or carer’s cancer diagnosis. So KICC Camps are rolled out for children 7-13 years old based on our successful Kids’ Camp model.
KICC-only programs, including KICC Family Camps and KICC Family Fun Days, are also introduced for our registered families.
2020 – New CEO Deborah Thomas, and COVID-19
Our current CEO, Deborah Thomas, joins the Camp Quality family in January 2020 – and what a year it proves to be. Deborah soon faces the huge challenge of COVID-19, and how to continue supporting Camp Quality families in the midst of a pandemic.
Thankfully the team is able to quickly pivot, and the pandemic becomes a catalyst for Camp Quality’s digital transformation. This starts with the launch of our Happiness Hub website and online fundraisers, like Camp In and Big Walk for Little Kids, which are launched to great success.
Virtual Camps and Puppet Digital Playdates are developed for kids facing cancer who are isolated by the pandemic, ongoing health concerns, or living in remote areas. The success of our new online services expands our reach to kids who otherwise may have missed out.
2021 – The digital revolution rolls on
Camp Quality extends support into new spaces, including a partnership with cancer charity Canteen and the joint launch of the Parenting Through Cancer platform. This website gives parents a place to connect with each other, find helpful resources, and access a free telephone counselling service.
Hospital support is also increased for families with our support of more Child Life Therapy hours in oncology wards of children’s hospitals.
2022 – A Fresh New Face
Our much-loved giggle logo gets a refresh, and we introduce brighter, more beautiful colours, fun fonts, and new messaging, to create a vibrant brand identity reflecting our diverse community. Camp Quality’s Puppet Programs also get a refresh, introducing new characters, puppet designs and a new educational puppet show for the Cancer Education Program.
We expand our Family Retreats to 13 locations so more families can have a much-needed break from cancer. As part of the Child and Youth Cancer Alliance, Camp Quality launches Cancer Hub, to help families access a range of support through specialised cancer navigators.
2023 – WE CELEBRATE 40 YEARS STRONG!
Camp Quality continues to bring positivity, fun and laughter back into the lives of kids facing cancer, 40 years since our first camp.
Over 10,000 kids aged up to 15 years, are registered for Camp Quality’s free services and programs. There are almost 800 volunteers registered with us, and we appreciate them greatly!
A big, heartfelt thank you to everyone who has been a part of the Camp Quality family– as we look forward with optimism to the decades ahead.
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We rely almost entirely on the generosity of everyday Australians, major donors, corporate partners, and trusts and foundations, to help us provide our services and programs free of charge.
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