Bellarine Training & Community Hub’s (BTaCH) drop-in centre held a successful camp at Halls Gap recently.
Youth worker Kylie Kuppen said the camp, which was sponsored by Ocean Grove Barwon Heads Lions Club, said the young people who attended the camp got a lot out of it.
“It was my first camp so I didn’t know what to expect,” she said.
“All kids engaged really well with the activities planned. Since then we have noticed that all who attended are much more engaged at the centre, with themselves and with staff, who they saw as human rather than staff members.
“They interacted and had more-personal conversations. They told us a lot more about their lives outside of drop-in.”
The group stayed at the eco certified Grampians Eco Youth Hostel, whose mission is to provide opportunity for all, but especially young people, for education through travel.
There is a strong commitment to sustainability with a program of environmental initiatives including solar power, water saving and recycling.
Activities at the camp included cooking, minigolf, fishing, canoeing, swimming, a visit to the zoo and more.
Ms Kuppen made a presentation about the camp to the Lions Club.
“The money they provided went to such a good cause and they were happy to see that the kids got a lot out of it,” she said.
BTaCH commenced a youth program in 1999 to cater for the needs of young people residing on the Bellarine Peninsula. The age group for the program is young people from grade 6 to year 12 or equivalent.
Drop-in is available every Friday night during school terms from 6pm to 9pm at the centre.
