Australian Camps Association

26/11/2025

When people share how our People Outdoors program has shaped their lives, it reminds us why we do what we do. This testimonial showcases the positive experiences our participants and their support network can look forward to as well.

If you (or someone you know) would like to join our program in either Victoria, New South Wales (Sydney/Central Coast) and Queensland (Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast), please contact our team on 03 9863 6824.

https://www.peopleoutdoors.org.au/our-programs/upcoming-program

24/11/2025

Our People Outdoors team will be exhibiting at the Disability Sport and Recreation Festival on the 5th of December. Check out the post below to find more info about the event, but make sure if you're in the area, swing by, say hello and learn about our People Outdoors program, providing camps for individuals living with disability.

We’re excited to announce that we’ll be part of the Victorian Disability Sport and Recreation Festival!

Join us for this International Day of People with Disability celebrating inclusion, accessibility, and the power of sport and recreation for everyone!

Visit our stall to explore live demonstrations and learn more about our work. It’s a free event — all abilities welcome!

Date: Friday 5 December 2025
Location: Crown Riverwalk, Southbank
Time: 10 AM – 2 PM
Learn more: https://www.dsr.org.au/vdsr-festival

30/10/2025

Summer Holidays will be upon us in no time!

Get in early and plan your school holiday camps today. Our Members have already started to upload their programs, so check in on the website to make sure your kids don't miss out on some outdoor fun these summer school holidays!

https://auscamps.asn.au/camps-activities/holiday-activity-programs

29/10/2025

Great to catch up and meet with Ranfurly, Peter and Taylor at Gold Coast Performance Centre this week and hear about the exciting upcoming facility upgrades in readiness for the Brisbane 2032 Olympics.

28/10/2025

Great to catch up with Guy Hawkins yesterday, and tour the new Emu Gully Adventure Education Group site at Tamborine, Queensland. A lot of work has been completed, and they are now hosting camps for schools in QLD. Thanks for your time Guy 👋

23/10/2025

Final Member Visit for our CEO, Peter McDougall, this week was to pop into Camp Sunnystones to meet with Kate and the team. Was great to see the site. Fun fact - The main building was built with stones from the local area! Thanks for your time, Kate 🙂👋

23/10/2025

Dwight was out at Y Discovery Camps - Howmans Gap Discovery Camp today conducting both a member visit and Australia Tourism Industry, Camps & Adventure Activities Accreditation site visit. Joined by Lisa from the Victoria Tourism Industry Council - VTIC . Big thank you the staff for showing us around the site and for putting in the order for some blue skies.

22/10/2025

Yesterday, our Memberships and Preferred Suppliers Manager, Dwight, combined two visits into one. Visiting Mittagundi for an ACA Member Visit and completing an Australian Tourism Industry - Camp & Adventure Activities Accreditation site visit at the same time. A big thank you to David and Callum for taking the time to show me around the site on what was a bit of a wet and soggy afternoon ☔👋👍

22/10/2025

JOIN US ONLINE THIS AFTERNOON!
ACA Online Event: 'Reimagining Summer - How Camps Can Bridge Gaps in Health, Learning, and Equity for Outdoor Activities

Thursday 23rd October | 2pm (AEDT) via teams.
Register Online: https://auscamps.asn.au/events/calendar
ACA Members: Free
Non-Members: $50.00 + GST
School holiday programs are often seen as childcare or a recreational luxury. Yet research shows that structured holiday programs can positively impact children’s health, wellbeing, and learning. At a time when childhood obesity and mental health are pressing concerns, holiday programs may offer a practical solution.
However, providers face challenges: high operating costs, difficulties in recruiting and retaining skilled staff, and affordability barriers for families—especially in the current cost-of-living climate. This is particularly concerning for the children who stand to benefit most.
Encouragingly, policy discussions are underway that signal potential reforms to the childcare sector and funding models. Could camp providers seize this moment to explore new opportunities and business models?
In this online session, researchers from the University of South Australia will share key findings on the health and wellbeing benefits of summer holiday programs, as well as the perceived importance of structured programs in Australia. Participants will also be invited to contribute their insights, ask questions, and consider how to position themselves for future opportunities.

22/10/2025

It's been a day of connecting with Members, our Membership Manager heading in one direction and our CEO in another 🚗. This morning our CEO, Peter McDougall met with Bryce and the Team at Y Discovery Camps - Lake Dewar Lodge. This was followed by a meeting with Grant & Christine at Log Cabin Camp and a final stop to meet with the team at Adekate Camp. Thanks to everyone for your time.

22/10/2025

Dwight, our Memberships and Preferred Suppliers Manager, is back out on the road visiting Members in Victoria. Big thank you to the team out at The Summit Camp for taking the time out of your day, yesterday, to conduct a tour of the site. There are not too many sites that can boost about having activities such as tank driving as well as artificial caving.

20/10/2025

ACA Online Event: 'Reimagining Summer - How Camps Can Bridge Gaps in Health, Learning, and Equity for Outdoor Activities

Thursday 23rd October | 2pm (AEDT) via teams.
Register Online: https://auscamps.asn.au/events/calendar
ACA Members: Free
Non-Members: $50.00 + GST

School holiday programs are often seen as childcare or a recreational luxury. Yet research shows that structured holiday programs can positively impact children’s health, wellbeing, and learning. At a time when childhood obesity and mental health are pressing concerns, holiday programs may offer a practical solution.

However, providers face challenges: high operating costs, difficulties in recruiting and retaining skilled staff, and affordability barriers for families—especially in the current cost-of-living climate. This is particularly concerning for the children who stand to benefit most.

Encouragingly, policy discussions are underway that signal potential reforms to the childcare sector and funding models. Could camp providers seize this moment to explore new opportunities and business models?

In this online session, researchers from the University of South Australia will share key findings on the health and wellbeing benefits of summer holiday programs, as well as the perceived importance of structured programs in Australia. Participants will also be invited to contribute their insights, ask questions, and consider how to position themselves for future opportunities.