COUNTRY HOPE CAMP

Country Hope Camp is about giving children facing cancer or a life-threatening illness the chance to simply be kids again.

Designed for children aged seven to sixteen, the camp provides a break from the daily stresses of medical treatment, hospital visits, and ongoing health challenges. Instead, they experience a week filled with adventure, empowerment, connection, creativity, and plenty of laughter in a safe, inclusive, and medically supported environment.

Surrounded by peers who understand their journey, campers build confidence, develop resilience, and form genuine friendships that reduce feelings of isolation. With the support of dedicated buddies and onsite medical staff, children can safely participate in experiences that are often out of reach in their everyday lives.

Non-stop activities await, from archery and rock climbing to fishing and BMX riding. Camp encourages children to be adventurous, try new things, and challenge themselves in a supportive and encouraging setting. There is also a strong focus on creative exploration, with art, pottery, and craft sessions that allow campers to express themselves, learn new skills, and build confidence through hands-on, imaginative activities.

At the heart of camp are our dedicated buddies. Each child and sibling is paired with a trained Buddy who provides one-on-one support, encouragement, and friendship throughout the week, helping them feel safe, included, and confident to fully participate.

At its core, Country Hope Camp is about growth, resilience, and fun. It creates space for children to reconnect with childhood, make lasting memories, and return home feeling stronger, more confident, and more like themselves again.

Our next Camp will be held at Borambola Sport and Recreation Centre near Wagga from Sunday 27 September to Friday 2 October 2026.

WHAT IS BEING A BUDDY ALL ABOUT?

We are always recruiting new buddies and are particularly looking for more male volunteers to ensure we can best support all children attending camp.

Our Buddies support young people aged seven to sixteen, helping build confidence through friendship, encouragement and genuine connection. All volunteers hold a Working With Children Check (WWCC) and take part in a comprehensive training weekend prior to camp.

Importantly, Buddies are not responsible for any medical care. Our experienced medical team of doctors and nurses, led by Dr Lee Jeffery, manage all health needs throughout the camp.

If you are interested in contributing to a meaningful and rewarding experience filled with energy, connection and plenty of fun, we would love to hear from you.

apply to be a buddy

2025 Camp - Howmans Gap, Victoria

2025 marked our 2oth Country Hope Camp, a unique, week-long holiday experience for children diagnosed with cancer or other life-threatening illnesses, along with their siblings.

The Camp, held at Howmans Gap Discovery Camp near Falls Creek, attracted 45 Campers from the NSW-VIC Border North East, the NSW Riverina and the NSW Central West and Tablelands, along with 37 Camp Buddies and 15 volunteers.

22 of our volunteers were recognised with Service Recognition Pins, including Dr Lee Jeffrey and Nathan Wimhurst who’ve attended 19 camps, Ged Madden for 17 camps, and Aida Venturato, Roslyn St Clair and Steve Bowen who’ve attended 16 camps.