Time Out For Life Camp

2025 Camp - Howmans Gap, Victoria

2025 marked Country Hope’s 20th ‘Time Out for Life’ Camp, a unique, week-long holiday experience for children diagnosed with cancer or other life-threatening illnesses, along with their siblings.

This year’s 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.

Camp provides children, aged between seven and seventeen, with a break from the daily stresses of medical treatment, hospital visits, and health-related challenges. Instead, enjoying a week filled with adventure, empowerment, connection, creativity, and plenty of laughter in a safe and inclusive environment.

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

Fun, Adventure & Empowerment

Time Out for Life Camp is a week brimming with adventure, excitement, laughter, and unforgettable experiences. Our camp is designed to spark joy in the hearts of diagnosed children and their siblings, providing them with a safe and inclusive environment to explore, learn, and create lasting memories. It also provides an opportunity to take time out from the reality of medical treatment, hospitalisation, and everyday stresses associated with their health condition.

Non Stop Activities Await

From archery to rock climbing, fishing to BMX biking, our camp offers a wide range of thrilling activities to engage and entertain. We encourage our campers to be adventurous, try new experiences and challenge themselves in a supportive setting.

Creative Exploration

Campers also have an opportunity to let their creative side flourish, with art sessions teaching new skills and allowing them to unleash their imagination! Our pottery and craft sessions provide a safe and engaging environment for children to explore their artistic talents, giving them the opportunity to express themselves through hands-on activities that promote individuality and self-expression.

2026 Camp

Dates: Sunday 27 September to Friday 2 October

Location: Wagga Wagga NSW

Become a Buddy

Country Hope is always on the lookout for caring, compassionate and reliable volunteers, in particular men, to become Camp Buddies, supporting children facing serious illness and loss.

Our Camp Buddies, who all have Working With Children Checks (WWCC’s) help our campers aged between seven and seventeen, to grow in confidence by providing practical and emotional support through companionship. Buddies are not responsible for the medical needs of our campers, our fantastic medical team of doctors and nurses led by Dr Lee Jeffries, have that 100% under control.

So if you’re up for a week full of fun, giggles and plenty of NOISE! We’d loved to hear from you.

Buddy Applications now open for 2026

2024 - VALLEY HOMESTEAD

From 29th September to 4th October, our 2024 "Time Out For Life" Children's Holiday Camp unfolded in a delightful new setting. We had the joy of hosting 45 enthusiastic campers, alongside 35 amazing buddies and 12 dedicated volunteers at Valley Homestead, nestled beautifully in the hills of the Alpine region near Bright.

The week was packed with thrilling activities like Flying Fox, free-fall sliding, rock climbing, and tackling an obstacle course. Creative spirits soared with damper making and engaging craft projects. Each morning brought excitement as everyone eagerly awaited the announcement of the "Tidiest Room" Trophy winner. Evenings were filled with laughter and wonder during a trivia night and an incredible performance by Mr. Marvel the Magician, who dazzled us all with bubbles, magic tricks, and a mesmerizing fire show.

DJ Steve Bowen kept spirits high as everyone danced away at disco night dressed up for this year's theme—"Australia." Our final evening was brimming with creativity and joy during concert night.

Outside camp adventures included Zone Laser Tag and Bounce Trampolines fun, topped off by a delicious BBQ lunch courtesy of Rapid Relief at Albury PCYC. Heartfelt thanks to all our buddies and volunteers for their unwavering dedication in giving our campers another unforgettable experience filled with cherished memories among old friends and new ones alike.

We are immensely grateful to our generous sponsors:

AVIS Wagga, The Picnic Races, Wagga Fruit Supply, Woolworths, The Marian and E.H. Flack Trust; Transport NSW; Inland Rail; Rules Club Wagga; Rapid Relief; Transgrid—your support truly made dreams come true for these wonderful children!

2023 - BORAMBOLA SPORT & RECREATION CENTRE

What an incredible week it was at the Borambola Sport and Recreation Centre from September 24th to 29th as we hosted the 2023 "Time Out For Life" Children's Holiday Camp! With 43 energetic campers, 31 amazing buddies, and 16 dedicated volunteers, the camp was buzzing with excitement and positivity from start to finish.

From archery to fishing, canoeing to BMX biking, and even rock climbing, the campers were in for a week filled with thrilling activities. The science building sparked their curiosity, while outings to the circus, inflatable world, and the PCYC added an extra dose of adventure.

Embracing the theme "The Sea," campers delved into underwater exploration, crafted sea-inspired masterpieces, and dived into a world of imagination. The mesmerizing performances by Singer Grant Luhrs and the Zana Aerial Dance Academy left everyone spellbound.

And who could forget Disco night? DJ Steve Bowen kept the groove going as campers danced the night away, creating memories of laughter and joy that will last a lifetime.

A huge round of applause to all campers, buddies, volunteers, performers, and sponsors who made this magical experience possible. Your energy and dedication were truly the heart of the camp's success. Special thanks to Borambola's staff for their outstanding management and sea-themed décor that added an extra splash of fun.

Gratitude also goes out to our generous donors: AVIS Wagga, The Picnic Races, The Marian and E.H. Flack Trust, Wagga Fruit Supply, Woolworths, and The Wagga Potters Club. Your support helped make dreams come true for these incredible children.