What is Camp Awakenings?
Now in its 24th year, Camp Awakenings is a truly unique personal development program for Australian teenagers. This once in a lifetime experience imprints real, life-long change in the young people that attend.
The camps are held in some of the most stunning parts of Victoria — from the Mornington Peninsula to the Pyrenees. Over three days, the program is run by a passionate and energetic team of volunteers, as well as guest speakers — from ex-NBA basketballers to authors — that inspire the teenage participants who attend.
Involvement in sessions, games and team building activities will push the participants out of their comfort zone, where new skills and friendships are born, and can last a lifetime. The positive and supportive environment builds confidence and self-esteem and leads to an overall better attitude and motivation for life.
Out of the ordinary experiences for ordinary teenagers
Participants are welcome irrespective of their socio-economic status, race or cultural background, gender identity or religious beliefs. We eschew ‘boxes’ and labels, instead working to get to know the real person, not simply a perception.
Three days at Camp Awakenings – with the relentless fun, challenges and personal growth that it entails – is anything but ordinary. It changes lives.
Our camp locations
Camp Awakenings Mt Eliza, Camp Manyung
Camp Awakenings Beaufort, Cave Hill Creek
See for yourself… watch the CA video
It’s all about life-long outcomes
Over our 24 year history, we’ve seen camp participants arrive with their heads low, and leave with a greater confidence and revived potential. After three days at CA, they’re happier and more positive. They report better results at school. They make better choices. They are more confident. They have more self-respect.
CA’s leaders are testament to this long-term effect. We have been exactly where the participants have and know the value it provides.
Our focus is, and has always been, on providing participants with the skills and tools to become the best version of themselves — acquiring knowledge, gaining insights, developing new friendships, finding greater self-confidence, self-esteem and motivation. Our camps unearth hidden talents and often help to form better relationships at home, too.
Great memories and a refreshed outlook on life will follow our participants home, helping to blow away the cobwebs of complacency and give a new perspective to teenagers who are about to take the next step in their lives – on to VCE and beyond.