- WA's oldest children's charity, Uni Camp for Kids, receives $93,000 Lotterywest grant
- Camps boost disadvantaged youth's self-esteem, confidence and resilience
Youth Minister Peter Tinley today presented a $92,952 Lotterywest grant to Perth's oldest registered children's charity, Uni Camp for Kids Inc (UCFK) - giving a much-needed boost to socially, financially and emotionally disadvantaged children.
UCFK uses the annual grant to run three week-long camps at Point Peron, near Rockingham, for up to 270 children aged five to 12 years. It also runs four day-long picnics spread evenly throughout the year.
Student volunteers from The University of Western Australia co-ordinate and operate the camps for children who do not otherwise get the chance to enjoy a holiday break. The children chosen for the camps have generally experienced significant trauma.
The student volunteers work as mentors during the camps and connect with the children in a range of activities designed to build self-esteem, confidence and resilience.
Activities can include trips to Perth Zoo, Kings Park, obstacle courses, beach visits, mini fun fairs, and meeting WACA and AFL sports teams.
As stated by Youth Minister Peter Tinley:
"The volunteers who run UCFK have a long tradition of enriching the lives of young Western Australians who have often experienced great hardship. This fantastic work has occurred for more than eight decades.
"The McGowan Government recognises that childhood experiences can have a long-term impact on personal development.
"So these camps are designed to give young people the chance to have fun and create happy memories, countering less positive experiences in other parts of their lives.
"Not-for-profit community groups play a valuable role in making WA a better place for us all, and I wish UCFK and their volunteers the best of success in 2019."
