Families can relax knowing there are trained doctors and nurses attending Kidney Kids Camps to ensure health and safety is the number one priority. They are supported by trainee medical students and passionate volunteers under the direction of an experienced governance team comprising Kidney Health Australia staff, paediatric nephrologists, nurses and social workers.
After a 3-year hiatus, the National Kidney Kids Camp was a huge success, with around 40 high school aged kids getting together over 4 days in sunny Queensland to enjoy activities like canoeing and high-ropes. It was a perfect chance to reconnect, find new friendships and build confidence for our very special Kidney Kids. It was heartwarming to see everyone bonding so well and just having a great time together.
A big thank you to all the volunteers and medical staff who made this camp possible, including many Youth Champions. Your care was second to none. This year the kids were visited by Graeme and Bruce from Kidney Kar Rally team “Sunshine Blokes” and Harry Bates, rally champion from the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Australia team.
The Kidney Kids Camp is completely free thanks to funds raised by the Kidney Kar Rally teams and their supporters.
Donate to the Kidney Kar Rally here.
Previous Kidney Kids Camps have visited Lord Somers Camp in Victoria and Runaway Bay on the Gold Coast. A typical day will include ice-breaker activities, bowling, pizza making, arts and crafts, movie night, visit to local attraction. Our Kidney Youth Champions provide peer support and role modelling of living well with kidney disease to the kids and youths. There are engaging education sessions covering self-management of medications/appointments/treatment, managing transition and transfer from paediatric to adult healthcare and the importance of self-care and wellbeing.
Want to be kept informed of the next camp? Register for the Kidney Kids and Youth Program here.
“I just wanted to say a huge thank you for all your efforts… I didn’t know what to expect, and was quite anxious as dropping off Alex, as she has required so much love and care of late… she had a wonderful time, I don’t think she wanted to come home…I am quite taken aback by the changes in Alex that I have seen. You have done such an amazing job…I know Alex has changed and grown into a more confident young lady which is so exciting to see after all that she has been through.”
- Rachel Byrne, a 'Kidney Kid' mum.
We can't run the Kidney Kids Camp without our wonderful volunteers. Many of them come from universities and hospitals, however, anyone can apply to volunteer. If you’re keen help make the next camp a success, please email us at kids@kidney.org.au.
Please be aware that parents of children who are attending the camp are not eligible to volunteer. We want parents who are attending to enjoy a period of respite and to encourage interactions with other camp attendees.
Kidney Kids Camp is entirely funded by Kidney Health Australia's fundraising programs, the Kidney Kar Rally and volunteer participation. You can help kidney kids attend this life-enriching experience by donating to the Kidney Kids Camp through the Kidney Kar Rally or directly via our website.
Kidney disease does not go away with treatment and tends to get worse over time. We are extremely grateful for all the generous support that enables this camp to touch the lives of so many children living with kidney disease, and their families.
