NSW Camp - Newcastle - GABC Tea Gardens Camp, Weekend
🏕️ GABC Tea Gardens Camp – Volunteer Opportunity
DVA Program
We’d love you to join us for a supportive weekend camp helping Defence young people connect, build confidence, and feel supported in an outdoor environment.
👀 Quick View
📅 Friday 19 June – Sunday 21 June 2026
⏰ Friday afternoon – Sunday afternoon
📍 10 Pacific Highway, Karuah NSW 2324
🏕️ Overnight camp experience (full weekend, onsite accommodation)
🛏️ Shared cabins with other volunteers and staff
🚌 Optional bus from Broadmeadow available
📧 You’ll receive an email if selected (check inbox + junk)
⏳ 48 hrs to respond → 7 days to confirm
🔒 Limited spots – closes when full
🧭 Simple Steps
📩 Apply → 📧 Check Email → 📝 Complete Form → ✅ You’re in
📝 How to Join
- Apply
Submit your Expression of Interest (EOI) in MyImpact - Check your email
If selected, we’ll send you an email
📧 (please check your inbox and junk folder) - Let us know you’re interested
Reply within 48 hours - Confirm your spot
Complete the Confirmation Form within 7 days
✅ Your place is confirmed once the form is submitted
⚠️ If the form isn’t returned, your spot may be offered to another volunteer
🔒 Spots are limited and will close when full
📌 EOIs are reviewed as they are received. You will be contacted to confirm if you have a place or are on the Backup List.
👥 On the Day
• Arrival and welcome on Friday afternoon
• Volunteer briefing before young people arrive
• Meet the team and go through the weekend plan
• Ongoing support from AKKF staff throughout the camp
• Structured daily schedule including activities, meals, and downtime
🧩 What We Will Do
• Alpine Rescue Challenge
• Power Fan experience
• Fencing sessions
• Team challenges and group initiatives
• Wellbeing and mental health education sessions
Activities may vary depending on weather, group needs, and program delivery.
This helps young people build confidence, resilience, teamwork, and connection.
🤝 Your Role
• Welcome and support young people
• Help them feel safe, included, and comfortable
• Encourage participation (no pressure)
• Support daily routines, meals, and downtime
• Assist with Chat Groups and reflection sessions
• Participate in overnight supervision
• Help with pack-down and farewells on Sunday
• Always supervise with another adult
🛡️ Safety
• Your WWCC must be valid and verified
• All onboarding must be complete before attending
You may notice:
• Outdoor terrain and activity areas
• Changing weather conditions
• Physically active experiences
• Young people needing encouragement or reassurance
AKKF provides:
• Supportive staff at all times
• First Aid-trained team members
• Two-adult supervision
• Pre-camp volunteer briefing
🔒 Full program details are shared with confirmed volunteers only in line with safeguarding practices.
✅ Your Commitment
If you accept a spot, we’ll be counting on you to attend.
We strongly encourage volunteers to attend the full weekend to provide consistent support.
If you are only available for part of the camp, please contact us before submitting an EOI.
If something changes, please let us know as soon as possible.
This helps us find another volunteer and keep the program safe for everyone.
💬 We’re here for you too.
If you have questions, feel unsure, or need support at any point, please reach out.
🚗 Travel
Please travel directly to the venue, or use the optional camp bus.
🚌 Bus Option (Broadmeadow):
• Departure: 4:15 PM – Broadmeadow Station (Brown Rd side), 34–36 Graham Road
• Return: approx. 3:15 PM Sunday – same location
Exact arrival details and meeting points will be provided to confirmed volunteers.
If getting there is difficult, let us know — we’re happy to talk through options with you.
👕 What to Bring
• Comfortable clothing for outdoor activities
• Warm layers for evenings
• Hat and sunscreen
• Enclosed shoes
• Water bottle
Sleeping gear: fitted sheet, pillow, and sleeping bag or blanket (bedding only)
🍽 All meals and snacks will be provided (please let us know any dietary needs)
📦 Information Pack
We’ll send your Information Pack on Thursday before the activity
This will include final details, packing list, and contact numbers
❓ Questions / Support
📅 Book a Support Call: https://tinyurl.com/Book-Support-Call
📧 Email: volunteer@kookaburrakids.org.au
Qualifications Required
- Compliance - Working With Children Check Must be Validated
- Compliance - National Police Check Must be Current
- Working with Children Check - Region - WWCC - NSW Must be Validated
