The Autism Camp Victoria program runs over 4 days and 5 nights. It is a beach-side location. The program taps into existing regional group recreation/camp facilities with safety, privacy, autonomy and low sensory input as priorities. In Queenscliff on the Bellarine Peninsula in Victoria we partner with Camp Wyuna YMCA whose facilities include:

• 12 rooms (some single room, some adjoining twin depending on size of family) with ensuite;

• access to a range of onsite outdoor and adventure activities and facilities;

• a fire-warmed lounge and dining area; and workshop spaces.

  
  We add to these recreation facilities:

• an Autism Camp Australia (ACA) proprioceptive sensory marquee;

• a range of outdoor sensory equipment: and

• our ACA HQ marquee.

All activities, apart from Equine Assisted Learning, take place at the Autism Camp Victoria location in Queenscliff and/or within walking distance of site.

Accommodation, Catering and Transport

• Five nights in accommodation sleeping up to six people in bunk beds including bed linen, doona’s, pillows and one towel per person.

• A get-to-know first arvo/eve followed by four full days of activities.

• A fully catered camp (note catered camps are offered in NSW, VIC and WA - this is different to our QLD camp which is mostly self-catered)

• Lots of time to socialise with the other families attending.
  Airport transfers if required from Avalon Airport only. Transfer schedules are subject to arrival times of other families. Although we do recommend you hire a car during your stay to make the most of our beautiful region on your days off.

Our Team

• Camp Leader (on call 24/7 for the duration of your stay)

• Sibling Leader (7.30am-5:30pm every day)

• Lead Carers x 2 (7.30am-5:30pm every day)

• Carers (8am-5pm every day)

  
  All our Carers are qualified disability support workers, childhood education professionals, allied health professionals or youth workers with National Police Checks, WWCC/Blue Cards and First Aid training. All Carers have specific experience in supporting Autistic young people and are well versed in how to minimise and navigate triggers, as well as supporting young people to navigate anxiety related behavioural and emotional dysregulation. We want the best for our young people and know that you want to know they are in good hands, so we only employ team members with lived- experience of Autism, or real life hands-on experience working with Autistic young people.

Autistic Young Persons’ Program

The Camp Leader and Carer-led program combines group therapy sessions with adventure and art/craft filled activities such as equine-assisted learning, art therapy, beach games, canoeing, sand dune exploring and a walk to Queenscliffs’ famous black lighthouse, pizza making, marine discovery including the interactive marine touch tank and a ride on a train on the awesome Bellarine Railway for the whole family..

Participants will be provided with a tailored social story before their camp, to prepare them for what is ahead. Each day begins with a half-hour visual planning session, and each afternoon ends with parent-led proprioceptive/sensory downtime in our dedicated proprioceptive space which is available for use throughout your stay.

Siblings’ Program

The program is led by our Sibling Leader and activity providers with activities such as canoeing, sponge games, the Autism Camp Victoria initiatives challenge, pizza making, marine discovery including the marine touch tank, a ride on a steam train on the awesome Bellarine Railway, and a full day Sibworks program session - led by a childhood education specialist. The program allows siblings to come together, have fun, share experiences and learn ways of dealing positively with the challenges they face as the sibling of an Autistic young person.

Parents/Carers Program

All of the listed parents/carers activities and workshops are optional:

• Two half days of educational workshops to support your family.

• Self-care sessions, including daily yoga, meditation, stretch and relaxing workshops, and one free massage from our talented masseuses (Second parents/carers are welcome to book in for an additional massage by private arrangement) all lead by the amazing team at Makai Yoga Collective,

• Four half days to do as you please e.g. explore the Bellarine region, shop-til-you-drop, lie on the beach.

Final night celebration

A fantastic party and Mexican feast celebration on your last night.

Extra’s

An Autism Camp Australia t-shirt for every young person taking part in the Autistic Young Persons’ Program.

How to Enrol

Head on over to the Pricing and Eligibility pages to enrol for this camp.