By Tate Papworth
A group of Brimbank young people has embarked on a camp with a difference.
The group, involved with Sunshine’s Youth Junction, headed to Blue Light Youth Camp in Maldon recently.
The camp has close links with Victoria Police and is aimed at providing fun in a relaxed environment to build positive relationships between young people and police.
Youth Junction communications and marketing co-ordinator Kristine Bugeja said the camp had many benefits.
“Essentially it’s two and a half days of social activities, engaging young people who are disadvantaged or deemed at risk during school holidays,” she said. “It’s a great way to keep kids … away from anti-social affiliations.
“We took four staff along who offered case management and non-clinical therapy. It’s important that case managers attend for that support, so there’s a reason behind the camp – it’s not just throwing them in a camp to stay off the streets.”
While the camp only went for two and a half days, Ms Bugeja said it was a busy affair.
“We had things like bubble soccer, rock wall climbing, bike riding, cooking classes, mini golf … lots of outdoor activities,” she said.
“It was really well supported by the kids – to see the turn-out we got was really significant.”
Ms Bugeja said she hoped the camp would became a regular fixture.
