A fun-filled wilderness camp had double the fun, taking genU participants on an outdoor adventure while providing their carers with a much-needed break. 

genU’s Support for Carers program joined forces with genU Adventure to hold the Ballan Wilderness Camp in regional Victoria last month. 

The Support for Carers program offers respite for unpaid care givers, which is often hard for them to manage or schedule in while caring for their loved ones. It also offers care recipients (participants) time away to explore more independence, enjoy new experiences and grow new skills. 

genU Adventure is a sport and recreation-based program that encourages participants to have a go at something new and take a risk, while being supported by qualified staff in a safe and caring environment.

The camp attracted 27 eager participants and 12 staff for three full days of exciting activities, and entertainment. Among the multiple benefits from the experience, participants also had the opportunity to develop new friendships, with people attending from Colac and different genU sites across Geelong.

Phoenix Park in Ballan provided heated dorm-style rooms, ensuring everyone was warm on the chilly nights and mornings, and a community kitchen and common area to socialise and pitch in with the self-catering and cooking tasks. 

The disco on the first night saw DJ Brad, who will also be on the decks at genU’s Big Night Out this year, get the music pumping, as participants and staff got involved in musical games, singing and dancing. 

Dinner at the pub is always a favourite on camp and this year it was followed by the very exciting footy game between the Geelong Cats and the Bulldogs. The Cats supporters were in full voice, with the loud cheering spurring Geelong to a win, which was met with celebration by most in the room. 

Other activities during the camp were rock climbing, abseiling, bush walks and exploring Daylesford. Despite the chilly weather, everyone had fun being involved and enjoyed the outdoors and being active. 

A group scaled up and down well-known rock climbing/abseiling spot called ‘Camels Hump’, in the Macedon Ranges, and they weren’t disappointed, treated to breathtaking views and surreal colours of the autumn foliage. 

Rock climbing/abseiling is run weekly at Adventure, so get in touch if you would like more information on how to join this exciting group!

genU CEO Clare Amies said genU was proud to facilitate the Victorian-Government-funded Support for Carers Program, which creates respite for unpaid carers from the demands of caring. 

“Carers are deeply committed to the invaluable role they play, but it can come with a physical, mental and emotional toll,” Clare said. 

“Camps like these have clear purposes and generate many positive outcomes for everyone involved, with carers and those being cared for the big winners.”

The Ballan Wilderness Camp received plenty of positive feedback after the camp, which showed it had achieved its aims in spades. 

“Connor enjoyed the Ballan trip very much and was excited to show us his photos. I think it might be the first time he has shared a room, but he said, ‘all good’. He loved the big burger at the Ballan Pub!! Wayne and I also enjoyed a mini break, but we were glad to get him back!!”

“The camp was a great success for my husband, myself and our daughter!  She is still talking about it – in a very positive way. We had time to relax and go out to dinner. Not having to think about program drop-offs and pick-ups and all the things that go into a caring role for a couple of days was really appreciated.”