"As a Guide on the first Champ Camp sponsored by Vitae and conducted by Bush Venture, I thought I knew what I was involving myself in.  Yes, 10 youth at risk, teenage boys, experiencing 9 days of Anzac values in a bush setting.

But WOW!  These last 5 days have been very challenging and very confronting, however, they have learnt to navigate in the bush, climb a 450m mountain and slept out comfortably with the basics they carried on their backs.  Courage, Honour, and Service is not only talked about, but is being experienced and forming in these boys.  They have become mates.

I am astounded in the change after only 5 days.  From sullen, angry, disinterested, antisocial behaviour with no light in their eyes, they have transformed into active, social, helpful and laughing people – the lights are back on!  They are enthusiastically taking up the challenge to pursue adult behaviour for themselves. 

After sharing five days and seeing the transformation in these young people I have come to a realisation.  There is an urgency to sponsor as many of our young people at risk of suicide, substance abuse, violence and crime into this program.  I believe the successful outcome is the result of hard training rather than entertaining."
Kate Hobbs, New Leader on a Champ Camp