Question 1

How can children join the Picnic and Camp programs?

Accepted Answer

Children who have not previously attended a Uni Camp for Kids program, or who have not participated in a program within the past three years, will require a referral from a qualified child professional. This may include a social worker, case manager, psychologist, school principal, or similar professional.

Referral forms can be obtained by contacting our Secretary at secretary@unicampforkids.org.au

Question 2

What are the eligibility criteria for children to participate in the Picnic and Camp programs?

Accepted Answer

To be eligible for our Picnic programs, children must be enrolled in primary school, from Year 1 to Year 6 at the time of the event.

To attend our January Summer Camps, children must have been enrolled in Year 1 to Year 6 during the previous school year. For example, to attend the 2026 camps, a child must have been in Year 1 to 6 in 2025.

In addition to age and school year requirements, eligibility is based on demonstrated financial, social, emotional, and/or parental hardship. As Uni Camp for Kids is not in a position to assess individual needs directly, we rely on referrals from qualified child professionals, such as social workers, who nominate children they believe would benefit from the opportunity to attend a Picnic or Camp.

Question 3

Can Uni Camp for Kids take children with disabilities?

Accepted Answer

Uni Camp for Kids endeavours to include as broad a range of children as possible. However, due to the physical nature of many of our activities and the voluntary, unqualified status of our leaders, we are unfortunately unable to accommodate children with inhibiting physical disabilities that require specialised care or assistance.

Children with learning disabilities or attention deficit disorders are very welcome at UCFK. We also offer special supervision for children who are unable to swim or who may need support during certain activities, provided we are informed of their specific needs in advance.

We encourage parents or referring professionals to share detailed information about a child's requirements during the referral process, so we can assess whether we can safely and appropriately meet those needs. For further information or to discuss a child’s individual circumstances, please contact us at secretary@unicampforkids.org.au

Question 4

How many children and volunteers participate in each of the programs?

Accepted Answer

Picnics
A typical Picnic sees 120+ volunteers watching and entertaining approximately 160 kids.

Camps
A typical Summer Camp involves approximately 55 volunteers looking after 100 kids.

Question 5

What are the levels of supervision on Picnics and Camps?

Accepted Answer

Uni Camp for Kids is run by university students and young adult volunteers from across Perth, including experienced alumni who have previously worked with children in our programs.
Picnic Supervision
 Our picnic programs use a traditional family structure. Each ‘family’ consists of two volunteers and two to three children, who may be siblings or local children living nearby. This arrangement ensures close and consistent supervision. Additionally, experienced volunteers serve in ‘freelancer’ roles to support leaders and provide children and volunteers with additional trusted points of contact.
Camp Supervision
 Our week-long camps consist of 15 families, each made up of two leaders and six children of varying ages who are not related. Leaders are paired by experience so that each family includes at least one seasoned volunteer. This family structure allows leaders to closely monitor each child’s wellbeing, whereabouts, and progress, fostering positive group dynamics.
Camps also feature experienced freelancers who assist with miscellaneous tasks and provide additional support, particularly for children with special needs or requiring one-on-one attention. Leaders sleep in dormitories adjoining the children’s dorms, ensuring adult presence overnight to provide support and address any needs discreetly. Boys’ and girls’ dorms are separate, and volunteers or children of the opposite sex are not permitted to enter these spaces.
It is our policy that children are never left alone with a single leader except in public areas. Children are encouraged to seek support from any leader they feel comfortable approaching, ensuring their safety and wellbeing throughout all activities.

Question 6

What safety considerations are in place for Picnics and Camps?

Accepted Answer

Uni Camp for Kids is deeply committed to the safety and wellbeing of all participants. All volunteers hold current Working With Children Checks (WWCC), with their suitability reviewed annually by our President. At every event, we ensure the presence of at least one qualified first aid officer and meet Royal Life Saving requirements by maintaining a sufficient number of volunteers holding Bronze Medallions to oversee water safety.

A trained first aid officer is present at each picnic and camp to attend to children’s medical needs, including administering daily medications and managing minor injuries. Sun and pool safety are paramount, especially during summer camps and warm-weather picnics. We emphasise the generous application of sunscreen and zinc, along with mandatory hydration and regular shade breaks.

For picnics, all volunteers are required to hold valid driver’s licenses and operate roadworthy vehicles equipped with seatbelts and appropriate child safety features. The most experienced driver is encouraged to handle transportation. Prior to each picnic, volunteers receive a safety briefing to ensure comprehensive care for children throughout the day, both on and off the road.

During camps, transportation is managed via buses driven by a dedicated volunteer with a Heavy Rigid license and experience with large vehicles. Children and volunteers travel together safely in these buses.

Additionally, volunteers are not permitted to be alone with children at any point unless in a public space whilst visible and able to be heard by other volunteers.

Question 7

What water safety provisions are in place for children who are weak/non-swimmers?

Accepted Answer

On both Picnics and Camps, we put hi-vis vests on children who have weaker swimming ability so that they can easily be identified and watched. We typically hire extra lifeguards at each aquatic venue and also have our freelancers act as additional ‘sets of eyes’ around the water to ensure maximum safety.

For those that prefer not to swim at all, we have sporting equipment as well as arts and crafts materials that the children are encouraged to engage with, as well as multiple freelancers to keep them entertained.

Question 8

Are there any associated costs with either the Picnic or Camp programs?

Accepted Answer

Both Uni Camp for Kids Picnics and Camps are run free of charge to children and their carers thanks to the generosity of our sponsors and perpetual fundraising efforts of our volunteers.

Question 9

What activities do children participate in on Picnics and Camps?

Accepted Answer

Activities at Uni Camp for Kids events vary each year, but every experience is carefully planned to prioritise both fun and safety for all children.

Picnics
 A typical picnic day begins with your child being collected from home by their assigned leaders. The morning is usually spent at a local park, where children enjoy games and activities such as inflatable obstacle courses, sports, and use of existing playground equipment. After lunch, chosen by the children within each family group, the day concludes with a visit to a local pool venue for supervised swimming and water play. At the end of the day, leaders return each child safely home.

Camps
 Our week-long camps are packed with a wide variety of exciting and inclusive activities designed to engage all interests and abilities. These may include water slides, movie nights, bouncy castles, fun-fairs, ice skating, arts and crafts, silent discos, beach visits, aquatic playgrounds, and outings to venues such as Perth Zoo and Bounce. One of the highlights of the week is “Family Day,” where leaders welcome their group into their homes for a relaxed day of bonding and fun.
While activities differ from year to year, our goal is always to create a memorable and joyful experience for every child, ensuring there is something for everyone to enjoy.

At both Picnics and Camps, children are asked not to bring any money, food, electronics, or valuables, as everything is provided for them.

Question 10

What benefits do children who participate in Picnic and Camp programs receive?

Accepted Answer

We facilitate opportunities for underprivileged children to engage in a range of enjoyable and stimulating activities that their situations typically deprive them of, facilitating a safe and positive space where they are free to just be children. Our dedicated and caring student volunteers provide positive mentorship and act as role models to the children involved in our programs, simultaneously working to improve their wellbeing and social skills. This is is done so in a highly welcoming, inclusive atmosphere that facilitates the opportunity for each unique child to be supported to interact positively with others of all backgrounds. Uni Camp for Kids also provides much needed temporary respite to the parents, families, and carers of these children.

Question 11

Where can I get more information?

Accepted Answer

If you require more information about Uni Camp for Kids and the Picnic and Camp programs we provide, please contact our Secretary via email at secretary@unicampforkids.org.au

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