Belonging: The Heart of Who We Are
Belonging is one of the most important feelings we experience. You’ve all experienced it: you walk into a room where people warmly welcome you, It’s that warm, safe sense of being accepted, valued, and connected, whether it’s with family, friends, school or community. For children, especially, feeling like they belong helps build confidence and resilience. It shapes their sense of identity and gives them the courage to explore the world.
The good news? Belonging isn’t something that “just happens.” We can all help create it every day in small, meaningful ways.
Creating Belonging in Everyday Life
So, how can we make sure children feel like they belong? Here are some simple ideas:
Listen closely. When children talk, we all know how busy we are, and it’s easy to rush along, but if you can stop and give your child your full attention. Show them their voice matters.
Celebrate uniqueness, encourage kids to share their talents, quirks, and passions. What makes them different is often what makes them shine.
Build traditions, whether it’s Friday night pizza or storytime before bed, rituals create a sense of home and identity.
Encourage teamwork Through Collaborative games, group art projects, or even baking together to help children learn that being part of a team feels good.
The Big Art Comp: Show Us What Belonging Means to You
This term, the Big Art Comp theme is centred on the concept of belonging. We’re asking children to draw or paint a picture on the competition template that tells us: Who are you? What makes you, YOU? Who are the people, places, and things that make you feel like you belong?
It’s a beautiful way for children to explore and express their identity creatively. Whether it’s a drawing of family, friends, pets, a favourite park, a cultural symbol, or even an imaginary world where they feel at home, every entry will give us a window into their world of belonging.
Tips and Tricks for your child's entry
Start by brainstorming and making a list or doodles of things and people that make you feel special and included.
Think about colours. What colours feel like “home” to you? Bright and sunny? Calm and cool? Use them!
Tell a story in your picture, show us more than one part of your life: your family, your favourite place, your pet, or a favourite activity.
Add details that matter. A tiny teddy on the bed, or maybe the colour of your school jumper – these little touches make your artwork uniquely yours.
Most importantly, have fun; there’s no right or wrong. It’s about expressing who you are and what makes you feel like you belong.
Why It Matters
When children express their sense of belonging through art, they’re not just creating something beautiful; they’re strengthening their identity and allowing others to see and celebrate their uniqueness. As an art therapist and judge of the Big Art Comp, I understand the profound impact it has on children to express themselves in this way.
By encouraging belonging, we help give them the confidence to stand tall, share their voice, and embrace who they truly are.
So, pass the pencils and paintbrushes, grab the template and get creative!
Kerry Evitts
Kerry is one of our key partners undertaking the judging of our Big Art Comp! Kerry is a British-born, Melbourne-based painter, psychotherapist and mum of three. She has a vibrant art studio in Melbourne where you’ll find her running group art activities to being up on a ladder painting murals!
As we celebrate 30 years of Camp Australia, we invite you to join us in looking back at our journey and imagining the future through the eyes of our young artists in the Big Art Comp.
Show the world your true colours!
Create an artwork that shows who you are – your personality, your favourite things, and the people or places that make you feel like you belong. Use colours, shapes, patterns, symbols or anything else that tells your story.
Make it bold, colourful, magical or totally unique – just make it yours!
Draw or paint your design on the template, snap a photo of your masterpiece and share it with us for the chance to have it printed on your very own pair of socks!
