What does it take to create a space where every child feels safe, valued, and heard? At Camp Australia, it starts with giving children real opportunities to lead, contribute, and shape their OSHC experience.Β
Empowerment in actionΒ
Our approach reflects the NSW Office of the Childrenβs GuardianβsΒ Empowerment and ParticipationΒ guide, which highlights the importance of child voice and agency.Β We embed these principles through our Leadership Program, where children take on roles such as Music Leader, STEM Leader or Environmental Leader.Β TheseΒ roles promote confidence,Β teamworkΒ and responsibility through meaningful participation.Β
“The OSHC Leadership Program has been incredible for our students, giving them a chance to shape activities and support younger peers while developing essential leadership skills.”
-Farahana Sighn, Service LeaderΒ
Listening and leading
Through our Student OSHC Councils, children help plan activities, shape menus and share feedback that improves their OSHC experience. Councils give every child an opportunity to influence their environment, build leadership skills and strengthen their sense of belonging.Β
Delivering on the National Quality FrameworkΒ
Empowerment and participation directly support Quality Area 5: Relationships with Children. Our strong results, with 98.6% of services Meeting or Exceeding, reflect consistent, child-centred practice supported by:Β
- The CARE Program for inclusion and behaviour supportΒ
- Trauma-informed and neurodiversity training for educatorsΒ
- A focus on positive relationships and child voice initiativesΒ
When children are empowered to participate, they donβt just attend OSHC, they actively help shape it. Schools that partner with Camp Australia benefit from high-quality, NQF-aligned programs that create environments where children feel respected, confident, and connected.Β
