Recovery Camp

Recovery Camp Established in 2013, Recovery Camp is an innovative, evidence-based and award-winning program with impact. Recovery Camp is such an alternative.

Mental Health Recovery Through Therapeutic Recreation | Lived Experience Education | Registered NDIS Provider

Recovery Camp offers a transformative, evidence-based program making a significant impact on mental health and mental health education Recovery Camp is:
• a professional experience placement for university students enrolled in health-based disciplines, contributing to workforce development and continuing professional enhancement.
• a recovery-focused experience for people living with a mental illness.
• an opportunity for carer respite. Many health professional programmes in Australia require students to attend professional experience placements. There is a need for more experiences that go beyond traditional clinical placement programs, are cost-effective and meet curriculum requirements. Recovery Camp brings together people with a lived experience of mental illness, health students and professionals to participate in an Australian innovation. Attendees engage in a structured facilitated program underpinned by the principles of therapeutic recreation. Empirical research undertaken at Recovery Camp indicates that outdoor recreation activities are the catalyst to improve significant outcomes. For consumers, participation at Recovery Camp:
• builds resilience,
• increases confidence and self-determination, and
• contributes to mental health recovery. For health students, attendance at Recovery Camp:
• increases clinical confidence and competence, and
• reduces stigma towards people with mental illness. Recovery Camps were established in 2013 and are available to organisations seeking innovative, evidence-based professional experience placement opportunities for their health students, and organisations who are interested in providing a recovery-focused, strengths-based experience for those with a lived experience of mental illness. Websites:

http://www.recoverycamp.com.au/


Contact:

recoverycamp@uow.edu.au

14/11/2025

🎉 3 weeks to go!

Our December 8–12 program is almost here - five powerful days of evidence-based therapeutic recreation, connection, skill building and real mental health impact.

If you’ve been waiting for a sign to join us… this is it. 💚
👉 Just a few places available - sign up today!
🔗 Links in bio

11/11/2025

💚 Something special is on the way to Recovery Camp…
Be part of the fun at our next program, December 8–12, and see what’s waiting for you! 👀✨
Stay tuned and sign up to join the experience.

11/11/2025

💚 Something special is on the way to Recovery Camp…

Be part of the fun at our next program, December 8–12, and see what’s waiting for you! 👀✨

Stay tuned and sign up to join the experience.

🎄 A Milestone Festive Season at Recovery Camp! 🎄This December, we’re not just celebrating the festive season -  we’re ce...
07/11/2025

🎄 A Milestone Festive Season at Recovery Camp! 🎄

This December, we’re not just celebrating the festive season - we’re celebrating YOU. 💚

Join us 8 – 12 December for a truly special week, as we reach two incredible milestones:
✨ Our 2000th student
✨ Our 1500th expert by lived experience

That’s 2000 stories of learning, courage and compassion and 1500 stories of lived experience, recovery and hope. Together, they form one inspiring community that keeps growing stronger each year.

Give yourself the gift of connection this holiday season and be part of a program that changes lives. 🌟

📅 8 – 12 December, 2025
📍 Y camp Yarramundi, NSW
🎁 Limited places available, so get in quick!
👉 Register now or enquire via our website www.recoverycamp.com.au

Email or call us on:
hi@recoverycamp.com.au | (02) 8488 0802

From October 20–24, nursing students and our wonderful experts by lived experience came together for a five-day immersiv...
27/10/2025

From October 20–24, nursing students and our wonderful experts by lived experience came together for a five-day immersive journey of growth and connection at The Y Camp Yarramundi 🌿💚

Last week was especially meaningful as we celebrated Kaylene, who became our very first ‘Recovery Camp Life Member’ for achieving an incredible 40 camp attendances! Kaylene’s compassion, wisdom and authenticity have left a lasting impact on every student and fellow expert she’s inspired along the way.

Throughout the week, conversations deepened over shared experiences, adventures and moments of reflection. Each time we run a program, we learn more about the human spirit: the strength it takes to keep momentum in your own recovery while supporting the journey of others. Kaylene, and so many others at Recovery Camp, embody this.

Another special highlight was the functional fitness session with Steve from The Jade Health Group, who got everyone up and moving with an energising blend of Tai Chi and Kung Fu movements - the perfect balance of mindfulness, movement and fun. We also had another legendary bush dance led by the talented Greg Dimmock, bringing the whole group together with laughter, music and joyful connection 💃🎶

Throughout October we also celebrated mental health month and this year’s theme of “Taking Steps on Your Wellbeing Journey”. At Recovery Camp, we see every day how small but powerful actions create real change. Our experts by lived experience are living proof - they take brave steps in their own mental health recovery journeys while inspiring others and shaping the future health workforce.

Thank you to everyone who brought their courage, warmth and open hearts to camp. Until next time.

Interested in joining us?
📍 December 8–12, 2025 – Yarramundi, NSW
📍 January 12–16, 2026 – Yarramundi, NSW
📍 April 13–17, 2026 – Bormabola, NSW
📍 May 11–15, 2026 – Yarramundi, NSW

Spots are limited – reach out now to learn more or get involved:
☎️ (02) 8488 0802
✉️ hi@recoverycamp.com.au

27/10/2025
🌿 Investing in the future of nursing 🌿Recovery Camp is proud to announce UOW: University of Wollongong, Australia nursin...
15/09/2025

🌿 Investing in the future of nursing 🌿

Recovery Camp is proud to announce UOW: University of Wollongong, Australia nursing student Chelsea Fisher as the latest recipient of our annual nursing scholarship 🎉

Chelsea will receive financial support over three years, plus the opportunity to complete a clinical placement at Recovery Camp – where students learn directly from people with lived experience of mental illness in a recovery-focused environment.

Chelsea shares her inspiration for pursuing nursing. "I was drawn to nursing because I want a career where I can make a meaningful difference in people’s lives every day. Supporting people through their most vulnerable moments, while also promoting health and recovery, inspires me".

These scholarship are an investment in the next generation of nurses - building a skilled, compassionate workforce that understands mental health through lived experience.

👏 Congratulations Chelsea! We can’t wait to see your journey unfold.

We’re proud to be finalists for the 2025 Mental Health Matters - Outstanding Achievement in Mental Health Promotion Awar...
09/09/2025

We’re proud to be finalists for the 2025 Mental Health Matters - Outstanding Achievement in Mental Health Promotion Award! 🌟

Congratulations to all the incredible programs making a real difference to mental health across NSW 🏆

💚 Recovery Camp Catch-Up Picnic 🌿This past Friday we came together for a picnic lunch - a chance to catch up between pro...
18/08/2025

💚 Recovery Camp Catch-Up Picnic 🌿

This past Friday we came together for a picnic lunch - a chance to catch up between programs, share stories and enjoy some time outdoors. After weeks of rainy weather, the clouds cleared - seemingly just for us - and it was such a joy to see both familiar and new faces smiling and chatting away.

We hope to see you at the next one!

That’s a wrap on our July program at Lady Northcote Y Discovery Camps in Victoria! ❄️☀️ From July 14–18, our small but m...
22/07/2025

That’s a wrap on our July program at Lady Northcote Y Discovery Camps in Victoria! ❄️☀️

From July 14–18, our small but mighty group came together under crisp winter skies and warm, sunny days - the perfect combo for good vibes and deep connection. 🌿💬

Our days were filled with meaningful conversations, sparked through therapeutic recreation - from soaring on the flying fox and braving the ropes courses, to bike rides and the 'Leap of Faith'. These moments of adventure became powerful gateways to talk about mental health and build real connection. 🚴‍♀️🧗‍♂️

The connection only deepened as the sun went down, with vibrant night time activities including games night, trivia, an epic talent show, and a cosy campfire with s’mores to wrap up the week. 🔥🎤🎲

A huge thank you to everyone who brought their warmth, courage and joy. Until next time! 💚

Interested in joining us?

Upcoming programs:
📍 September 22–26, 2025 – Warrawee, QLD
📍 October 20–24, 2025 – Yarramundi, NSW
📍 December 8–12, 2025 – Yarramundi, NSW

Spots are limited – reach out now to learn more or get involved:
☎️(02) 8488 0802
✉️hi@recoverycamp.com.au

Address

IAccelerate, UOW Innovation Campus, Squires Way
North Wollongong, NSW
2500

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+61284880802

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