8 May, 2026
For over 20 years, The Tops has partnered with Southern Cross Kids Camps (SCKC) to host camps for at-risk primary-aged children in vulnerable living situations. Many having experienced cyclical abuse, neglect and a host of other challenging issues. Many live in foster care, moving from home to home, lacking the stability and care needed to feel safe and secure. The camps are designed to interrupt these patterns, bringing respite in the form of fun and laughter back into their lives and help them develop the tools they need to build confidence, value, self-esteem and trust.
The Tops has played a significant role in this vital work, partnering with CCNSW churches Kingsford (January camp) and Kingsway (April camp) and community groups to host two camps a year.
Children are selected through support agencies in the local community, and the camp is provided at a minimal fee, with the majority covered by The Tops.
One week at a camp might not seem like much, but to a child who’s been abused or neglected, it can be a circuit-breaker; a turning point for their life. That’s why a number of sponsors and providers supply goods and services at little to no cost, from food to transport, allowing The Tops to go all in to help the kids have a week they’ll never forget.
In April, 22 campers arrived at Stanwell Tops for camp and had the time of their lives. From Archery and outdoor games in bright sunshine to indoor fun, there was a lot to lift their spirits and remind them of what it’s like to enjoy life to the full.
The Tops staff love being involved and are released from their regular work roles to join the SCKC team to bring the best experience they can to the kids.
Georgia Culey, Camp coordinator at The Tops said, “One of the highlights of this camp is the Birthday Party. We love to celebrate the campers and part of that is giving them a birthday party with the works! We have party games, like “Pass the Parcel” and “Musical Chairs”, buggy rides, an inflatable obstacle course and we also did air spray tattoos. This is an amazing time for these campers to be able to feel celebrated and just have some fun.”
Just when you think it couldn’t get any better, birthday presents donated from sponsors and providers were gifted to every child. And as the sun set, the campers came out of their cabins and were greeted with picnic blankets, fairy lights, upbeat tunes, and a Mexican food truck (Amigos), generously donated for the evening. Loud shots of joy could be heard echoing across the site, and the energy and excitement was impossible to ignore.
The day wrapped up with a decorated birthday cake made by the camp’s “Nana” and finished with the Have-a-Go show, a wonderful opportunity for campers to showcase their talents and be celebrated for who they are.
Ultimately, the hope is that every child that attends the camp, leaves feeling like they have been seen, heard and valued; small steps perhaps, but significant for living a life that isn’t defined by the hardship that they have faced at a young age. This is transformative work.
We’re grateful to be able to partner with the SCKC team, the churches and all the sponsors, donors and providers to make this possible for these incredible kids.